The latest approaches to safe and economical management of rock
dumps will be the focus of an inaugural seminar to be held in Perth
next March.
Professor Andy Fourie, from the Australian Centre for Geomechanics
based at The University of Western Australia, said the First
International Seminar on the Management of Rock Dumps, Stockpiles and
Heap Leach Pads would bring together leading mine owners and operators,
as well as academics, consultants and researchers from around the world.
“As mining practices result in deeper open pit and underground mines
so does the need to effectively manage the resulting substantially
sized rock dumps, stockpiles and heap leach pads,” Professor Fourie
said.
“The potential harm that these landforms can cause to the
surrounding ecosystems generates increased community concern. For
industry to remain viable and profitable, it must ensure that the
management and rehabilitation of these landforms is proactive and
responsible.
“The seminar will provide an important forum for local and overseas
delegates to explore significant developments in the design, operation
and management of rock dumps, stockpiles and heap leach pads.”
The Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG), which is presenting
the seminar, is a not-for-profit mining research centre that promotes
mine safety and environmental best practice through geomechanics
research, training and education.
The three-day program will feature more than 30 presentations,
including keynote addresses by Norwegian expert, Dr Nick Barton and
Professor Dirk van Zyl from the University of British Columbia.
Professor Fourie said the ACG was the only centre of its kind in
Australia and one of only a handful in the world concerned with
improving mine safety while optimising production performance.
Rock Dumps 2008 will be held at the Novotel Langley Hotel, Perth,
March 5-7, 2008, with more than 120 local and international mining
professionals expected to attend.
Media references
Professor Andy Fourie 61 8 6488 8533
Simone Hewett / Sally-Ann Jones (UWA Public Affairs) 61 8 6488 7977
0420 790 097 / 0420 790 098
