IM August 2025 | Page 22

SLOPE STABILITY & MONITORING
In April 2025, Geobrugg successfully tested its latest RXE-12500 rockfall barrier, achieving unprecedented results
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From prediction to protection

Monitoring slope stability at open pit mines and tailings dams encompasses a range of geotechnical solutions – Paul Moore looks at developments right through to last resort protection

While they are a last resort, many open pit mining operations rely on rockfall protection measures. As an example, the Canadian Malartic Mine( CMM) in Quebec, part of Agnico Eagle, is one of Canada’ s largest gold mines. CMM is committed to constantly conducting its operations in a way that ensures a healthy and safe work environment. Potential rockfall hazards led CMM to contact Geobrugg for advice on mitigation solutions. Geobrugg worked with CMM on selecting the attenuator system solution as the most efficient and cost-effective solution for the open pit.

Geobrugg worked closely with the mine and with Construction & Expertise PG as the installation contractor to manage the rockfall hazards. To date, approximately 33,000 m ² of MINAX ® for about 450 m of attenuator have been installed. During the installation of the attenuator, all the mining activities were conducted normally without interruption.
Geobrugg is well known for its rockfall protection testing, proving out the capabilities of its barrier solutions. In April 2025 it successfully tested its latest RXE-12500 rockfall barrier, achieving unprecedented results. The tests involved a 25-metric-ton concrete block released from a 52 m height. When hitting the barrier, the block reached an impact speed of 115 km / h. The ringnet barrier withstood an impact energy of 12,500 kilojoules and absorbed an energy of 14,100 kilojoules. This test surpassed a previous record set in October 2017; the company successfully tested the impact energy of 10,000 kilojoules.
From rockfalls to debris flows, together with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology( HKUST) and the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment( IMHE), Geobrugg also recently became the first company to test debris flow barriers in the world’ s largest debris flow test facility in Dongchuan, China.
In the latest test at this unique facility, 200 cubic metres of debris mixed with water were released into a 190 m long test flume and dropped onto several successive protective systems. Three of Geobrugg’ s debris flow barriers were exposed to extreme loads. The result: all systems withstood the tremendous forces and passed the test. The test provided a rare opportunity to validate the Geobrugg protection systems under realistic conditions but also allowed valuable insights for the further development of its debris flow barriers.
Satellite connectivity- the unseen foundation for reliable tailings dam monitoring
The management of tailings storage facilities( TSFs) represents one of the most critical challenges facing the mining industry today. With thousands of TSFs globally, many unmonitored, the potential for dangerous failures demands robust, real-time solutions.
While various digital tools exist, the inherent remoteness of mining operations often presents a fundamental hurdle: consistent, reliable connectivity. This is where satellite technology emerges as an indispensable enabler, providing the foundational link for effective TSF oversight, argues Eric Verheylewegen, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Viasat Enterprises.
He told IM:“ Any digital monitoring system, be it Ground Penetrating Radar, Terrestrial LiDAR, seismic sensors, water flow meters, structural monitoring systems, or InSAR, relies entirely on its ability to transmit data reliably from isolated locations. Traditional terrestrial networks frequently fall short in these vast, rugged environments. Satellite connectivity, however, offers ubiquitous coverage, ensuring critical data from sensors and devices can be communicated regardless of geographical isolation. This always-on capability is paramount for maintaining continuous vigilance over TSFs, which are dynamic structures requiring constant assessment.”
He says satellite-enabled IoT solutions provide the backbone for comprehensive tailings dam monitoring by facilitating diverse data collection. This includes structural integrity, water levels, seepage indicators, and minute ground movements.“ For instance, Interferometric Synthetic- Aperture Radar( InSAR) satellites produce highly accurate digital terrain maps, detecting sub-centimetre movements in dam walls. Combined with real-time sensor data transmitted via satellite, this provides a holistic view of a dam’ s condition, allowing for early detection of anomalies. This proactive approach moves the industry from reactive responses to predictive maintenance, significantly enhancing safety and environmental protection.”
The reliability of satellite communication is also crucial for remote monitoring, says Verheylewegen.“ Narrowband satellite frequencies, coupled with go anywhere hardware, offer resilience because they are more resistant to severe weather and act as a reliable alternative if terrestrial networks fail, ensuring vital environmental monitoring and remote infrastructure control remain uninterrupted. This continuous data flow is essential for predicting periods of heightened water levels and subsequent pressure on dams, enabling operators to take preventative measures.”
Viasat has actively deployed satellitebased solutions for tailings dam monitoring, demonstrating practical application. Through partnerships, Viasat’ s global L-band and Ka-band networks provide the robust connectivity needed to aggregate data from various sources onto cloud-based platforms. This allows for near real-time data visualisation, enabling mining companies to
International Mining | AUGUST 2025