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This paper presents the first steps towards a new stope design approach, where stope overbreak (OB; rock mined outside of the design) and underbreak (UB; planned rock left behind) is assessed using statistical multivariate analysis (principal component analysis [PCA] and partial least square [PLS]) and georeferenced data measured at an approximately cubic metre resolution (octrees). Results showed that OB is observed in areas of the stope where there is a large blasting energy proxy, large undercut and towards the middle of the face. UB tends to be observed near the border of the faces and where there is large blasting standoff and toeing of the rings. The resolution of the data and the use of multivariate analysis have enabled the depiction of an accurate interpretation of the variation of stope performance along the design surface, going beyond the simple per face analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several large open-pit mines have started operating in the province of Quebec in Canada, and some of the largest planned pits are located close to public infrastructure. Historically, large open-pit mining has seldom been done in many mining regions, such as the Abitibi region, where underground mines are the norm. As an integral part of achieving social acceptability of open-pit mining, the stability of mining slopes must be carefully analyzed during the design process and the presence of public infrastructure near the slopes must be adequately considered. The province of Quebec does not have specific guidelines regarding such design considerations. This paper provides a short overview of the literature on some current practices regarding mining slope design close to public infrastructure. To demonstrate its applicability in the Quebec provincial context, the paper then investigates the stability of the west wall of the LAB Chrysotile open-pit mine in Thetford Mines (Quebec) near the new Road 112. Deterministic and probabilistic analyses were conducted using finite element shear strength reduction and limit equilibrium methods to investigate slope stability. The impact of pit infilling and rapid dewatering as well as long-term stability of the slope were investigated. The results of all analyses reveal that the current mining slopes at LAB Chrysotile are within acceptable design criteria limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major mining slope failure occurred in July 2012 on the East wall of the LAB Chrysotile mine in Canada. The major consequence of this failure was the loss of the local highway (Road 112), the main economic link between the region and the Northeast USA. This paper is part of a proposed integrated remote sensing-numerical modelling methodology to analyze mining rock slope stability. This paper presents the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) monitoring of this slope failure. The main focus is the investigation of that rock slide using both terrestrial (TLS) and airborne (ALS) LiDAR scanning. Since 2010, four ALS and 14 TLS were performed to characterize and monitor the slide. First, laser scanning was used to investigate the geometry of the slide. The failure zone was 1100 m by 250 m in size with a mobilized volume of 25 hm. Laser scanning was then used to investigate the rock slide's 3D displacement, thereby enabling a better understanding of the sliding kinematics. The results clearly demonstrate the ability of the proposed approach to monitor and quantify large-scale rock mass failure. The slope was monitored for a period of 5 years, and the total displacement was measured at every survey. The maximum cumulative total displacement reached was 145 m. This paper clearly shows the ability of LiDAR scanning to provide valuable quantitative information on large rock mass failures involving very large displacements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photogrammetry tools were used to characterise the rock mass structural regime at selected mining drifts at the Éléonore underground mine in Canada. This information was used to provide the input data for generating a series of discrete fracture networks (DFN) models. The generated DFN models were subsequently used to investigate the creation of rock wedges along the drifts that may impact the stability of the excavations. The impact of the choice of employed DFN model on the analysis was investigated with reference to the stability of excavations. A series of parametric analyses demonstrated the sensitivity of the model to variations in the properties of the structural regime. The benefits of using stochastic modelling to capture the inherent variability are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major mining slope failure occurred in July 2012 on the East wall of the LAB Chrysotile mine in Canada. The major consequence of this failure was the loss of the local highway (Road 112), the main commercial link between the region and the Northeast USA. LiDAR scanning and subsequent analyses were performed and enabled quantifying the geometry and kinematics of the failure area. Using this information, this paper presents the back analysis of the July 2012 failure. The analyses are performed using deterministic and probabilistic limit equilibrium analysis and finite-element shear strength reduction analysis modelling. The impact of pit water infilling on the slope stability is investigated. The impact of the mining activity in 2011 in the lower part of the slope is also investigated through a parametric analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using field data from Agnico-Eagle’s Meliadine gold project located in Nunavut Territory in northern Canada, a coupled DFN–DEM approach was used to evaluate the rock mass mechanical properties at REV. Variability in the structural data gathered on site and the variability associated with the stochastic modeling process have an impact on discrete fracture model (DFN) properties. Through a sensitivity analysis, this paper assesses the influence of a variation in the DFN model input parameters’ values on the rock mass peak properties – uniaxial compressive strength, Young modulus and Poisson ratio. The results not only highlight the possibilities associated with DFN–DEM modeling in characterizing rock mass properties at the engineering scale, they also provide a systematic way to assess the critical structural parameters controlling the rock mass properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Engineering design in rock must, implicitly or explicitly, take into consideration the influence of small and large scale geological fractures. The complexity of a jointed rock mass is best captured using 3D fracture system model based on quality field data. In this article, we describe on-going work in developing and implementing fracture system models (FSM) to solve three engineering problems using the developed stochastic fracture modelling tool, Fracture-SG. The first case study uses field data from 53 mine sites to demonstrate the advantages of using FSM, as compared to empirical classification indices to quantify the structural complexity of a rock mass. The second case describes the determination of a structural representative elemental volume (REV) along a rock slope, and the third case study describes the use of FSM as an integral part of the stability analysis of a slope subject to structural failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a case study, this paper presents an integrated methodology for assessing structural slope stability at the inter-ramp and bench levels. Robust algorithms have been developed and implemented to compute, at inter-ramp and bench levels, slope orientations and slope stability using input data compatible with a commercially available mine-design software tool database structure. Multi-criteria stability analyses were performed based on various design criteria. Susceptibility maps were produced enabling the identification of zones of concern in the designed pit. The obtained results suggest that inter-ramp angles do not present instability concerns over the entire pit surface. At bench levels, potential instability zones were identified within two structural domains totalling 6% of the total pit surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Standard stability analysis in geomechanical rock slope engineering for open-pit mines relies on a simplified representation of slope geometry, which does not take full advantage of available topographical data in the early design stages of a mining project; consequently, this may lead to nonoptimal slope design. The primary objective of this paper is to present a methodology that allows for the rigorous determination of interramp and bench face slope orientations on a digital elevation model (DEM) of a designed open pit. Common GIS slope algorithms were tested to assess slope orientations on the DEM of the Meadowbank mining project''s Portage pit. Planar regression algorithms based on principal component analysis provided the best results at both the interramp and the bench face levels. The optimal sampling window for interramp was 21×21 cells, while a 9×9-cell window was best at the bench level. Subsequent slope stability analysis relying on those assessed slope orientations would provide a more realistic geometry for potential slope instabilities in the design pit. The presented methodology is flexible, and can be adapted depending on a given mine''s block sizes and pit geometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A design module has been developed for integrating slope stability analysis into the data management, ore reserve and pit optimisation processes of an open pit mine. The developed slope stability analysis tools were successfully implemented along the full projected pit model of a surface mine in Canada. Undertaken stability analyses included both kinematic and limit equilibrium stability analysis for bench and interramp design. The developed stability analysis modules employed geographical information systems (GIS) techniques to provide visualization tools and establish stability susceptibility zones along the pit. This approach facilitated the selection of acceptable slope design criteria for the pit. A case study was used to illustrate the developed methodology and tools. This approach led to an improved design for the optimised 3D pit configuration and can facilitate communication between the mine planning and geotechnical groups. This can contribute to a better understanding of the economic impact of the different slope and pit design scenarios. Given that open pit design is an iterative process, the opportunity of having design tools that can readily accommodate the use of updated data and explore different options provide tangible economic benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper demonstrates how the use of fracture system modelling can be linked to limit equilibrium analysis of rock slopes susceptible to wedge failure. The use of fracture systems highlights some of the limitations inherent in traditional structural data analysis and representation. Consequently it allows for more comprehensive input data that can be used for stability analysis of rock slopes. In particular the developed methodology addresses important issues such as spatial variability and wedge size distributions. The paper introduces a series of guidelines for interpretation of the results of rock slopes. The proposed techniques arguably result in an improved level of confidence in the design of rock slopes susceptible to wedge failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Water inflows through fracture networks are a major economic and safety issue in underground mines. Although pre-grouting of pilot holes during mine development efficiently reduces water inflows into mine excavations, current design methods remain empirical. We used a finite-element numerical model to simulate groundwater inflow into a stope with the objective of finding the best configuration to increase pre-grouting efficiency for sealing faults while decreasing the associated costs. We designed simulations to test various grout injection scenarios for two different major fault locations around the stope, based on the site characteristics of the Éléonore mine (Québec, Canada). Sensitivity analyses show that, for a fault located above the stope, grouting the zone between the fault and the stope reduces inflow more than directly grouting the fault. Also, in the case of a fault intersecting a stope, the simulations suggest that the fault itself should be grouted as widely as possible, instead of sealing only the immediate surroundings of the stope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a series of numerical experiments using the synthetic rock mass (SRM) approach to quantify the behaviour of jointed rock masses. Field data from a massive sulphide rock mass, at the Brunswick mine, were used to develop a discrete fracture network (DFN). The constructed DFN model was subsequently subjected to random sampling whereby 40 cubic samples, of height to width ratio of two, and of varying widths (0.05 to 10 m) were isolated. The discrete fracture samples were linked to 3D bonded particle models to generate representative SRM models for each sample size. This approach simulated the jointed rock mass as an assembly of fractures embedded into the rock matrix. The SRM samples were submitted to uniaxial loading, and the complete stress-strain behaviour of each specimen was recorded. This approach provided a way to determine the complex constitutive behaviour of large-scale rock mass samples. This is often difficult or not possible to achieve in the laboratory. The numerical experiments suggested that higher post-peak modulus values were obtained for smaller samples and lower values for larger sample sizes. Furthermore, the observed deviation of the recorded post-peak modulus values decreased with sample size. The ratio of residual strength of rock mass samples per uniaxial compressive strength intact increases moderately with sample size. Consequently, for the investigated massive sulphide rock mass, the pre-peak and post-peak representative elemental volume size was found to be the same (7 × 7 × 14 m). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The longevity of ore pass systems is an important consideration in underground mines. This is controlled to a degree by the structural stability of an ore pass which can be compromised by changes in the stress regime and the degree of fracturing of the rock mass. A failure mechanism specific to ore pass systems is damage on the ore pass wall by impact load or wear by material flow. Structural, stress and material flow-induced failure mechanisms interact with severe repercussions, although in most cases one mechanism is more dominant. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the interaction of ore pass failure mechanisms in an operating mine. This can provide an aid in the design of ore pass systems. A two-stage numerical approach was used for the back analysis of an ore pass at Brunswick mine in Canada. The first stage in the analysis relied on a 3D boundary element analysis to define the stress regime in the vicinity of the ore pass. The second stage used a synthetic rock mass (SRM) model, constructed from a discrete fracture network, generated from quantitative rock mass field data. The fracture network geometry was introduced into a bonded particle model, in a particle flow code (PFC). Subsequently, the ore pass was excavated within the SRM model. A stability analysis quantified the extent of rock mass failure around the ore pass due to the interaction of pre-existing fractures and the failure of the intact rock bridges between these fractures. The resulting asymmetric failure patterns along the length of the ore pass were controlled to a large degree by the in situ fractures. The influence of particle flow impact was integrated into the model by projecting a discrete rock fragment against the ore pass walls represented by the SRM model. The numerical results illustrated that material impact on ore pass walls resulted in localised damage and accelerated the stress-induced failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper uses a case study from Brunswick Mine in Canada to determine a representative elementary volume (REV) of a jointed rock mass in the vicinity of important underground infrastructure. The equivalent geometrical and mechanical property REV sizes were determined based on fracture systems modeling and numerical experiments on a synthetic rock mass. Structural data collected in massive sulphides were used to generate a large fracture system model (FSM), 40m×40m×40m. This FSM was validated and subsequently sampled to procure 40 cubic specimens with a height to width ratio of 2 based on sample width from 0.05 to 10m. The specimens were introduced into a 3D particle flow code (PFC3D) model to create synthetic rock mass (SRM) samples. The geometrical REV of the rock mass was determined based on the number of fractures in each sampled volume (P30) and the volumetric fracture intensity (P32) of the samples. The mechanical REV was estimated based on the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elastic modulus (E) of the synthetic rock mass samples. The REV size of the rock mass was determined based on a series of statistical tests. The T-test was used to assess whether the means of the samples were statistically different from each other and the F-test to compare the calculated variance. Finally, the coefficient of variation, for the synthetic rock mass geometrical and mechanical properties, was plotted against sample size. For this particular site the estimated geometrical REV size of the rock mass was 3.5m×3.5m×7m, while the mechanical property REV size was 7m×7m×14m. Consequently, for engineering purposes the largest volume (7m×7m×14m) can be considered as the REV size for this rock mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents an implementation of a comprehensive engineering approach to the analysis of the stability of vertical excavations in rock. This approach relies in the generation of discrete fracture systems to better capture the structural complexity of the rock mass. The resulting fracture system is consequently linked into a distinct element stress analysis. The particle flow code was selected as it potentially allows greater flexibility in representing a fracture system. In the first example a 3D fracture system was linked into a 2D PFC model. Although this has allowed for an improved quantification of stress structure interaction it necessitated important simplifications which may not be necessarily appropriate. These have been overcome by providing a complete integration of a 3D fracture system to a 3D PFC model. This will potentially lead into a design tool that adequately account for the stress structure interaction on the stability of vertical or near vertical excavations in hard rock. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Black Lake rockslide is located on the east wall of an open-pit mine initially operated by LAB Chrysotile near Thetford Mines, Quebec. Movements were observed in July 2012 when a volume of 2.0 × 107 m3 was mobilized, destroying a large portion of Highway 112. Mining operations ceased in 2012, causing the complete shutdown of the pumping system whose goal was to prevent the rise of water level in the pit. As the water level increases in the pit, it is essential to determine the potential of tsunami generation by possible partially submerged rockslides and to understand the potential impacts. A series of possible scenarios have been analysed with regard to velocity and acceleration of the potential rockslide as well as the corresponding wave generation and inundation. Results from the simulation show that when the factor of safety of the global slope is less than unity, inundation would not reach the potentially vulnerable infrastructures. Maximum wave height will vary as a function of the filling of the lake, and the lower wave height relative to water depth will happen when the lake is completely filled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]