Millerton Cutting – Geotechnical Risk Appraisal of the Stockton Mine Access Road

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The Millerton cutting was constructed in 2006 to provide a safer and more reliable access to Solid Energy’s Stockton Mine on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Unfortunately, the 30m high rock cutting suffered from stress release and failure resulting in a highly fractured rock mass posing an unacceptable level of instability and rock fall hazard to the 1000+ mine vehicles using the road each day. The physical environment (8m of rainfall per annum), the unfavourable geological structure and the rock mass properties have also exacerbated the problem.

Solid Energy has appointed GHD to complete a geological and geotechnical survey and mapping exercise in order to complete a semi quantitative risk assessment.

Quantification of the risk to stakeholders has been reported by GHD to both Solid Energy and the local statutory authority in order that appropriate mitigation measures can be established, cost benefit analyses of these measures carried out and treatment and / or management of the risk implemented.

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What are we good at? Rock mechanics applications, excavation design, rock slope monitoring and rock slope stabilisation investigations are where we work best. Engage us to realise immediate benefits on your project.

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From mine concept to closure, GHD considers geological, mine planning, materials handling, metallurgical, tailings, environmental management, operational and financial objectives to create optimal solutions for the many conflicting objectives in mine design and development.

With vast experience working with communities in rural, remote and urban locations, and the ability to assist both local and international clients, GHD provides sustainable management strategies to protect and enhance Indigenous cultural heritage, reduce environmental impact, maximise efficiency and enhance continuous improvement.

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