Geotechnical study for optimizing the slope design of a deep open-pit mine, India

The study was undertaken to determine the optimal overall slope angle of a lead-zinc mine, which could extend down to a depth of 170 m. Detailed geotechnical investigations were conducted, including geotechnical mapping of existing benches to establish the geometrical and mechanical properties of the discontinuities, the drilling of eight boreholes and the establishment of the physico-mechanical properties of the intact rock. Based on these data, limit equilibrium and numerical simulation techniques were applied to assess the stability of the slopes and determine an optimal slope angle. It was concluded that the overall foot-wall and hanging-wall slopes should be 42 and 48 respectively.