Session
Rock Mass Characterization and Data Uncertainty II, Verbena Room
Abstract Summary
Having gained substantial experience while operating and evaluating existing and closed open pit operations there is a need to have a robust understanding of possible pitfalls related critical practice related legacy risks that can impact future performance of open pit excavations or the closure of those operations. Some of these aspects can sometimes be missed in standard due diligence assessments and reviews. This paper will focus on those critical geotechnical related aspects that need to be considered and reviewed in more depth to identify the potential risks associated with taking over an existing open pit operation during merger and acquisition phases.
Rather than establishing detailed lists of multiple aspects that need to be covered, this paper will focus on critical items (e.g. structural model reliability/maintenance, alteration, rock mass, hydrology/hydrogeology, and underground excavation interaction aspects) that can have a substantial impact on short and long-term slope performance.
This paper will also present the authors’ learnings based some historic project examples where significant legacy project risks have been partially missed during the risk evaluation process resulting in varying degrees of safety and financial impacts. A suggested process will be developed and presented that can be followed to assist in identifying and mitigating risks associated with taking on operational or closed legacy open pit mines.
Authors
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