Mine Waste QRA

摘要

An iron ore mine WA have undertaken a comprehensive risk assessment of operational safety issues at their iron ore mine and processing facility. Particular concern was expressed over the potential hazard presented to critical infrastructure by the proximity of 35m high, steep slopes of end-tipped mine waste material. A deterministic assessment including slope modelling using routine limit equilibrium analysis indicated that the stability factors were marginal. Prior to embarking on an expensive program of slope stabilisation remedial works or strengthening/protection measures for "at-risk" infrastructure, a thorough review of the slope hazards and a preliminary risk assessment on the stockpile stability was carried out. The paper presents a summary of the slope stability risk assessment on the iron-ore waste-rock stockpile. The paper concludes that whilst the QRA methodology adds some value in providing a vehicle for formalising the relative hazards presented by slope failures there is still some merit in applying sound engineeringjudgement based on observations and rigorous soil mechanics theory.