MINING SERVICES TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...1. The Consulting and Software Services Divisions...1 THE ITASCA MINING GROUP...4

Transcription

1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...1 ITASCA A Mining, Geotechnical, Hydrological Engineering Consultant and Engineering Software Developer...1 The Consulting and Software Services Divisions....1 THE ITASCA MINING GROUP...4 CONSULTING SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING...5 Rock Mechanics and Mining Engineering Expertise...5 Relevant Underground Mining Experience....7 CONSULTING SERVICES IN SURFACE MINING...12 Surface Mining Expertise...12 Relevant Surface-Mining Experience...13 ITASCA STAFF...17 SHORT DESCRIPTION OF ITASCA STAFF FROM ALL OFFICES...17 SELECTED MINING CLIENTS Mines...23 Mining Research Organizations...27 i

3 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ITASCA A MINING, GEOTECHNICAL, HYDROLOGICAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT AND ENGINEERING SOFTWARE DEVELOPER ITASCA is an international engineering consulting and engineering software development firm that specializes in solving geomechanics and hydrogeology-related problems in the mining, civil, petroleum, waste isolation and defense industries. With its head offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Denver, Colorado, and offices in Sweden, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Spain and South Africa, ITASCA offers local expertise combined with its international staff of consulting engineers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. ITASCA Consulting Group, Inc. performs practical problem-solving on the one hand, while developing cutting-edge technologies and conducting theoretical research on the other. Founded in 1981, ITASCA is responsible for developing the most widely used geomechanical modeling programs in the world. We have made a name for ourselves by complimenting hands-on field experience with the software tools to provide more comprehensive practical solutions to engineering problems on surface and underground. THE CONSULTING AND SOFTWARE SERVICES DIVISIONS ITASCA is organized into two primary service divisions a consulting services division and a software services division. We conduct consulting services from all of our offices, while the primary software development and sales activities are performed in Minneapolis. Consulting Services The ultimate goal at ITASCA is to provide our clients with practical, focused results that produce the most advantageous solutions to their particular problems. We have assembled a diverse and accomplished staff of geotechnical, mining and civil engineers for this purpose. The capabilities of our staff range from experienced field engineers in mining and civil construction to research and development engineers in rock and soil mechanics. In addition to providing consulting services for typical design and construction issues, the diverse background of our staff offers a unique capability of attacking challenging or non-standard problems while still providing practical solutions. Our capabilities and project work cover a large range of applications, including areas such as: evaluation and layout of underground mining methods and sequencing for existing mines and new orebodies, 1

4 INTRODUCTION specification of ground support for civil or mining excavations, evaluation and specification of highway and pit slopes, design and layout of open pit and underground blasting, due dilligence reviews and audits for safety and mine planning purposes hydrologic, deformation, stress and acoustic instrumentation of rock and soil numerical simulation of proppant flow during oil well stimulation numerical simulation of pore-collapse-induced subsidence and acoustic emission in chalk during oil production numerical modeling and analysis of surface and underground stability problems in geomechanics, including pillar stability and rockburst potential evaluations, dynamic analysis of underground excavations and earthquake analysis of liquefaction potential of dams and foundations All ITASCA principal engineers have extensive work experience in the mining, oil and civil construction industries, and are familiar with the problems faced by on-site engineers and management. We strive to develop a close working relationship with each client, so that we fully understand their needs, and to develop solutions to problems that are innovative and cost effective, yet recognize the practicalities of implementation. We recognize the importance of staying in touch with the daily realities that comprise each project. In this way, when clients see the final result of our work, they also know how it was conceived, implemented and executed. ITASCA Consulting Group, Inc. has recently merged with Denver, Colorado-based HYDROLOGIC CONSULTANTS, INC. in order to better serve our collective clients. The new ITASCA/HCI team will represent the result of merging two specialized teams of international reputation in the field of geomechanics and hydrology to make one multi-disciplinary, innovative and highly skilled consulting group. HYDROLOGIC CONSULTANTS, INC., or HCI, was founded in 1989 and has since provided consulting services in ground-water hydrology, surface-water hydrology, and aqueous geochemistry on hundreds of projects primarily in the mining sector. HCI provides services in evaluation and design of pit and underground mine dewatering, and currently works in this regard at some of the world s largest open pit mines. To provide these services, HCI has assembled a highly qualified staff of hydrologists, hydrogeologists, geochemists, geological engineers, geophysicists, and geologists. 2

5 INTRODUCTION Software Services A particular aspect that makes ITASCA unique among geotechnical and mining consulting firms is our development of advanced numerical simulation programs in soil and rock mechanics and in hydrogeology. ITASCA develops and markets the most widely used geomechanics simulation software in the world. ITASCA software programs include the two and three-dimensional continuum programs FLAC and FLAC 3D ; the two and three-dimensional discontinuum programs UDEC and 3DEC, and the two and three-dimensional particle flow simulation programs PFC 2D and PFC 3D. These programs are used by over 3000 mining and civil construction companies, consultants in rock and soil mechanics, and university and government researchers worldwide. ITASCA programs have been used for design of major mining and civil construction projects as well as design of nuclear waste repositories, oil-reservoir treatment programs and a large portion of rock mechanics research projects worldwide. ITASCA often performs custom modification or development of these programs for specific needs of a project or client. ITASCA OFFICE LOCATIONS Itasca Consulting Canada Inc. Sudbury, Canada Itasca Geomekanik AB Stockholm & Borlange, Sweden Itasca Consultants GmbH Gelsenkirchen, Germany Itasca Consulting Group, Inc. Minneapolis, USA Hydrologic Consultants, Inc. Denver, USA Itasca Consultants S.A. Ecully, France Itasca Consultores S.L. Llanera, Spain Itasca S.A. Santiago, Chile Itasca Africa (Pty.) Ltd. Johannesburg, South Africa 3

6 THE ITASCA MINING GROUP THE ITASCA MINING GROUP ITASCA approaches all assignments from the simplest to the most complex with a far-ranging background of practical mining and field experience and unparalleled knowledge of state-of-the-art numerical modeling and analysis techniques. Together, these strengths maintain our ability to provide innovative, practical solutions to a wide range of projects. Mine engineering staff in six international offices have developed mining expertise particularly suited for their respective regional conditions and client needs. This allows ITASCA to offer advanced, first-hand knowledge of the particular mining challenges in each region and a collective pool of expertise that covers the gamut of mine operations: from hard to soft rock mining using both open pit and underground techniques. ITASCA conducts mine evaluation, methods selection and excavation geometry and sequencing optimization studies in both open-pit and underground mining. These can range from feasibility studies for new mines to alternative and innovative changes in existing mining methods. Mining expertise and specialization include optimization of sequences in existing mines, field geotechnical characterization and instrumentation, as well as stope layouts and support specifications. The specification and analysis of microseismic data for estimation of stability is a particular specialty of ITASCA. ITASCA also assists clients in investigation and evaluation of special problems. These include analysis and optimization of pit and underground blasting, due-diligence audits, investigation of ground control problems and back analysis of unexpected mine behavior, including ground falls and rockbursting. We also assist clients in specification of backfill and fill mats for cut-and-fill and blasthole mining. 4

7 SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING CONSULTING SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING ENGINEERING EXPERTISE Mining Methods Selection and Mine-Sequencing Optimization ITASCA specializes in rock mechanics analysis for selection of mining methods for new or existing mines, and specification of stope geometries and stope sequencing for existing or expanding operations. ITASCA brings two important facets to this work: first, ITASCA staff members are experienced in underground mine operations; and, second, they have extensive experience in the development and use of advanced analysis tools for representation of rock mass failure in response to mining. As described below in a discussion of our current mining work, ITASCA is involved in a number of mine design projects for deepening of existing operations, for new mines, and for optimization of existing projects. We are currently performing work of this type at Myra Falls, Kidd Creek, Brunswick, Onaping Depth, Creighton, Strathcona, Solvay and Laronde Mines. Ground Support Specification, Mining Audits and Due-Diligence Reviews ITASCA frequently performs ground support specifications for underground mines and civil-oriented construction projects, and can provide staff to work on-site in providing training or oversight functions during tunneling and shaft sinking operations. ITASCA staff often perform safety and general mine-planning audits for a number mining companies. This work involves underground inspection of ground control problems and specification of ground support methods and equipment. We have worked in most types of underground mines, ground conditions from soft, faulted ground tunneling to seismic loading in rockburst conditions. ITASCA staff have also been involved in a number of investigations of mining accidents involving ground falls and rockbursting. We have been requested to participate in a number of review panels overseeing design of underground and open-pit mines. Cost-Based Geomechanics Risk Assessments One of the problems often experienced by rock mechanics engineers is how to portray the results of numerical stress analyses and failure predictions in ways that mine engineering and management can easily understand and act upon. We feel that one of the best ways of presenting the results of rock mechanics studies is to relate the expected geomechanics conditions to their direct cost to a mining operation. Assuming a numerical model has been developed that can represent the failure conditions observed in the mine, it is possible to conduct parametric studies that allow the costs to be estimated and to show how these costs vary with method or sequence. ITASCA has developed techniques for performing cost-based rock mechanics risk assessments of mining methods and sequences. The technique involves use of calibrated numerical models to simulate the mining sequences, and 5

8 SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING estimation of the type and extent of expected failure. From this estimation, levels of risk and geomechanics-related costs can be determined and compared for methods optimization. Backfill Specification ITASCA staff offer services in specification of backfill design and binder contents for hydraulic, rockfill and paste backfills. Our engineers have performed laboratory and field testing of fill response and have instrumented test loops of pump/piping circuits for design of paste-fill systems. ITASCA has developed numerical modeling methods for simulation of the deformations and strength of backfills and backfill mats. Field Investigations, Instrumentation and Stress Measurement Field investigations often involve mapping of rock structure, rock quality or rock core (underground or on pit slopes). From these data, estimates of major rock mass structures of importance in stability, and estimates of in-situ properties from rock quality, are made. ITASCA staff are fully capable of conducting field mapping and rock quality investigations. Typically, we will work with geologic maps already constructed by the mine geologic staff, but we perform our work from a geotechnical standpoint. This information will often be used as direct input to numerical stress analyses or ground support calculations. ITASCA staff have extensive experience in the design, installation and analysis of data from most types of rock instrumentation, including: extensometers, vibrating wire stressmeters, fill pressure measurement, microseismic monitoring, blast monitoring, loads in cable bolts and rock bolts, and TDR measurement. We are also capable of designing and installing data-logging and modem communication equipment and software for data acquisition and presentation. ITASCA staff is also capable of performing in-situ stress measurements by overcoring. Blast Design and Optimization The value of precision blasting is being increasingly recognized by underground operators. This translates into the openings having the correct size, shape, and placement thereby minimizing dilution and unwanted rock damage and maximizing ore recovery. ITASCA offers services in the analysis and specification of blasting for fragmentation control and damage minimization for all types of underground mining. 6

9 SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING RELEVANT UNDERGROUND MINING EXPERIENCE Current Mining Clients The following is a list of current clients for which ITASCA currently acts as primary rock-mechanics consultant. A brief description of the companies, mines and work performed for these clients is given. Falconbridge, Ltd. ITASCA acts as a primary rock-mechanics consultant for a number of Falconbridge mines in Canada. ITASCA also performs ground control and mining audits, as requested, at the following mines. Kidd Mine, Timmins, Ontario, Canada Kidd Mine is one of Canada s largest and deepest mines (zinc and copper), with a daily production rate of around 8500 tonnes/day. The mine is currently at a maximum depth of 6800, but is now planning extraction to a depth of around Problems include excessive failure and deformation in excavations in weak, altered rhyolites, and rockbursting due primarily to fault-slip. Hangingwall stability and dilution are also problems. Kidd uses blasthole mining with 40,000 tonne stopes that are filled with cemented rockfill. ITASCA has acted as the rock mechanics consultant for Kidd Mine since We have performed numerous jobs including: yearly ground control and mining audits for safety and production optimization; investigation of several major seismic events related to fault-slip(performance of studies to re-orient mining advance lines and stope sequencing which successfully controlled the seismicity; design of seismic ground support for reinforcement of ramp intersections and development); determination of stope sizing and stope sequence optimization to minimize pillar hourglassing and fault-slip rockbursting; assistance in planning ground support methods, including shotcrete implementation; development and calibration of three-dimensional non-linear and discontinuum numerical model of the entire Kidd Mine. (This model has been used for prediction of rock response to mining in No. 1, 2 and 3 Mines and has been used to specify stope sequencing.) ITASCA has recently performed the rock mechanics design of the proposed deep extensions of Kidd Mine to The calibrated numerical model was applied to the geologic plans for various stope sequencing alternatives and stope geometries. A geotechnical risk assessment was performed to 7

10 SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING select the best alternative method with lowest safety and production risk. A primary/secondary method with pyramid advance line with rapid secondary mining and paste backfill was selected. Onaping Depth Project, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada A significant new nickel orebody has been discovered between 7200 and 9000 below the surface at Craig Mine. The orebody dips about 30º and has thickness to 150. The ore is relatively weak, but brittle, whereas the surrounding rock is strong, brittle and rockburst-prone. ITASCA has been an integral member of a design team that has recently completed the viability study for this challenging environment. ITASCA performed initial rock mechanics scoping studies and developed safety and production estimates for various potential mining methods. An undercut-and-fill method using a primary/secondary drift-and-fill technique was selected. ITASCA has performed the design of a basket-weave arrangement for successive cuts utilizing a flexible hydraulic fill mat with vertical roofbolt reinforcement. ITASCA has performed scaled field tests (in an adit near the project) of the mat response when subjected to vertical pressures supplied by gravitational loads of the above fill mats. Hydraulic rams have been used to supply the vertical pressures. Numerical models of the fill mat response under static and dynamic (seismic) conditions were developed and used for mat design. These models (using ITASCA codes) were large strain, large deformation models that represent fill using appropriate non-linear constitutive models. The project is now in the conceptual design phase, and ITASCA staff are assisting now in the detailed design. Strathcona Mine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Strathcona is a deep (4000 ) cut-and-fill operation. ITASCA has assisted Falconbridge in review and modification of ground support methods and mining approaches to overcome problems in control of caving ground and rockbursting in sill pillars. ITASCA has developed three-dimensional numerical models of the deep copper orebody (a flat-dipping, irregular seam up to about 4200 depth) to determine the mechanism of the rockburst problems and sequencing to deal with the sill pillar extraction. Craig Mine, Onaping Mine, Fraser Mine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada These mines employ variations of blasthole and cut-and-fill mining in wide, steeply dipping orebodies. Longitudinal blasthole open stoping and post-pillar cut-and-fill are used. ITASCA performs ground control audits of these operations, which are centered primarily on safety and production. We inspect and suggest alterations to ground control methods and procedures as well as mining geometries, sequences and methods where applicable. Raglan Mine, Quebec, Canada ITASCA personnel have conducted mining-method evaluations for Raglan, an arctic nickel mine using an overhand drift-and-fill mining method using rockfill. ITASCA has also performed an analysis of the use of shotcrete support in permafrost conditions. 8

11 SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING Inco, Ltd., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada The Creighton Mine is currently mining at depths in excess of 7500 using blasthole stoping. The mine experiences severe problems in secondary pillar hourglassing and rockbursting. In the current environment of low nickel prices, optimization of the mining methods and ground support is required. ITASCA has been contracted to perform a rock-mechanics risk assessment analysis of existing and new mining methods which could reduce cost and increase production and safety. This risk assessment involves gathering of existing rock mechanics data, and calibration of numerical models of the pillar and stope response at depth. The model is then used for examination of various mining alternatives. Boliden-Westmin, Myra Falls Operations, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada Myra Falls Mine is a blasthole operation extracting a complex zinc, copper ore in very poor ground conditions at a depth of about A major groundfall and caving occurred in October 1998 that resulted in a 5-month closure of the mine while rehabbing and method re-evaluation were undertaken. ITASCA was contracted to assist in the mine evaluation of the mechanism for the rock mechanics problems and to assist in the mine evaluation of the mechanism for the rock mechanics problems and the re-examination of mining methods and ground support. Based on the analyses, a new mining method was suggested (overhand drift-and-fill mining), and the ground support methods were completely overhauled to use pattern bolting and shotcrete. The revamped ground-control methods were put into place in January in a major rehab program leading to reopening of the mine. In March, the mine decided to change the mining method over to this new system, and drift-and-fill mining has been placed in operation throughout the mine. This method change has resulted in purchase of significant new equipment and management commitment to the results of the rock mechanics analysis. ITASCA staff are now acting as consultants in getting the new method operating efficiently through regular mine visits. Noranda Mining, Brunswick Mine, Bathurst, NB, Canada The Brunswick Mine is Canada s largest underground mine, with a daily tonnage of 9400 tonnes. Brunswick Mine uses blasthole mining and is in the final 10 years of its life. As with most late-life mines, Brunswick has developed significant ground-control problems, including ground support of development, failure and dilution of hangingwalls and seismicity and rockbursting. ITASCA staff currently act as the mine s rock mechanics consultant. Activities include: yearly rock mechanics and mining audits that include a week of underground visits and reporting to the ground-control and production superintendent regarding safety and production issues; rock mechanics analysis including development and calibration of three-dimensional non-linear numerical models for prediction of failure and optimization of stoping sequences and placement of infrastructure and development; 9

12 SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING inspection and suggestion of ground support methods; determination of properties of paste backfills and design of binder contents of fills for fill mats and for stable vertical heights. Currently, ITASCA staff are involved in reviewing the Life-of-Mine plans aimed at optimizing extraction to maximize recoverable tonnage and minimize cost over the final years of mine life. ITASCA staff act as a team member with Brunswick engineering, mine planning and production staff in this process. Codelco, Chile El Teniente and Andina Mines ITASCA has provided rock mechanics and mining consulting activities to CODELCO s major mines in Chile for the past approximately 6 years. El Teniente and Andina Mines are two of the world s largest block caving mines. ITASCA provides services in the areas of ground control, cave undercut shapes and directions, mining sequences, etc. We have also performed extensive analyses regarding the rockbursting problems at El Teniente. ITASCA has developed a three-dimensional non-linear numerical model of El Teniente Mine that is regularly updated and used for examination of various mining and sequencing problems. We have assisted in blasting design as well. Solvay Minerals, Solvay Mine, Green River, Wyoming The Solvay Mine is a room-and-pillar trona operation at a depth of The mine experienced a major roof collapse (about 2 km 2 ) that resulted in a 5.1 Richter magnitude seismic event in ITASCA began acting as rock mechanics consultant to the mine after this event. Activities have included analysis of the event, and use of numerical models to estimate the mechanism for the event. Design and development of a high extraction mining scheme were aimed at allowing pillar crushing and controlled closure. Non-linear numerical models were calibrated against field instrumentation and observation, then used to design suitable pillar cutting strategies to effect the desired crushing behavior. ITASCA staff have assisted in underground implementation of this method and have monitored the results. Monitoring methods include installation of stress meters in pillars, closure measurement, and microseismic monitoring of acoustic emissions during pillaring and roof deformation. General Chemical, General Chemical Mine, Green River, Wyoming The General Chemical Mine has experienced problems similar to that at Solvay (above). ITASCA has recently been contracted as a consultant to examine stability concerns involving roof control. To date, a major study of the stability of a block of concern has been conducted using a large three-dimensional numerical model of a number of panels. Consulting advice on pillaring procedures has also been given to the mine. 10

13 SERVICES IN UNDERGROUND MINING Northparkes Mine, Australia ITASCA provides general rock-mechanics consulting services to Northparkes Mine, a major new block caving mine in Australia. Services provided include estimation of caveability of the ore, required undercut spans, propagation of cave and ultimate subsidence of the ground surface. Anglo American, Anglo Gold and Diamond Divisions, South Africa ITASCA provides consulting services to a number of Anglo gold and diamond mines in South Africa. The services include consulting for a number of mines regarding most deep-mining problems, including design and specification of ground support for deep gold mines, shaft pillar extraction analysis and analysis of seismic potential due to face and fault-slip bursting. ITASCA also provides mine design and numerical modeling services to DeBeers at several of their block- caving diamond mines in South Africa. San Martin and Charcas Mines, Mexico ITASCA provides general geotechnical and mining design services for two of Mexico s largest mines. Work performed includes general mine-planning consulting, numerical modeling services and in-situ stress analysis measurements. 11

14 SERVICES IN SURFACE MINING CONSULTING SERVICES IN SURFACE MINING SURFACE MINING EXPERTISE ITASCA Consulting Group, Inc. strives to provide practical geotechnical solutions to typical design and stability problems faced by the surface mining industry. The following topics represent areas where ITASCA has distinguished itself in the solutions to our client s problems. Slope Stability Assessments and Pit Slope Design ITASCA specializes in assessment of slope stability and design of pit slopes. The specific services offered include geotechnical mapping and assessment of rock mass structure and in-situ properties for use in design, blast design, as well as specification of instrumentation for monitoring of slope movements, and numerical modeling for assessment of stability and design, as well as specification of slope remediation programs. Our goal is always to work with mine engineers and geologists to provide practical, but technically sound, solutions to the mine s problems. A key aspect of all of our work is to assist in education and training of the mine staff during a project. We find that this approach improves the application of the assessments better than simply providing a consulting report at the completion of a project. ITASCA is particularly well known for its ability to examine difficult problems involving slope instabilities and remediation methods. We are the developers of the world s most widely used software for open-pit slope design, and have numerous tools available to analyze rock and soil slope stability. The FLAC or FLAC 3D continuum-based programs are often used for soil or highly fractured rock slope and groundwater analyses. The UDEC or 3DEC (discontinuum-based) programs are used for slope assessments where large-scale geologic structures impact slope movements. Most major surface mines worldwide use ITASCA software for design of their slopes. Tailings Impoundment Design ITASCA performs design and stability analysis for tailings dams, waste dumps and other impoundment structures. Related work we have performed include analysis of leach pile drainage and stability. 12

15 SERVICES IN SURFACE MINING Dynamic Analysis of Rock Slopes and Tailings Dams ITASCA has performed many analyses of the stability of slopes and large tailings dams when subjected to earthquake or blast loading. We have the capability of performing dynamic discontinuum studies for rock slopes as well as liquefaction analyses of soil slopes. Training in Use of Slope Design Methods ITASCA engineers offer training courses in the use of geotechnical mapping, estimation of field rock-mass properties and numerical modeling for slope design. Courses are typically given to mine geotechnical engineers and geologists at the mine site, as well as to consultants and academics. At a recent course held in Reno, Nevada, ITASCA trained some 45 engineers from many of the major mining companies in the Western U.S., as well as geotechnical and mining engineers from U.S. and Canadian consulting firms. ITASCA modeling software, including two- and three-dimensional continuum and discontinuum programs, are the most widely used slope assessment methods worldwide. RELEVANT SURFACE-MINING EXPERIENCE ITASCA Consulting Group has provided slope stability assessments and slope design services for the following mines and companies. In addition to these mines, ITASCA has performed many assessments of civil engineering slopes for highways, dams, harbors and building pits. These assessments have included the analysis of slope reinforcements and dynamic analysis of both liquefaction and sliding wedge potential. Surface Mining - Current Clients Pikes Peak Mining Company, USA, Cresson Pit ITASCA is currently performing a geotechnical evaluation of the slopes and slope angles for expansion of the Cresson Pit in the Cripple Creek Mining District. Our work consists of a review of previous mining practices, analyses of slope stability and selection of design parameters. CODELCO, Chile, Chuquicamata Mine Chuquicamata Mine, located in Chile s Atacama Desert, is one of largest and deepest open-pit mines in the world. ITASCA has acted as a geotechnical contractor at Chuquicamata Mine for approximately 5 years. We have performed geomechanical line mapping and core logging as well as identification of large-scale geologic fault structures that affect global mine stability. ITASCA has 13

16 SERVICES IN SURFACE MINING performed numerous numerical-modeling studies for assessment of the stability of the West and East walls as well as assessments for a number of large slides. In particular, we have integrated our numerical modeling with the Vulcan and MicroLynx software packages for creation of both two- and three-dimensional numerical models of the slopes. The modeling work has been centered on use of continuum-based models for representation of landslide mechanisms in the weak, altered rock of the west wall. Three-dimensional discontinuum models are used for representation of the fault-related wedge mechanisms prevalent in the strong, faulted rock of the east wall. These analyses have been used to define overall slope interramp angles and placement of berms in the east wall which will minimize potential of large wedge failures. All of these analyses include the effects of groundwater pressures on slope stability. ITASCA has assisted in the design and analysis of closed-bench systems for future mining and has performed dynamic analyses of slope stability in response to blasting and earthquakes. Other studies have included stability assessments and locations of waste dumps. Recently, ITASCA has conducted field and numerical modeling for design of large leach pads. These assessments include analysis of the effects of leach water on the stability of the rubble pile. For all pits but especially for deep, steep, and high production pits such as Chuquicamata, care must be taken to protect the pit walls from unwanted blast damage. It is one thing to design pits of a certain steepness, and another thing to construct them after the design. The final design requires careful coordination between mine planning, production, and geomechanics. Since ITASCA has experience in all of these areas, we are currently working with Chuquicamata to achieve an optimum overall result. BHP Minerals, Chile, Escondida Mine Escondida Mine is a large open-pit copper mine in Chile s Atacama Desert. ITASCA acts as the primary geotechnical-engineering consultant to Escondida in the area of slope stability assessment and design as well as general geotechnical engineering. ITASCA has supplied an on-site engineer as well as regular expert assistance in numerical modeling for design and geotechnical mapping in the pit. Major projects completed include assessment of the effects of waste dumps adjacent to the pit on the stability of the pit walls and the ultimate relocation of a plant placed in close proximity to the deepening pit. Other analyses included dynamic analysis of an 80-m high access road being built through tailings. The analysis used a design earthquake of Richter magnitude. Falconbridge, Ltd., Kidd Mining Division, Timmins, Ontario, Canada The Kidd Creek Mine is one of Canada s largest underground mines. An open pit was first developed in the mid-1960s and completed to about 800 depth before mining commenced underground. Mining is now continuing using blasthole stoping from near the pit bottom to a depth of The orebody (which dips at about 70º) is approximately 95% extracted above the 2000 Level, although about 8 million tonnes of high-grade reserves still exist in this area. The mining has largely 14

17 SERVICES IN SURFACE MINING undercut the hangingwall slope of the pit. Two major, near-vertical faults intersect in the hangingwall of the pit, forming a major (about 60-million tonne) wedge that is buttressed from movement by a small waste lens within the orebody at its toe from the 1600 to 2000 Levels. As the orebodies have been extracted, this waste lens has failed, allowing mobilization of this wedge from the pit surface to 2000 depth. The wedge moved approximately 12 laterally, resulting in temporary closure of the entire mine in late ITASCA assisted Kidd Mine in determining the cause of the wedge mobilization and in estimating the extent of movement. We also assisted in design of an instrumentation plan to monitor the wedge. Currently, we have been performing a risk assessment of stoping sequences for the remaining 8 million tonnes of reserves over the next 5 years, with the objective of maximizing net present value while protecting the mine infrastructure from further damage due to wedge movement or expansion. Southern Peru Copper, Peru ITASCA, in association with Golder Associates and Piteau Associates of Vancouver, has been awarded a major geotechnical assessment project to assist Southern Peru Copper in the design of slopes for two deep open pits in porphyry coppers. This project involves both geotechnical mapping, and slope stability assessment and specification for the mine life. Surface Mining - Recent Clients Santa Fe Gold Corporation, USA, Twin Creeks Mine ITASCA and its merger partner, HCI of Denver, have investigated subsidence around the pit due to dewatering and consolidation of the soils and weak rocks near the pit. ITASCA has also assisted Twin Creeks engineering in assessment of stability and design of slopes as well as back-analysis of past failures. Rio Tinto Zinc, South Africa, Palabora Mine ITASCA has performed analyses of the effect of future at-depth block caving operations beneath the existing Palabora pit on the stability of pit slopes. A three-dimensional analysis of the caving propagation and the impact on the slopes was determined. ISCOR, South Africa, Thabazimbi and Sishen Mines ITASCA has performed slope stability assessments for these iron mines in South Africa. The Thabazimbi Mine, Dunkaporte Pit, was conducting sublevel caving operations beneath the existing pit and was inducing slope stability problems in the above pit walls. There was concern that the slope would collapse into the valley below. ITASCA has also conducted three-dimensional discontinuum analyses of the undermining and ultimate slope stability. ITASCA conducted slope stability and pit 15

18 SERVICES IN SURFACE MINING design studies for Sishen Mine, and trained ISCOR staff in use of ITASCA programs for regular slope assessments. Anglo American Diamond Division (DeBeers), Botswana, Orapa and Letlikhane Mines ITASCA has performed geotechnical and slope-design assessments for the Orapa and Letlikhane diamond mines in Botswana. Here, a sedimentary sequence of interspersed weak, highly water sensitive shales and strong sandstones surround the diamond pipes. ITASCA performed estimates of rock-mass strength parameters and used numerical methods to assess slope stability. Ultimate interramp slope angles were determined, as well as local bench stability. Anglo American Diamond Division (DeBeers), South Africa, Finsch Mine ITASCA performed a stability analysis of the slopes of the Finsch pit, Northern Cape Province. This mine is a steep-walled pit created by caving of a kimberlite pipe. The mine s plant has been placed in close proximity to the boundaries of the pit. ITASCA has assisted the mine s engineers in use of ITASCA programs in these analyses. Mountain Coal Company, Colorado, USA, West Elk Mine ITASCA has performed extensive analysis of the use of regularly spaced piles to stabilize a large landslide that currently threatens the processing plant at the mine. We have worked with the mine s engineering contractor (Barr Engineering, Minneapolis) to determine design of the slope reinforcement. Syncrude, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada Syncrude is a large tar-sands strip-mining operation that was experiencing problems in high-wall stability. ITASCA assisted Syncrude in determination of the causes of the slope instabilities and development of remediation methods for stabilizing the slopes. 16

19 ITASCA STAFF ITASCA STAFF SHORT DESCRIPTION OF ITASCA STAFF FROM ALL OFFICES ITASCA is proud to offer the services of the following professionals who have been actively involved in mining projects both on surface and underground. Minneapolis S. Magnus Bergman Senior Consultant. Mr. Bergman is responsible for the initiation and organization of ITASCA Consulting Group, Inc. and its international office in Sweden. He is experienced in underground planning and the geologic aspects of underground construction, including feasibility studies, groundwater infiltration, rock mechanics, and excavation equipment. Mark P. Board mining engineering & rock mechanics. Dr. Board has worked as a consulting mining and rock mechanics engineer in diverse problems, including underground mine design and assessment of mining risk, open-pit slope design, rockburst prevention and control, design of deep mine workings and ground control in large-scale cut-and-fill and blasthole mining. He has extensive experience in field testing, instrumentation, and data acquisition for mining and civil construction projects. Terje Brandshaug rock mechanics & numerical modeling. Mr. Brandshaug has more than 19 years of experience in the use of numerical models (finite element, finite difference, and distinct element) in solving problems in rock and soil mechanics. He has investigated the effects of static and dynamic loads (seismic and explosive) on the stability of underground openings in rock as well as rock slopes and has performed work on coupled fluid-flow/mechanical effects on soil stability. Mr. Brandshaug has had extensive involvement in studies of radioactive waste disposal, where the effects of heat transfer are considered in the evaluation of underground opening stability and the long-term performance of the disposal facility. Carlos Carranza-Torres geological engineering & numerical modeling. Dr. Carranza-Torres is a geological engineer who has specialized in the analysis of stability of underground openings. He has participated in research projects involving the application of numerical analyses to tunnel stability, cavability, long-wall mining and fault stability problems. Mark C. Christianson applied rock mechanics, computer interactive graphics & numerical modeling. Mr. Christianson has over 20 years of experience in the development and application of numerical models in geomechanics and mining engineering. He is also experienced in the installation and data analysis for various rock stress and displacement measuring devices. Mr. Christianson has 17

20 ITASCA STAFF developed numerical methods for predicting fracture propagation from propellant-loaded gas wells. His work also includes analysis of long-term stability of waste-isolation excavations in salt. Peter A. Cundall geomechanics & numerical modeling. Dr. Cundall is the chief developer of all ITASCA software products. He has developed novel programs and techniques in numerical modeling that are widely applied in geomechanics, civil engineering, and mining engineering. He has a particular interest in micro-mechanical models of soil and rock. Branko Damjanac civil engineering, rock mechanics & groundwater flow. Dr. Damjanac has experience in the design and analysis of underground excavations for oil storage and waste isolation. He has developed a 3D model to simulate the coupled hydro mechanical response of a fluid-saturated rock mass. Dr. Damjanac has been involved in development of models for numerical simulation of near- and far-field effects of underground nuclear explosions. Charles Fairhurst Senior Consultant, Rock Mechanics & Civil Engineering. Dr. Fairhurst, who recently retired from the University of Minnesota, is Senior Engineer and Chairman of the Board of ITASCA. He has more than 45 years of experience in mining rock mechanics and has consulted on rock stability problems for tunnels, dams, mines, and excavations throughout the world. He served as President of the International Society of Rock Mechanics from 1991 through William Hustrulid Senior Mining Advisor. Dr. Hustrulid is a mining engineer with extensive international experience in open-pit and underground mine design, geomechanics, blasting design and mining economics. He was recently Head of Mining Research for LKAB in Sweden; previously, he was Professor of Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Hustrulid is the author/editor of a number of standard mining resource texts, including the Underground Mining Methods Handbook distributed by SME. Matthew E. Pierce mining engineering and rock mechanics. Mr. Pierce is a geotechnical engineer with experience in the use of numerical models for mine design. He has performed research into the properties and behavior of paste backfills and has developed probabilistic methods for analysis of stope wall stability using the modified Potvin method. Marc R. Ruest mining engineering and rock mechanics. Mr. Ruest is a geotechnical engineer with on-site experience in underground mine stability analysis using numerical modeling and empirical design techniques. He has implemented and supervised mine ground-control programs as well as a wide range of mine instrumentation programs. 18

21 ITASCA STAFF Canada Richard K. Brummer President, ITASCA Consulting Canada Inc. Dr. Brummer has over 20 years of experience in geomechanics consulting, practical mining applications, research and academia. He is a Designated Consulting Engineer (Professional Engineers Ontario) and is a registered Professional Engineer in Canada and South Africa. His areas of specialization are all aspects of the behavior of highly stressed rock in deep mines or in extensively mined workings. He also has expertise in rockbursts, the design of microseismic and general instrumentation systems, the design of backfill and backfill systems, and particularly in the optimization of mining layouts to reduce risk and maximize value. Ali Mortazavi mining engineering & rock mechanics. Ali Mortazavi received a B. Eng. in mining engineering from Tehran Polytechnique (Iran) in 1989; he obtained his M.Eng. degree in rock mechanics in 1994 from McGill University. He worked for the industry (in the areas of coal mining and mineral processing) from Past research areas include the experimental investigation of composite rock bolts as a support system for mines and the modelling of blasting process in jointed media. Mr. Mortazavi is a mining engineer with experience in geomechanical mine design and rock blasting analysis such as fragmentation analysis and VOD (velocity of detonation) monitoring. South Africa Karel Balt rock mechanics and numerical modeling. Mr. Balt is an engineering technician with more than 10 years of experience in the mining industry. Alan Cook methane engineering. Mr. Cook s expertise is in the field of coal mine methane control and research. Current work includes the development of a quick, easy method for determining methane content and release rates of coal, methane distribution in gobs and methane detection around continuous miners. Tony Leach Director, ITASCA Africa (Pty) Ltd., rock mechanics & mining engineering. Mr. Leach is involved in the practical application of rock mechanics, primarily in deep-level hard rock mines. Areas of specific interest to Mr. Leach include design of mining layouts, rockbursting and seismicity, stope layout and support systems (including backfilling), optimization of tunnel shapes and support systems (bolting, shotcreting, etc.) and shaft sinking. Jaco J. Van Vuuren underground and surface mining. Mr. Van Vuuren has a practical background in underground and strip-coal mining. He specializes in the fields of methane and strata control. 19

22 ITASCA STAFF Chile Patricio Gómez applied geotechnical engineering, rock mechanics & numerical modeling. Mr. Gómez has worked in the field of rock and soil mechanics for major mining projects in Chile and has conducted stability and stress analyses using numerical modeling. Loren J. Lorig General Manager, ITASCA S.A. Dr. Lorig has over 20 years of experience in engineering projects requiring specialized rock mechanics consulting. Dr. Lorig s area of expertise is in the application of numerical models to provide solutions to stability, support and groundwater problems in civil and mining engineering. He has consulted at both underground and open-pit mines and has been a principal investigator for long-term slope stability studies at Chuquicamata and Escondida mines in Chile. Jorge Méndez mining engineering & applied geotechnical engineering. Mr. Méndez has worked in the area of rock mechanics, site characterization, instrumentation design and interpretation for major mining projects in Chile and Mexico. He has experience in performing stability analyses for both underground and open-pit mines, in-situ stress measurements and installation of a wide variety of instrumentation. Rodrigo Silva mining engineering & applied geotechnical engineering. Mr. Silva has worked in the area of applied rock mechanics mainly in connection with stability analysis for open-pit mining projects. France Daniel Billaux Managing Director, ITASCA Consultants S.A. Dr. Billaux s expertise is in numerical modeling, fractured rock hydro-geology and geomechanics. He has developed and applied numerical models to simulate the flow of water in fractured rock. He has been a program manager for projects in the area of nuclear waste storage and geothermal energy and has provided consulting on many mining and civil engineering projects. Xavier Rachez numerical modeling, rock mechanics. Dr. Rachez has worked on research projects concerning rock foundations of large bridges and has participated in various civil engineering projects. He has used numerical models to determine regional pre-mining in-situ stress state in a coal mine and flow in fractured rock masses. 20

23 ITASCA STAFF Germany Heinz Konietzky rock and soil mechanics & field testing. Dr. Konietzky has designed seismic monitoring systems, performed borehole tests and conducted geothermal-energy basic research. He is experienced in the use of numerical models for rock and soil-mechanics problems and works as a consultant for geotechnical projects in the fields of tunneling, mining, civil engineering, waste isolation and underground flow. Lothar te Kamp rock and fracture mechanics & laboratory and field testing. Dr. te Kamp has carried out laboratory experiments on rock properties as well as in-situ measurements in boreholes. He has worked on geothermal energy research and is experienced in modeling fractured rock, stress-field behavior and flow processes. Spain Pedro Varona rock mechanics & mining engineering. Mr. Varona has worked as a consulting engineer on more than a dozen tunneling projects, including high-speed railway tunnels. He also is experienced in analyses of deep mine workings, open-pit slope design and subsidence and foundation problems. Mr. Varona is a frequent instructor in the application of ITASCA codes. Pedro Velasco geotechnical engineering and numerical modeling. Mr. Velasco has worked on a large number of civil (tunnels for roadways, railways and waste-isolation infrastructures; trenches and slope design and support design) and mining (design of underground works; subsidence) projects. He is well-versed in the use of ITASCA codes FLAC and UDEC. Sweden Eva Hakami Managing Director, ITASCA Geomekanik AB. Dr. Hakami has carried out research on hydro mechanical properties of rock fractures, including laboratory studies, field investigations and statistical data analyses. As a consulting engineer, she has worked on various geotechnical and geohydrological problems related to waste isolation, risk analysis and dam construction. She also has experience in rock-engineering site work in connection with tunneling. Hossein Hakami soil and rock mechanics, experimental studies & in-situ measurements. Dr. Hakami has carried out research in such areas as characterization of deep clay formations and destressing methods related to mining operations exposed to high horizontal stress. As a consulting engineer, he has worked on rock and soil mechanics investigations related to earthen and concrete dams as well as hard-rock tunneling at shallow depth. 21

24 ITASCA STAFF Stig-Olof Olofsson rock mechanics & numerical modeling. Mr. Olofsson has conducted numerical modeling of underground structures to estimate support requirements and field trials to evaluate the function and bearing capacity of different types of rock bolts. ITASCA Associates José V. Lemos geomechanics & numerical modeling. Dr. Lemos is a research engineer in the Dams Department at Laboratorio Nacional de Engenharia Civil. He has been involved in the development and application of numerical models (finite element, distinct element and boundary element) for analysis of various rock mechanics problems associated with dam foundations, mines and tunnels. Fritz Rummel geophysics, rock physics & applied rock mechanics. Dr. Rummel is Professor of Geophysics at the Ruhr University Bochum and has 30 years of teaching and research experience. He is also Director of MeSy GmbH Bochum, a technology transfer company active in the development and application of hydraulic fracturing in various fields such as stress measurement and hot-dry-rock geothermal energy projects. R. Paul Young applied seismology & rock mechanics. Professor Young, formerly of Queen s University, Canada, currently holds the chair in Applied Seismology and Rock Physics at Keele University, United Kingdom. He is an engineering seismologist with 20 years of teaching, research, and consulting experience. His research on seismic imaging and the source mechanisms of induced seismicity has been concentrated on rockbursts in mines and characterization of seismicity around an experimental nuclear waste repository. 22

25 SELECTED CLIENTS SELECTED MINING CLIENTS MINES Kinross Mining (Canada) Deep Gold, Cut-and-Fill, Blasthole Macassa Mine Freeport Indonesia (Indonesia) Open Pit Grasberg Mine Petromisa (Brazil) Potash, Room-and-Pillar Sergipe Project Barrick Gold (Canada & Chile) Vein Precious Metals, Cut-and-Fill El Indio Mine BHP Minerals (Chile) Copper, Open Pit Escondida Mine CODELCO (Chile) Andina, El Teniente, Chuquicamata Coeur d Alene Mining (Chile) Gold, Cut-and-Fill Denison Mining (Canada) Uranium, Room and Pillar Dennison Mine 23

26 SELECTED CLIENTS Falconbridge, Ltd. (Canada) Deep Base Metals, Blasthole, Post Pillar, Cut-and-Fill, Undercut-and-Fill Onaping Mine Fraser Mine Lockerby Mine Strathcona Mine Kidd Division Craig Mine Raglan Mine Onaping Depth Project IMC Corp. (Canada) Potash, Room and Pillar K1 and K2 Mines INCO Ltd. (Canada) Deep Blasthole, Cut-and-Fill, Sublevel Caving Creighton Mine Stobie Mine Garson Mine Research Division, Copper Cliff RTZ and CRA (Australia) Diamonds, Open Pit Argyle Mine Pikes Peak Mining Co (USA) Gold, Open Pit Cresson Pit Royal Oak Mines (Canada) Gold, Blasthole Hope Brook Mine Akzo Salt (USA) Salt, Room and Pillar Retsof Mine Cyprus Mining (USA) Molybdenum, Block Caving Henderson Mine 24

27 SELECTED CLIENTS Hecla Mining Co. (USA) Deep Vein Precious Metals, Cut-and-Fill Lucky Friday Mine Mt. Isa Mines (Australia) Deep Base Metals, Mass Blasting Mt. Isa Mine Santa Fe Gold Corp. (USA) Gold, Open Pit Twin Creeks Mine Solvay Minerals (USA) Trona, Room and Pillar Solvay Mine General Chemical (USA) Trona, Room and Pillar General Chemical Mine Anglo American, Diamond Division [DeBeers] (South Africa) Block Caving, Open Pit Premier Mine Bultfontein Mine Koffeefontein Mine (Botswana) Orapa Mine Letlikhane Mine Anglo American, Gold Division (South Africa) Deep Gold Mining Freddie s Mine Freegold Division Western Holdings, Saaiplaas Western Deep Levels Gold Mine Elandsrand Gold Mine Anglo Vaal (South Africa) GENCOR (South Africa) Deep Gold Buffelsfontein Mine 25

28 SELECTED CLIENTS ISCOR (South Africa) Iron Ore, Open Pit, Sublevel Caving Thabazimbi, Sishen Mines Rio Tinto Zinc (South Africa) Open Pit, Block Caving Base Metals Palabora Mine SASOL (South Africa) Coal, Longwall, Room and Pillar Secunda Mine Vaal Reefs Gold Mine (South Africa) Ashanti Gold Fields (Ghana) Gecamine (Zaire) Copper, Room and Pillar Kamoto Mine Anglo American (Zimbabwe, Zambia) Shangani Mine, Konkola Deep Project Unité d Exploitation Provence (France) Coal, Room and Pillar U.E. Provence Mine Boliden Mineral (Sweden) Deep Vein Base Metals, Cut-and-Fill Kristineberg Mine Garpenberg Mine Boliden-Westmin (Canada) Base Metals, Blasthole, Cut-and-Fill Myra Falls Mine LKAB (Sweden) Iron Ore, Sublevel Caving, Open Pit Kiruna Mine Malmberget Mine 26

29 SELECTED CLIENTS West Wits Mines (South Africa) East Rand Proprietary Mines, Ltd (South Africa) Impala Platinum (South Africa) MINING RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS CSIRO (Australia) Numerical model development, assistance in modeling training HDRK (Canada) Research into cutter design for improved mechanical mining equipment Mining Research Directorate (Canada) Rockburst research, numerical modeling CIM (Chile) Slope-stability assessment methods, training in numerical model use, geomechanical mapping COMRO [MiningTek] (South Africa) Rockburst modeling, destressing, fault injection, dynamic simulation, ground support under dynamic loading, numerical model development, training BEFO (Sweden) Underground mine design strategies, ground-support analysis, numerical modeling 27