Objectives:
This project addresses the growing challenge of managing deforming pit walls in mining operations. While some instabilities are anticipated during design, most are detected later through monitoring, requiring rapid and informed responses. Many sites are now adopting the Observational Mining Approach, which relies on continuous monitoring and iterative adjustment of mine plans to maintain safety and productivity. However, its implementation is often inconsistent, leading either to excessive risk or overly conservative decisions that reduce project value.
The project aims to develop a comprehensive Guidance Note on Observational Mining to help mining companies effectively manage developing instabilities. The guidance will cover early detection of slope movement, assessment of safety and economic risks, targeted monitoring strategies, interpretation of slope performance and failure mechanisms, and suitable mining controls. It will also address communication and approval processes, TARP development (triggers, thresholds, and responses), required mine plan flexibility, and ongoing verification and optimization throughout the slope’s life.
The outcome will be a state-of-the-art resource for geotechnical engineers, mine managers, risk teams, and executives. It will support informed decisions about mining beneath moving pit walls by clarifying risk levels, determining risk tolerability, and identifying appropriate controls to maintain safety while maximizing production.
The methodology combines BGC’s extensive experience with industry collaboration. It includes reviewing active and historical pit wall instabilities, examining successful and unsuccessful management strategies, and evaluating operational impacts and risk tolerance. Published case studies will also be assessed, and slope monitoring vendors consulted to incorporate their insights into displacement behaviour. A draft guidance note will be shared with LOP Sponsors for review and refinement before finalization.