Three-dimensional analysis of complex anisotropic slope instability at MMG's Century Mine. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sainsbury, D. P.; Sainsbury, B. L.; Sweeney, E.
• Is Part Of: Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy. Volume 125:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 225
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Anistropic rock masses -- Slope stability -- Numerical analysis; Mining engineering -- Periodicals; Mineral industries -- Periodicals; 622.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14749009.2016.1163918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-9009

Abstract

Abstract : Anisotropic and foliated rock masses present particular difficulties in the assessment of pit slope stability. Although many attempts have been made to describe the strength of rock masses that exhibit a preferred orientation of weakness, no general methodology has emerged throughout the literature to simulate anisotropic behaviour in a three-dimensional numerical model of pit slope stability. In order to simulate the effect of the anisotropic shale rock mass on pit slope stability at MMG Limited's (MMG) Century Mine, the Ubiquitous Joint Rock Mass (UJRM) method has been applied. This paper outlines the methodology that was used to assist mine personnel in the management of complex anisotropic slope instability that jeopardised the recovery of 1.8 million tonnes of zinc ore.