Rapid characterisation of potentially hazardous blocks in open pit mining

Abstract

The management of open pit mine slope stability analysis can be optimised by using all available data ranging from qualitative assessment of rock mass properties through to the results of sophisticated computer-based analyses. The choice of approach is typically based on both technical and resource constraints. In this paper we propose a practical method to manage design risks by understanding the potential structure-controlled failure mechanisms of a slope. In particular we emphasise that an understanding of the trustworthiness or level of confidence associated with the stability analysis is essential to manage the rock mass and to determine the appropriate amount of resources required.

Application of discrete fracture networks in mining and civil geomechanics

“…Siromodel analysis of kinematic stability of benches in open-pit mine (Elmouttie, Dean, Krähenbühl and Poropat 2014)…”