Slope design process in a mining context

William Sarunic

Open pit slope design needs to not only address the geotechnical aspects of the rock or soil mass through which the proposed open pit will operate (i.e. rock mass quality, defect orientations and character and groundwater), but is also needs to consider the context applied to the slope design. This includes aspects such as the risk profile of the client company and operation, along with the iterative design approach related to project economics.

William will explain the context of pit slope design as well as the typical methodology used in a hard rock environment to provide an insight into the process. There will be relief examples provided to help illustrate the issues and how they might affect the design process.

About the speaker

William Sarunic Principal Geotechnical Engineer & General Manager, Xstract

Will is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer and General Manager of Xstract Mining Consultants with more than 25 years of experience in geotechnical engineering of open pits.

The first half of his career has been in operational roles in coal, nickel, gold and iron ore mines followed by a career in consulting. He has worked on projects around the world and across a broad range of commodities and has recently returned from Africa where he visited 4 mines in 3 countries. He provides both design and operational support services in a geotechnical context to numerous mines and mining projects. His focus is practical solutions to geotechnical issues in a mining environment.

Will is a AGS member of the WA Chapter, and holds a Masters of Engineering Science (Geotechnical Engineering) from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Geology) from the University of South Australia

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