Study of the Effect of Floor Inclination on Stability of Waste Dumps-A Case Study of an Iron Ore Mine
摘要
Implementing efficient and appropriate waste dump designs in open-cast mines is of utmost importance to prevent incidents or accidents associated with dump failures. The open-pit project is influenced by safety considerations and the techno-economic viability, resulting in major implications. Recently, several incidents involving errors in dump management have transpired, leading to significant financial repercussions. Most dump failures may be attributed to faulty design, inadequate monitoring practices, substandard construction, and insufficient maintenance. The current need is to develop an optimal design for dumps that maximises their capacity since the area for waste rock disposal is limited. Various critical factors, such as the shear strength of waste rock, the existence of any weak interface or material, the dumping technique employed, the bearing capacity of the underlying floor rock and its slope, the presence of water, and the impact of seismic or short-term stresses resulting from blasting activities, including the configuration of the dump, significantly influence the design considerations for waste dumps and have a profound impact on their long-term stability. This research examines the impact of floor inclination on the stability of waste dumps in an iron ore mine in a hilly region. The analysis is conducted using Flac Slope software. The authors examined the stability of dumps on an inclined floor and investigated various floor inclinations while maintaining a constant dump capacity. In the concluding sections, the writers emphasised the need to adhere to the Safe Operating Procedure while establishing the waste dump. They put forward suggestions to enhance the mine's overall safety standards.