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Underground Mine Geotechnical Risk Assessment Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for assessing and managing geotechnical risks in underground mining operations, focusing on ground control, rock mechanics, and mine design optimization.

Underground Mine Geotechnical Risk Assessment Checklist

by: audit-now
4.1

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About This Checklist

Geotechnical stability is crucial for the safety and productivity of underground mining operations. This comprehensive Underground Mine Geotechnical Risk Assessment Checklist is designed to evaluate and mitigate risks associated with ground control, rock mechanics, and mine design. By systematically assessing rock mass characteristics, support systems, excavation methods, and monitoring practices, this checklist helps mining companies identify potential hazards, optimize mine layouts, and enhance overall mine safety. Regular audits using this checklist can significantly reduce the likelihood of ground falls, rockbursts, and other geotechnical incidents, thereby protecting workers, preserving assets, and ensuring sustainable underground mining operations.

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Industry

Mining and Metals

Standard

ISRM Rock Engineering Methods

Workspaces

Mining Sites

Occupations

Geotechnical Engineer
Rock Mechanics Specialist
Mining Engineer
Geologist
Underground Mine Manager
1
Is the ground control system compliant with ISRM standards?
2
What is the measured rock stress (in MPa)?
Min: 0
Target: 100
Max: 200
3
What is the frequency of seismic monitoring?
4
Are the support systems adequate for current excavation methods?
5
Have all personnel received training on emergency procedures?
6
What is the airflow rate in the ventilation system (in m³/s)?
Min: 5
Target: 12
Max: 20
7
When was the last safety audit conducted?
8
Describe any hazardous conditions identified during the audit.
9
Is the current excavation method compliant with industry standards?
10
What is the current excavation depth (in meters)?
Min: 0
Target: 30
Max: 50
11
Provide a brief description of the excavation method used.
12
When is the next review of the excavation method scheduled?
13
What is the current status of ground stability in the mining area?
14
What is the current soil moisture level (in percentage)?
Min: 0
Target: 15
Max: 100
15
Detail any geotechnical observations made during the assessment.
16
When was the last ground stability assessment conducted?
17
Is the seismic monitoring system compliant with ISRM guidelines?
18
What was the magnitude of the most recent seismic event?
Min: 0
Target: 4.5
Max: 10
19
What mitigation measures have been implemented for seismic risk?
20
When is the next review of the seismic monitoring system scheduled?

FAQs

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.

Benefits of Underground Mine Geotechnical Risk Assessment Checklist

Enhances underground mine safety by identifying and mitigating geotechnical risks

Optimizes mine design and excavation methods for improved stability

Reduces production disruptions caused by geotechnical incidents

Improves long-term planning and resource recovery

Supports compliance with mine safety regulations and industry best practices