With its entrance into an international industry initiative, Freeport is demonstrating that safety is a commitment — not a competition.
Last year, Freeport committed to support the fourth edition of the Large Open Pit Project, a collaborative endeavor aimed at improving safety in open-pit mining operations. Freeport joins BHP, Rio Tinto and a host of other mining companies in the effort.
Since 2005, this initiative has garnered support from industry leaders worldwide. Over its three previous research cycles, the project has developed guidelines on the design of open pit slopes, stockpiles and mine waste dumps, as well as evaluating water on slope stability and slope monitoring.
According to Aman Soni, Senior Geomechanical Engineer-FM Technology Tucson, Freeport joining the project is an acknowledgement that safety is not proprietary and reflects the advancements the initiative has made since its inception.
“Over the years, the Large Open Pit Project has evolved into providing pragmatic industry guidelines—some of which we have already implemented,” Soni explained. “As a leader in open-pit mining and stockpile-leached copper extraction, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to give back.”
Over the next four years, Freeport will contribute and actively participate in the Large Open Pit Project. During this phase, the project will update some of the previously issued design guidelines, develop new guidelines and explore technology that will help the industry adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Soni explained that while Freeport will be lending its expertise on a variety of topics – particularly new and updated guidelines for open pit, heap leach and dump design and operation – the hope is the collaboration can help refine internal practices and produce guidelines that make everyone safer.
Mark Hawley, Chief Executive Officer and a Chief Advisor for Piteau Associates, also serves as the Chair of the Sponsors’ Representative Committee for the Large Open Pit Project and expressed enthusiasm at Freeport’s involvement.
“The LOP is very pleased to welcome Freeport as a Sponsor of the 4th edition of the Large Open Pit Project,” Hawley said. “The LOP looks forward to Freeport’s contribution to the ongoing success of the LOP and active participation in the delivery of LOP initiatives.”
Hawley noted that this sponsorship should prove mutually beneficial, providing Freeport with a voice on project priorities, as well as direct and early access to research results, input on guidelines and opportunities for professional development.
Those sentiments were echoed by other members of the team.
According to Freeport’s project lead, Luis Tejada, Manager, Geomechanical Engineering-FM Technology Tucson, the project represents an opportunity for its sponsors and stakeholders to network in a way that allows for continuous improvement across the industry.
“We’re committed to advancing innovation and collaboration within the industry,” Tejada said. “Sponsoring and participating in the Large Open Pit Project allows us to contribute to shaping meaningful open-pit and stockpile projects, access cutting-edge research, and engage in professional development initiatives.”