Abstract
A +3.7 MN seismic event occurred on October 30th 2020, at IAMGOLD Westwood mine, Following the event, the entire mine production was halted to focus on understanding the mechanism of the event and to identify areas with potentially similar conditions.
The outcomes of the investigation following the seismic event were applied to resume production at the mine.
Since the mine was open, and all seismic areas were open, different measures were put in place to achieve safe production at the mine.
The current paper tends to present the different geotechnical and operational approaches to mine in very elevated burst ground conditions.
The geotechnical tools are divided in strategical approach and tactical approach
The Operational tools to manage Exposure of personnel are linked to blasting practices, different type of equipment usage, and workforce training.
Summary of the items that will be presented in the paper are:
- Operational and Geotechnical tools to manage Exposure of personnel while crossing regional seismic fault: the current and residual risk of personnel exposure has been assessed using a risk management process (risk register with mitigation measures). A detailed plan has been established to deploy the mitigation measures. The paper will be presenting different tools to manage personal exposure.
- Geotechnical strategical and tactical approachs: evaluating mining sequence, evaluating mining method, and evaluating mining rate, also evaluating the need for additional escape ways in strategical locations in case of a major rock burst. also, dynamic ground support design, building detailed HazMap for the mine , advanced stress modeling, advance detailed seismic analysis