Rock Fall Hazard Analysis for In-Pit Operations Potentially Impacting External Sensitive Areas

Controlling rockfall-related risks is a requirement for safe pit operations and primarily mitigated through adequate bench geometry design implementation. This paper presents method rockfall hazard analysis in-pit potentially impacting external sensible areas, adapted from natural analyses. The considers the susceptibility to rockfalls pre-mining, originated failures, those initiated as flyrock. Rockfall trajectory models are used estimate potential blocks reaching exposed elements. Natural trajectories baseline on which evaluate effects of open environment perceptions communities in area. illustrated an steep terrain Peruvian Andes at feasibility level study. illustrates flexibility including considerations pre-mining impacts elements interest, developing mitigation strategies that consider rock block velocities, heights, energies spatial distribution trajectories. results highlight importance considering three-dimensional trajectories, how such insights allow increasing efficiency resources available protection structures.