Introduction

Engaged across multiple stages of expansion studies to facilitate project and health, safety and environment (HSE) risk assessments for Prefeasibility Studies into the expansion of an underground copper-gold mine.

Mandate

On the back of previous risks management studies, Palaris were engaged to facilitate a series of risk workshops for expansion studies for the underground mine, material handling system and associated concentrator (process plant) upgrades.

The initial assessment was for the first of two expansions, to complete a Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) for the Feasibility Study investigations and design outcomes moving to project execution.

On completion of the HAZOP, the scope extended to the Prefeasibility Study for the second expansion project. The scope for this study was in two parts. Initially the focus was on identifying risks in the proposed study plan itself, looking at each study area including trials, identifying the risk associated with not carrying out studies sufficiently. This phase provided the baseline risk register to carry through to execution.

Next nearing the end of the Prefeasibility the second phase as completion of a Hazard Identification workshop (HAZID) including learnings from the first expansion project to systematically identify HSE hazards to stakeholders associated with the engineering design.

Approach

Palaris provided an expert safety and risk facilitator to multiple workshops. Scope and workshop participants were identified upfront, with the scope reconfirmed directly with the identified participants to ensure alignment.

Palaris adapted its facilitation process to utilise the Client’s own risk management processes to allow consistency within the project study organisation.

The focus was placed on identified higher risks, assessing the adequacy of present safeguards and seeing to reduce these key risks to both tolerable and ALARP levels.

Outcome

The Client approved the first stage of expansion to move into execution and presently 2 years into construction with no fatalities and a low and reducing TRIFR.

For the second stage of expansion the Prefeasibility was completed and progressed to commencement of Feasibility with early works in parallel. The relationship continues as we remain risk partner aligned with the clients team