Lessons in slope stability management from Kinross’ Tasiast mine, Mauritania

Résumé

The continued monitoring and optimization of a mining operation are essential extensions of a feasibility study. While the ultimate goal is to mine to the planned design in a safe and economic fashion, such efforts are challenged on a daily basis by changing ground conditions. Success in a dynamic mining environment requires a strong understanding of historical instabilities and wall control blasting, along with well-defined near wall excavation and clean-up procedures, and an advanced slope monitoring system. This paper presents several cases describing different modes of slope failure experienced at Kinross’ Tasiast mine site, and the operational and design measures implemented to manage and monitor these instabilities. Routine data collection practices and blasting designs that have been introduced to minimize wall damage and steepen slope angles are also discussed.