myGeobrugg
System length
150 m
Year of installation
2002
Initial situation
In 2003 a 100 m³ fall of ground (FOG) occurred at Navachab Gold Mine, originated in the oxidized schist from an older failure scar. The FOG material was held back on the 1050 m catch bench. The elastic catch fence that was installed on the catch bench prevented overspill of the material into the pit. The risk to life though was very low as the pit bottom was closed to mining operations at the time.
Description
The failure, though small, was monitored by the early warning system. It was fortuitous that the failure occurred near one of the early warning systems extensometers and progression of the failure was recorded using this extensometer. The last geotechnical report to management stated that collapse of this material was imminent. The FOG activated the early warning system, and the pit was successfully evacuated, and all personnel congratulated on their prompt reaction to the early warning system. No injuries or equipment damage occurred during this FOG.
Country/Region
Namibia
Customer
Anglo Gold
Engineering
SRK Consulting Engineers
Contractor
Nautical Steel/Navachab Mine
Protected object
Mine / Quarry, Other
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