Semi-Automated Geotechnical Workflow Utilizing UAV Data for Enhanced Hazard Assessment and Safety at Rio Tinto Kennecott

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Spending time near highwalls, e.g., while performing geotechnical cell mapping, is a critical risk. Rio Tinto Kennecott (RTKC) is actively seeking out solutions to minimize this risk. To this end, RTKC employs Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for 3D-model-based structural mapping. We developed a prototype of a semi-automated workflow to better utilize UAV data and enhance personnel safety near highwalls. Our workflow includes three main components: a GIS-enabled dashboard to locate relevant UAV data, semi-automated bench-scale kinematic analysis and risk evaluation, and another GIS-enabled dashboard to share results. We show that our workflow allows for efficient geotechnical data collection, enables a high-level pit-wide kinematic risk assessment, and provides data for risk communication and further analysis. Our proposed system has the potential to further enhance RTKC's geotechnical hazard assessment processes and therefore improve safety around highwalls. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background and Context Safety around highwalls in mining is crucial due to the potential hazards they pose. Geotechnical hazards are one of the major risks associated with highwalls. Highwalls can collapse without warning, leading to severe injuries, loss of life, and destruction of equipment. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has issued safety alerts and guidelines emphasizing the importance of conducting highwall examinations, assuring hazards are addressed, and developing plans for highwall controls to prevent accidents and fatalities (Mining Safety and Health Administration, 2024). Research projects, such as those conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), focus on addressing rockfall hazards and developing slope monitoring techniques to improve highwall safety in open pit mining (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Despite these risks, access to mining highwalls is required for various tasks including installation and maintenance of infrastructure such as dewatering wells or geotechnical monitoring equipment. Proximity to highwalls is also critical for geological mapping, which provides valuable input data for geotechnical analysis. Geotechnical analyses are required in the mine design process to establish safe and efficient mining operations. To manage highwall related hazards, Rio Tinto's safety standard "D3 – Management of slope geotechnical hazards standard" (Rio Tinto, 2019) prescribes, among other controls, training to employees to recognize and report highwall hazards, thorough geotechnical examinations, and plans for highwall control. Additionally, the integrity of highwalls is maintained through early detection of movement on highwalls and preventative measures, such as design changes and blasting and mining controls to avoid accidents and ensure productivity (Reeves et al., 2001).