Tailings & Mine Waste 2013 - November 3-6, 2013 Banff, Alberta, Canada

Seismic deformation analysis of Cerro Corona tailings dams

S. Abbaszadeh, C. Weber, E. Rondinel-Oviedo, & P. Corser
MWH Americas, USA & Peru

R. Hadidi
GeoPentech, Santa Ana, CA, USA

J. Gutierrez
Gold Fields Limited, Peru

ABSTRACT: The Cerro Corona gold and copper mine is located in the Cajamarca district of Peru and owned by Gold Fields La Cima. Tailing produced by the processing plant is stored in the Tailing Storage Facility, located just northwest of the plant site and includes several dams. To support future mining operations, the dams will be raised, the tallest to an ultimate height of 170 meters. The dam is a centerline construction with a central low permeability core and transitional filters located on its downstream side, with supporting rockfill both upstream and downstream of these zones. The integrity of the dam and its core under earthquake loading were of particular concern during the design of the dam. This paper presents a summary of seismic analysis of the dam performed to address this concern. The mine is located in a seismically active zone with a history of significant earthquake events. A site-specific seismic hazard analysis was conducted and two design earthquakes were identified: a M8 intraslab event with a PGA of 0.55 g at a distance of 75 km, and a M9.2 interface event with a PGA of 0.29 g at a distance of 118 km, for which design ground motions were developed for use in the deformation analysis. The seismic deformation of the dam under the postulated ground motions was then evaluated using a two-dimensional nonlinear time domain analysis. General analysis approach is discussed and the detailed results of the seismic analysis for the most critical section are presented.

1 INTRODUCTION Gold Fields La Cima S.A.A. (GFLC), a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited, owns the Cerro Corona mine, a copper mine with significant gold content. The mine is located in northern Peru in the Region of Cajamarca, approximately 760 km north-northwest of Lima and 80 km by road from the city of Cajamarca, as shown in Figure 1. The deposit is a diorite porphyry with an average grade of 1.0 gram per tonne of gold and 0.53% copper. The mine has gold-equivalent mineral reserves of 5.2 million ounces and has been in production since 2008, producing about 300,000 gold-equivalent ounces a year. Tailing produced by the Cerro Corona processing plant is stored in the Tailing Storage Facility (TSF), located just northwest of the plant site, covering the Las Aguilas and Las Gordas valleys. MWH has been contracted by GFLC to develop designs for the TSF. Currently, a new mine plan is being considered that would expand the life of mine to 16 years (through 2029) and reserve to 130 Million tonne (Mt). The main challenge was that the mine site was very constrained with very limited space for construction of a TSF dam of this capacity. After evaluating different alternatives to support the new mine plan, MWH conceptually proposed and developed a design for a TSF centerline dam with a central low permeability core and transitional filters located on its downstream side, with supporting rockfill both upstream and downstream of these zones. The proposed TSF dam had an ultimate crest elevation of 3815 masl (meters above sea level) and maximum height of about 170 meters. This dam is likely one of the highest dams of its kind. The upstream stability of the low permeability core, which was required to protect a
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nearby river, was of major concern. To increase the upstream stability of the core, a wide layer of rockfill was included on the upstream of the core. Detailed static and seismic analyses were performed to confirm the upstream stability of the core. Corser and Rogers (2011) discussed the static analyses used to size the upstream rockfill. The objective of this paper is to present the seismic deformation evaluation of the main dam (constructed across Las Aguilas valley) at the TSF under postulated design ground motions. The seismic deformation analyses presented in this paper are the result of collaboration between MWH and GeoPentech. Although not presented in this paper, dams constructed over adjacent valleys have also been analyzed using a similar approach.

Figure 1. Plan View of the Cerro Corona Mine Location

2 MATERIAL PROPERTIES A summary of the material properties, developed through a series of laboratory tests as well as published literature and judgment, are provided in Table 1. Drained material properties are used to estimate in-situ stresses prior to shaking (i.e. static), and undrained properties used to characterize the materials during the shaking that are both shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Material Properties for Static and Seismic Analyses
Material Unit Weight (kN/m3) Static and Seismic 16.6 24.0 21.0 19.0 Gmax (kPa) Static 1,200 ! (!'v)0.77 40,072 ! (!'v)0.5 17,000 ! (!'v)0.5 17,418 ! (!'v)0.5 Seismic 25 ! Su 40,072 ! (!'v)0.5 17,000 ! (!'v)0.5 17,418 ! (!'v)0.5 Poisson's Ratio Static Seismic 0.3 0.36 0.37 0.35 0.45 0.36 0.45 0.35 Shear Strength (Degrees or kPa) Static "' = 20 Seismic 0.03 ! !'v

Tailing Rockfill Core Filter

1.9323 ! (!'v)0.894 1.9323 ! (!'v)0.894 1.51 ! (!'v)0.894 # 431.3 kPa "' = 34 0.168 ! !'v + 42.8 "' = 34

Volcanic 20.0 375,000 375,000 0.3 0.3 9.0384 ! (!'v)0.716 9.0384 ! (!'v)0.716 Breccia Bedrock 21.0 2,242,000 2,242,000 0.3 0.3 N/A (Elastic) N/A (Elastic) La Jalca Tailing 20.0 998,980 998,980 0.3 0.3 "' = 27 0.4 ! !'v " ' Effective friction angle in degrees; !'v Vertical effective stress in kPa; Su Undrained Shear Strength

2.1 Shear Strengths The shear strength of the rockfill material was characterized using a relationship developed by Leps (1970), which relates the friction angle to confining stress. The drained and undrained

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shear strengths for the core material were selected based on the results of consolidatedundrained (CU) triaxial testing. The undrained shear strength was reduced by 20% to account for potential strength loss during a seismic event. The shear strength for the filter and transition materials located just downstream of the core was based on published strength values for similar materials and is characterized by an effective friction angle of 34 degrees. The drained and undrained shear strengths for the impounded tailing material were developed using cone penetration test (CPT) data collected during a geotechnical investigation performed on the tailing beach. For the static deformation analysis, the impounded tailing was assigned an effective friction angle of 20 degrees which represents the long-term drained strength of the material. For the seismic deformation analysis, the impounded tailing was assumed to have liquefied. This is a conservative assumption as liquefaction typically occurs towards the end of shaking or after the shaking has stopped. The impounded tailing was assigned an undrained shear strength ratio of 0.03. 2.2 Dynamic Properties The dynamic properties of the embankment fill and foundation materials were developed for use in the seismic deformation analysis and based on field investigation data, published empirical relationships, published values for similar materials, and engineering judgment. A geophysics investigation was performed on the in-place TSF embankment materials for the Las Gordas and Las Aguilas portions of the dam. The geophysics investigation included both multi-channel spectral analysis of surface waves (MASW) and seismic refraction methods. The MASW test method provides the shear wave velocity with depth at a single point whereas the seismic refraction provides p-wave velocity with depth along a line. The data from both methods were ultimately used to estimate the maximum shear modulus (Gmax) for the embankment fill materials. Equation 1 shows the relationship between the shear wave velocity and Gmax: Gmax = "!vs2 (1)

where " is the density of the material and vs is the shear wave velocity. Both data sets were used in the development of Gmax for each fill material, but in order to use the seismic refraction data, it had to be converted from p-wave velocity to shear wave velocity. The p-wave velocity (vp) was converted to shear wave velocity (vs) using a vp/vs factor estimated based the assigned value of Poissons ratio for each material (Table 1). The MASW and seismic refraction data were compiled for each material and plotted with depth (Figure 2). The maximum shear modulus (Gmax) relationship with effective vertical confining pressure was developed for the each of the materials based on the shear wave velocity data obtained from the geophysics investigation. 2.3 Modulus Reduction and Damping Curves The modulus reduction and damping curves for the rockfill and filters were estimated using a methodology developed by Menq (2003), which develops curves based on the median particle size (D50) and the coefficient of uniformity (Cu) of a granular material. Gradations for the rockfill and filters obtained as part of the construction quality assurance program were used to estimate the D50 and Cu values. A Cu value of 55 was estimated for the rockfill along with an average D50 value of 95 mm. A Cu value of 21 was estimated for the filter and transition zone along with an average D50 value of 2.2 mm. The modulus reduction and damping curves for the rockfill and the filters were developed for a range of confining pressures: 50 to 1,600 kPa. The curves are shown in Figure 3.

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Figure 2. Measured and Estimated Shear Wave Velocity with Depth for Rockfill, Core and Filter Materials

Modulus reduction and damping curves were estimated for the core materials using the methodology developed by Darendeli (2001) for an average plasticity index of approximately 15. The modulus reduction and damping curves for the core were developed for a range of confining pressures: 25 to 1,600 kPa. The curves are shown in Figure 3. The tailing was modeled as a liquefied material in the seismic deformation analysis and it was assumed that the liquefied tailing had a constant maximum shear modulus (Gmax) (i.e. G/Gmax = 1). Also, it was assumed that the liquefied tailing would have 2% Rayleigh damping for all cyclic shear strains. Similar assumptions were applied to the bedrock and volcanic breccia. 2.4 Site-Specific Seismic Hazard Assessment A site-specific seismic hazard assessment (SHA) was performed for the Cerro Corona mine site, which included a deterministic seismic hazard analysis (DSHA) and a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). The SHA is based on a seismotectonic model and source characterization of the region surrounding the mine site. The seismotectonic model identifies four general seismic sources in the site region: subduction zone earthquakes originating at the Nazca-South
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America plate interface (interface earthquakes), earthquakes originating within the subducting Nazca plate (slab earthquakes), shallow earthquakes in the overriding South America plate (crustal earthquakes) and background seismicity. Each of the source zones was characterized to establish input parameters for the seismic hazard analyses.
Confining Pressures

Based on the results of the SHA, two seismic scenarios were recommended for design: Interface: a maximum Mw 9.2, a closest distance of about 118 km and depth of 35 km, a PGA of 0.29 g, and a spectral acceleration at 1 second of 0.26 g. Slab: a maximum Mw 8.0 and a closest distance of about 75 km and depth of 75 km, a PGA of 0.55 g, and a spectral acceleration at 1 second of 0.35 g.

Figure 3. Modulus Reduction and Damping Curves for Rockfill, Core and Filter Materials for Varying

2.4.1 Ground Motion Time Histories Acceleration time histories were developed for each of the design scenarios for use in the seismic deformation analysis. A total of six spectrally matched time histories were used in the deformation analysis. A summary of the time histories considered in this analysis is included in Table 2. The design response spectra at 5 percent damping for the interface and slab events are shown on Figure 4.
Table 2. Summary of Time Histories Selected for Deformation Analysis
Ground Motion INT1 INT2 INT3 SLB1 SLB2 SLB3 Design Scenario Interface Interface Interface Slab Slab Slab PGA (g) 0.28 0.29 0.29 0.54 0.54 0.51 Arias Intensity (m/s) 3.46 5.04 2.46 11.7 6.52 5.09 Equiv No. of cycles 96 115 55 96 66 54 Duration 5-75% (sec) 54 60 27 40 12 13 Duration 5-95% (sec) 78 101 41 64 35 18

3 SEISMIC DEFORMATION ANALYSIS 3.1 Analysis Methodology The seismic deformation of the dam under the postulated ground motions was evaluated using a two-dimensional nonlinear time domain analysis, which accounts for the nonlinear response of the materials in the model. The material characterization and site-specific SHA used in this analysis are discussed in Section 2.

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Figure 4. Response Spectra for the Interface and Slab Time Histories used in the Seismic Deformation Analysis

The computer program FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua) was used in the analysis. FLAC is a two-dimensional explicit finite difference program for geotechnical and other applications developed by Itasca (2011). In a typical analysis, an idealized cross-section is divided into zones and nodal points in a way analogous to the finite element method. FLAC uses the Lagrangian formulation of momentum equations (Newtons second law of motion) and, thereby, inherently accounts for the mass conservation law and allows elements with fixed masses to translate, rotate, or deform in space. The analysis input motion is specified at the base of the analysis section, approximately incorporating the effects of a compliant boundary representing the bedrock in the analysis. Various stress-strain models are available in FLAC. The Mohr-Coulomb model and the elastic model in FLAC were used for the analysis presented in this paper. Details of these models are provided by Itasca (2011). For all the results presented in this paper, the elastic model was used for the bedrock and, depending on the analysis being performed (static or seismic), either the Mohr-Coulomb model or the elastic model was used for all the other materials. In particular, the Mohr-Coulomb model was used for the embankment fill and tailing materials in the seismic deformation analyses. The Mohr-Coulomb model consists of elastic-perfectly-plastic stress-strain relationships. Therefore, the materials are elastic before yielding. To make the elastic portion of the analysis reasonable, an equivalent-linear analysis is performed on a two-dimensional model of the dam using the computer program QUAD4MU (Idriss, 1973, updated version dated 2003) to obtain the strain-compatible shear modulus and Rayleigh damping values for the postulated shaking conditions. The analysis results from QUAD4MU provide the basis for the strain-compatible shear modulus and damping values to be used in the elastic portion of the Mohr-Coulomb model in the FLAC analyses. These assignments of modulus and damping are done such that the computed response spectra of corresponding selected points of the analysis sections from QUAD4MU and FLAC analyses are reasonably compatible. The "perfectly-plastic" portion of the Mohr-Coulomb model is specified as the appropriate shear strength of the material. 3.2 Analysis Section and Discretization Three sections of the dam at the Cerro Corona TSF were selected for analysis. The locations of these sections are shown in Figure 5, and are referred to as the Las Aguilas Section, the Las Gordas Section, and the La Hierba Section. As mentioned earlier, this paper only presents the results for the Las Aguilas section. This particular section represents the maximum section of the dam.

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Figure 5. Plan View of the Selected Sections for Deformation Modeling Analyses of Cerro Corona TSF Dam

For the Las Aguilas Section, two different geometries of the section were analyzed: one corresponding to the full (ultimate) design height of the dam which is at 3815 m (crest at 3813 m with 2 m parapet wall) and one corresponding to an intermediate stage with the crest elevation at 3776 m. In this paper, only results for the full height configuration are presented. The full height geometry is shown in Figure 6. Idealized stages of construction used in the analysis to compute pre-earthquake static effective stress conditions in the analysis sections are also shown with dashed lines on Figure 6. The mesh for the model was generated to: (1) allow appropriate dynamic wave propagation in the system; (2) reduce kinematic constraints provided by the linear elements used in FLAC; and (3) control numerical problems introduced by element shapes. The tailing was discretized to account for the loading imposed by the tailing material on the dam. The bedrock was discretized for the purpose of providing a compliant base that would appropriately and adequately allow the incoming seismic waves to be introduced into the analysis section and absorb the seismic waves passing out of the analysis section.

Figure 6. Finite Difference Numerical Modeling Using FLAC 2D: Las Aguilas Section

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3.3 Results and Discussion The FLAC seismic deformation analyses were performed using the positive and negative polarities for each of the six input ground motions (or a total of 12 different time histories, or cases). In Table 3, results of the Las Aguilas analyses are summarized in terms of permanent seismically-induced displacements (horizontal and vertical) at the end of shaking for four different points along the crest and downstream slope. These points are upstream edge of the crest, top of core zone, downstream edge of the crest, and middle of downstream slope, as shown on the small graphic below the table.
Table 3. Seismically-Induced Deformations for Las Aguilas Full-Height Section Motion Polarity Positive Negative Positive Negative Positive Negative Positive Negative Positive Negative Positive Negative Upstream Crest Hor. Vert. -0.1 0.2 -0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 0 0.1 -0.2 0.1 -0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.1 0 0.1 -0.2 0.1 Displacements (m) Mid Downstream Crest Crest Hor. Vert. Hor. Vert. 1 2.2 2 1.1 0.9 2.3 1.8 0.8 0.6 1.2 0.8 0.3 0.7 1.2 1.1 0.5 0.7 1 1.3 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.3 0.6 0.1 1.2 0.1 0 0.2 1.2 0.2 0 0.1 1.1 0.2 0 0.2 1 0.3 0 0.2 0.8 0.2 0 -0.1 0.9 0 0.1 Mid Slope Hor. Vert. 1.4 0.8 1.2 0.7 0.8 0.5 0.8 0.5 1 0.6 1 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0

SLB1 SLB2 SLB3 INT1 INT2 INT3

Notes: Downstream movements are indicated with a positive number. Settlements are indicated with a positive number.

Only the analysis results for the SLB1 input motion of the full height geometry that gave the highest crest displacement are presented in this paper as the key example of the results. Figure 7 presents the input time histories and response spectrum for the SLB1 design motion. Figure 8 compares the response spectra of acceleration time histories computed at three points (i.e. upstream and downstream edges of the crest, and mid-height of downstream slope) using both equivalent linear QUAD4MU and equivalent linear FLAC, where no yielding is allowed in any of the zones (i.e. elastic response) and the modulus reduction and damping part of the FLAC analysis were assigned based on the results of the QUAD4MU analysis. Figure 8 indicates that the seismic responses of the FLAC analysis section induced by the SLB1 input motion appear reasonable for the purposes of calculating the seismic displacements.

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Figure 7. SLB1 Time Histories and Response Spectrum

Figure 8. Response Spectra Comparison at Various Points: FLAC versus QUAD4MU

Figure 9 shows the seismic displacement contours for the SLB1 case; seismic displacement vectors with numbers corresponding to the computed seismic displacements in meters are also shown for four points (i.e. upstream crest, top of core, downstream crest and near middle of the downstream slopes). The calculated seismic displacement values are not large, but there is a general trend of seismically-induced movements in a downstream direction. Additionally, the core is settling about 2 meters as a result of the movement of the upstream and downstream rockfill in opposite directions. This type of settlement in the core can likely be repaired after the earthquake. Figure 10 shows time histories of seismic displacements (horizontal) at the three selected points on the surface of the embankment, all for the SLB1 case. This figure illustrates how the post-earthquake permanent displacements have been accumulated throughout the duration of shaking. The combination of the results shown on Figure 9 and Figure 10 provides an appreciation of the computed seismic deformations within the embankment for this case.
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Based on the analysis results for the full height Las Aguilas section (Table 3), the displacements under slab events are higher than those under interface events.

Figure 9. Calculated Displacements at the end of shaking for Las Aguilas Full Height Section

Figure 10. Calculated Displacements Time Histories Las Aguilas Full Height Section

4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS To support the new Cerro Corona mine plan, MWH conceptually proposed and developed a design for TSF centerline dam with a central low permeability core to protect the nearby river. With maximum height of 170 meters, the proposed TSF dam is likely one of the highest centerline dams. The upstream stability of the low permeability core was of major concern. To increase the upstream stability of the core, a wide layer of rockfill was included on the upstream of the core. Detailed static and seismic analyses were performed to support this design. This paper presented the seismic deformation analyses performed to support the proposed centerline TSF dam design. The rationale and methodology behind the development of the material properties and time histories used as input for the models were also discussed.

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A total of three sections were analyzed under the postulated seismic loading namely: Las Aguilas, Las Gordas and La Hierba sections. However, this paper only presented the results for the Las Aguilas section with full height configuration which was the highest of the three. Las Aguilas section was analyzed for six different input motions (three slab events and three interface events). These input motions were developed specifically for the Cerro Corona site. Based on the results of the seismic analyses, the following conclusions can be made: Generally, the slab events resulted in larger displacements compared to the interface events. This was expected because the response spectra for the slab events were higher than that of the interface events. The combination of the Las Aguilas full-height section with SLB1 motion exhibited the largest displacements among all the modeled sections. The nature of the movements was primarily downstream with some settlement in the core. The maximum horizontal and vertical displacements of the dam were both calculated to be around 2 meters. The upstream and downstream rockfill exhibited movements in opposite directions that caused the core to settle about 2 meters, which is considered repairable should it occur. Because the values of seismic displacements induced by the evaluated events are relatively small and the dam is designed with a minimum of two meters of freeboard, the likelihood of total loss of freeboard, significant cracks forming in the crest and other areas, as well as loss of stability is considered low under the postulated design condition. 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to thank the Cerro Corona Mine and Gold Fields La Cima S.A.A. for the permission to publish this study. We also express our appreciation to the entire Cerro Corona team, whose collaboration and efforts have been fundamental to the success of this project. 6 REFERENCES
Corser P. and Rogers J. 2011. Design, Construction and Operation of a Centerline Rockfill Tailing Dam with Low Permeability Core Zone. Proceedings Tailings and Mine Waste 2011: Vancouver, BC, November 6 to 9, 2011. Darendeli, M.B. 2001. Development of a New Family of Normalized Modulus Reduction and Material Damping Curves, PhD Dissertation, University of Texas at Austin. Idriss I.M., Lysmer J.L., Hwang R., and Bolton Seed H. 1973. Quad-4: A Computer Program for Evaluating the Seismic Response of Soil Structures by Variable Damping Finite Element Procedures, EERC Report 73-16. Berkeley: University of California, Berkeley. ITASCA, 2000. Fast Lagrangian analysis of continua (FLAC), Version 4, Users Guide. Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., Thrasher Square East, 708 South Third Street, Suite 310, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ladd, C. 1991. Stability Evaluation During Staged Construction. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 117(4). Leps, T. 1970. Review of Shearing Strength of Rockfill. Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division, 96(SM4): 1159 1170. Menq, F. 2003. Dynamic Properties of Sandy and Gravelly Soils, PhD Dissertation, University of Texas at Austin.

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