Geotechnical

Aspects of
Mine Design
Surface Mining
• Surface mines comprise of designing
multiple slopes, berms, benches etc.
• All design aspects are governed by
location and size of ore, cut off grade
and geotechnical aspects such as:
• In-situ stresses
• Geotechnical properties
• Rock mass characterization
• Optimized design will help
sustainability of the mining
operation
Underground Mining
• Underground mining methods, design
of openings, material handling,
ventilation system, economics are part
of mine design
• All underground openings need
detailed study of geotechnical aspects
• Selection of mining method is also
dependent on detailed geotechnical
study