ABSTRACT
The rapid assessment of rock slope stability is required at many stages during the life of an open pit operation. The results of each assessment of stability may have significant production implications where changes to the existing configuration have to be made. The question of displacement monitoring of slopes and the optimal design of the required network should be conducted in direct association with the assessment of stability. The use of the Mining Rock Mass Classification (MRMR) System to determine the initial overall recommended slope angle for a particular design material can provide the means of carrying out rapid assessments in-situ. The results of such rapid assessments can highlight for existing open pit operations where the areas of varying risk are situated or where they are likely to be encountered. The subsequent design and optimisation of a slope monitoring network can therefore be assisted with this level of understanding relating to the slope classification and characterisation.
