ALROSA Invites Independent Auditor To Analyze Causes Of Accident At Mir Mine

(IDEX Online) – ALROSA is planning to invite an auditor experienced in work at underground diamond mining facilities with similar hydro geological conditions to carry out an independent analysis of the causes of the accident at the Mir mine where eight men died.

The proposal was suggested by the independent members of ALROSA's Supervisory Board. SRK Consulting and DMT Group are among the possible candidates for the audit.

"An independent audit will be conducted to make an overall assessment of all decisions and actions at the design, construction and operation stages of Mir underground mine. This will make it possible to find out the causes of the accident on August 4 and to assess the adequacy of the measures taken for its prevention and elimination.

"International experts are to assess the pre-project option of the underground mining technology for the Mir pipe, correctness of the underground mine construction and operation project, and existing procedures for technical decision-making in terms of industrial safety. Among other things, there will be a comprehensive assessment of the correctness of the initial data used to calculate and model the reliability of the safety pillar, as well as technological parameters for drainage and dewatering systems, systems for integrated monitoring of safe operation and cut-and-fill system for diamond mining at Mir underground mine.

"Independent experts will also assess how the design decisions were observed during the construction and operation of the underground mine and whether it was possible to prevent the emergency taking into account the existing design decisions."

ALROSA President Sergey Ivanov said, "We are interested in the most objective and highly professional independent assessment of what happened. At the same time, we know that there are no analogous mines with similar hydro geological conditions in our country. There are a few competent specialists in Russia with the relevant experience, and the company engaged most of them at the stage of the mine design and operation. We are counting on assessment by independent international experts who have experience in mine planning and production for deposits with similar adverse hydrological conditions."

Earlier, Sergey Ivanov signed an order to carry out an overall safety assessment of mining operations at all the company’s underground mines by September 1. A special purpose expert group is to assess the potential impact of water bodies on mine workings and measures taken to prevent water breakthrough from depleted open pit mines.