Implementation of a Critical Risk Management Project at the International Mine of ALROSA PJSC

Context: Why Critical Risk Management is Necessary in Mining

Mining operations in underground mines are conducted in extremely complex geological conditions, where the cost of an error increases exponentially. At great depths, mine development is associated with gas-dynamic phenomena, sudden outbursts of rock and methane, as well as the presence of high-pressure aquifers. In such conditions, traditional control methods are not always effective, requiring a shift to proactive critical risk management.

In his presentation, Artem Derkach, Head of the HSE and Road Safety Department at ALROSA, details the experience of implementing a critical risk management project at the International underground mine. The speaker demonstrates by example how the transition from formal inspections to barrier thinking helps prevent catastrophic events.

Risk Identification and Barrier Definition

The first step of the project was identifying risks that could lead to catastrophic consequences: multiple or fatal injuries, as well as production loss. For each such risk (e.g., methane explosion or mine flooding), organizational and technical barriers were defined — critical control elements that prevent the risk from materializing.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the project team and the production unit. Simple and concise barrier schemes were developed together with section managers, which helped avoid the perception of the project as being imposed from above and engaged production workers in the safety improvement process.

Implementing Checklists for Workers: From Resistance to Awareness

Based on the defined barriers, paper checklists were developed for key professions (continuous miner operators, drifters, electricians). Before starting a shift, the worker checks the functioning of barriers that prevent the realization of critical risks at their workplace. If non-conformities are found, work is suspended until they are eliminated.

The implementation faced expected resistance: workers went through stages from denial to acceptance. To overcome formalism, discussions were held analyzing real accidents that had previously occurred in these same sections. The barrier methodology gave workers a clear understanding of why checking specific parameters is important (for example, to prevent a collapse or explosion), increasing their personal responsibility.

Digitalization of Control: Mobile Apps for Engineering Staff

In parallel with paper checklists for workers, electronic checklists were introduced for mining foremen. Using explosion-proof smartphones and a special mobile application, foremen inspect workplaces with photo documentation of the barrier conditions and monitor the completion of checklists by workers.

The HSE department daily checks the reports of mining foremen, comparing photos and identifying cases of a formal approach (for example, when a foreman photographs the mine wall instead of the conveyor). Identified violations are escalated through an electronic problem-solving board. Such multi-level control allows identifying organizational and technical problems at early stages.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to identify and assess critical risks at a hazardous production facility?
• How to develop effective barriers and tools for their verification?
• How to overcome personnel resistance when implementing new control tools?
• How to use mobile applications and photo documentation to combat formalism among engineering staff?
• How to build a multi-level system for escalating and eliminating identified violations?