Mining Risks at Exploitation in Roşia Poieni Open Pit Mine, Romania

Abstract The mining sector is a particularly important field that has the ability to support the economic development of a country by supplying various mineral products that are used as raw materials in other sectors of activity. When the depth at which a deposit is located and the geological conditions allow, the exploitation of useful mineral substances is realized through open-pit mine. The aim of this paper is to analyze the malfunctions that could occur and cause susceptible incidents and that could have consequences on staff safety and the environment. These malfunctions can have different causes: either an internal origin of the mining unit, or in natural phenomena. In this paper are identified and analyzed the potential mining risks that may occur in the Roşia Poieni open pit mine. The guidelines underlying the identification of these risks took into account three main principles: reducing risks for people, ensuring their security and at the same time limiting the risks on the property, respectively the financial risk for the mining unit. Acknowledge these risks, allows the delimitation of areas that are directly or indirectly exposed to potential risks and the establishment of specific measures for prevention, protection and security regarding the realized activities. Depending on the potential mining risks identified, we have made a hazard map that can be used to develop a risk prevention plan, taking into account the presence of several types of risks that may overlap in the same work area of the quarry.