Advancing technology is elevating the industry’s systematic approach to rock wall analysis. In this article, Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics Associate Geotechnical Engineer Tom Lynch explores the steps to conducting crucial rock wall analysis and how ever-advancing technology is changing the face of this critical work, with safety at the core of it all.

Ensuring current guidelines for tailings dams are implemented and conformed to by clients is an important undertaking. In this article we hear from principal geotechnical engineer Keith Mandisodza at Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics on why developing new frameworks is essential to achieving better governance and management.

Fernando Vieira is an accomplished Senior Principal Geotechnical-Rock Mechanics Engineer who holds a position in Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics, leading Innovation and Mass Mining functions. His experiences in technically diverse and culturally rich environments have given him knowledge and expertise in a wide range of geo-scientific, geomechanics and ground engineering matters across a multitude of mine sites, each with unique geotechnical environments. Here, in Part 1 of a two-part read, he shares his insights, experiences and calls to action.

*This story was originally published by Mining Technology

Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics (CM&G) has said that the mining industry will face challenges in meeting the new Global Industry Standard Tailings Management (GISTM) outline due to limited education modules.

One of the biggest questions facing the mining industry today is, “What is the most effective monitoring method for tailings dams?” This question can only be answered by knowing the critical elements that affect or can cause distress to tailings’ dam structural integrity.

Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics team member Keith Mandisodza has spent three months providing geotechnical support at Ernest Henry Mine, a copper and gold mining and processing operation near Cloncurry, in north-west Queensland.

With the recent tragedies that have been inflicted on communities, stakeholders and mine operators due to mine tailings facilities failures, the mining industry faces a reset button focusing on processes currently applicable to tailings governance.

This calls out for all stakeholders involved to collaborate and strategize on practical methodologies to effectively and efficiently manage tailings facilities.