Underground Mine Geotechnical Risk Assessment Checklist

Comprehensive geotechnical risk assessments should be conducted annually, with more frequent assessments (quarterly or monthly) for high-risk areas or when significant changes in mining conditions occur. Additionally, continuous monitoring and daily inspections should be part of routine operations.

This checklist covers rock mass classification, support system design and implementation, excavation sequencing, pillar stability, stope design, seismicity monitoring, groundwater management, stress modeling, instrumentation and monitoring systems, and emergency response planning for geotechnical incidents.

The assessment should be led by a qualified geotechnical engineer or rock mechanics specialist. The team should include mining engineers, geologists, production supervisors, and safety officers. For complex assessments, external consultants with expertise in specific areas (e.g., numerical modeling or seismic monitoring) may be engaged.

The checklist includes items to evaluate the effectiveness of real-time monitoring systems, stress change predictions, and adaptive support strategies. It also assesses the mine's capability to quickly respond to changing ground conditions, including the flexibility of mining sequences and the availability of alternative excavation methods.

Yes, this checklist is designed to be applicable to various underground mining methods, including room and pillar, cut and fill, sublevel stoping, and block caving. However, it should be customized to address specific geotechnical challenges associated with each mining method and the particular geological conditions of the mine.