GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF RISK MANAGEMENT IN OIL SHALE MINING

The paper deals with risk management problems in Estonian oil shale mines. Investigations are focused oil application of the method to determination of the quality of geological data. Various factors relevant to mining technology in Estonian oil shale deposit have been determined. For risk estimation, the empirical and judgmental approaches and the event tree were used. They allow determining the probability of the occurrence of geological features and its influence on the mining process. Analysis of obtained results showed that it is necessary to elaborate special methods for determination of the geological conditions in the mining area. The obtained information affords specialists to improve the quality of geological information and consequently the mine work efficiency. The analysis shows that the used method is applicable in conditions of Estonian oil shale industry. The results of the investigation are of particular interest for practical purposes.