Opencast Mining Design

The course presents the main principles of open pit planning and design. The main theoretical and practical topics that are involved in surface mining design are analysed. The course is mainly taught by means of software, namely AutoCAD and SURPAC mining software.

Objectives

The main aim of the course is for the student to get familiar with surface mining design. During the course the students learn the main theoretical and practical topics that are involved in surface mining design (slope grade, cut off grade, stripping ratio, etc.). At the end of the course the student is capable of producing a rational exploitation scheme, by means of software, taking into consideration financial, technical and safety issues.

Prerequisites

The information is not available.

Syllabus

Definitions. Characteristics of Open Pit Exploitation. Stripping Ratio. Methods Employed in the Main Production Phases (Excavation, Loading, Hauling, Waste Disposal). Effect of Slope Angle on the Economics of Exploitation. Slope Stability. Pit Limit Analysis. Production Scheduling. Special Cases: Lignite Mining, Alluvial Mining, Marble Quarries.