Risk Mitigation through Design Optimization Utilizing Seasonal Effects under Arctic Conditions at the Amaruq Mine

Risk Mitigation through Design Optimization Utilizing Seasonal Effects under Arctic Conditions at the Amaruq Mine

Authors: Christian Tremblay1, Ben Peacock2, Véronique Falmagne3, K.S. Kalenchuk4, Erik Bellefleur5
Conference: Slope Stability 2024
Date: April 14-19, 2024

1 Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, North Bay, Canada
2 Knight Piésold Ltd., North Bay, Canada
3 Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Rouyn-Noranda, Canada
4 RockEng Inc., Kingston, Canada
5 Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Baker Lake, Canada

ABSTRACT

Agnico Eagle Mines is currently operating the Amaruq Mine located in the Canadian Arctic. Since the beginning of the open pit operations, a series of bench-scale failures and rockfalls have occurred during the freshet and summer months (May to September). These instabilities can be correlated with a prominent and very weak komatiite unit. The komatiite is an ultramafic rock commonly altered to a chlorite carbonate shist. The domain is strongly anisotropic and rock mass competency is highly variable. High strain zones within the komatiite, which are identified in core as zones of low RQD, with shearing or gouge are impacting the slope performance locally.

This paper presents the geological and geotechnical site characterization, emphasizing the challenging komatiite conditions including the impact of the high-strain structures. An overview of the historic slope performance and failure mechanisms is provided, with focus on the influence of the seasonal effect and how the mine plan has been adjusted to take advantage of more favorable frozen conditions. The evolution of the pit slope design in response to kinematic analyses and numerical modelling is presented as well as the strategic design updates and tactical measures implemented to mitigate risk through the life of mine.

 

Download the full paper.

Download

Perspectivas recientes

Octubre 2024
Estudio de rotura de una presa de jales en la zona centro-norte de México
Septiembre 2024
Influence of Pre-Existing Mobilized Zones on B3 Cave Propagation and Initial Subsidence at the New Afton Mine
Septiembre 2024
Importance of Indigenous Community Engagement related to ARD/ML and Long-Term Water Quality
Septiembre 2024
Effective Assessment of ARD/ML Potential for Non-Mining Infrastructure Projects
Agosto 2024
CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2024: Kikagati Hydropower Plant
Julio 2024
Interview: Mario Lazo Emparanza, Regional Manager, Knight Piésold Chile
Julio 2024
Visionary Leadership: Driving Engineering Excellence in Africa with Vishal Haripersad
Junio 2024
Concept Feasibility and Predicted Behavior of Mining a Rock Tower with Drill-and-Blast Undermining Using Dynamic Three-Dimensional Discontinuum Numerical Models
Junio 2024
Estimating Shear Stress within a Clay Foundation Using the Burgers-Creep Model
Junio 2024
Laboratory Study of Manganese Mining Overburden Mixed with Lime as a Paving Subbase Layer
Mayo 2024
Knight Piésold: Ensuring African Excellence in the DRC
Mayo 2024
Wild Coast N2 Highway Project Taking Shape
Mayo 2024
Interview: Guillermo Barreda, Gerente General, Knight Piésold Perú
Abril 2024
Synthetic Rock Mass Modeling of Progressive Unravelling and Overall Slope Stability Using the Discrete Element Method
Abril 2024
Operational Slope Stability Risk Management for Large Open Pits at the Mount Milligan Mine – A Case Study
Abril 2024
Risk and Informed Approach to TSF Design and Operation
Febrero 2024
Empoderamiento y Resiliencia
Enero 2024
Balancing Act: Water Usage Management Vital for a Sustainable Future
Enero 2024
A Difficult Balance Between Engineering, Environmental, Social and Economic Aspects