Risks associated with paste filling for underground mining

The main objective of using paste fill in underground mining is to provide stable ground conditions to optimise mining recovery and productivity while ensuring safety and the stability of the mine. Like all mining methods, implementing paste fill will alter the mine's risk profile. These new risks can affect the mining operation in different ways, from slight ore dilution to significant production losses. In severe situations, they could lead to injuries or fatalities, halted operations, and harm to the company's reputation. If these risks are not thoroughly evaluated and properly addressed in a timely manner, they could significantly impact daily operations, the owner, and stakeholders. A comprehensive risk assessment and effective control measures are key components to achieving a paste fill system that is safe, functional, optimised, and cost-efficient. This paper will provide some recent examples of risks associated with application of underground paste filling and will focus on the risk assessment and the mitigation measures completed as part of operational readiness of the Rosh Pinah paste fill system.