ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the rock slope engineering of open pit mines that requires careful application and adaptation of the full range of tools. In open pit mining, the optimum slope design is usually one that maximizes overall slope angles and minimizes the amount of waste stripping. Most open pit mines are developed using benches that are designed to contain and control rock falls and small failures. At the same time, it must effectively manage the risk of overall slope instability, and provide for safe and efficient movement of personnel, equipment and materials during mining operations. Estimates of intact rock strength, discontinuity shear strength and general rock mass competency were developed from geomechanical core logging, point load testing, and laboratory unconfined compressive strength and direct shear testing. Weak rock mass conditions can occur in many types of ore deposits, especially where ore deposition is associated with alteration or complex structural zones.
