9
• This also provides the opportunity to explain what
adverse conditions should be identified and com-
municated if observed prior to slope instability
developing.
• The regular communication and joint field inspec-
tions between mine operations and mine engineering
can be used to train operation personnel to under-
stand what to look for that may need further investi-
gation and analysis by technical staff.
• Helps all involved know “why” changes to geology
can be important if they were not considered in the
design basis for stability.
• Approach the mining activity with observational
inspection and monitoring to tie the actual obser-
vations back to the design assumptions and analysis
parameters.
• These observations can lead to additional geology,
geotechnical, and hydrology investigations if vari-
ability is identified as mining advances.
• Ongoing observations/inspections not just “work-
place” inspections. Things to document include:
• Structural features on highwall
• Small scale failures from one pit to another
• Water seepage on highwall
• Consider incorporating quantitative slope move-
ment monitoring and groundwater elevation moni-
toring instrumentation or systems.
• These can supplement by quantifying changes in
condition, to understand the degree of change, as
well as identify ranges that are safe vs. unsafe for
mining activities.
• Document, map, and track potential adverse geo-
logical conditions as mining advances.
• An instability may not develop upon the initial
occurrence or exposure, but in the future, as more
area is excavated during mining.
• This precursor information may help identify geo-
logic trends across multiple pits that should be
mitigated.
• Regular review of scan survey data to look for devia-
tions in spoil or highwall slopes which may indicate
changing conditions.
The items are not an exhaustive nor detailed list. The intent
is for each site to consider what may apply to their location,
or what items could be readily implemented into on-going
operations and planning.
REFERENCES
Mesri, G. and Shahien, M. 2003. Residual Shear Strength
Mobilized in First-Time Slope Failures. Journal of
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering,
Vol. 129, Issue 1 (January 2003).
Stark, T.D. and Eid, H.T. 1994. Drained Residual Strength
of Cohesive Soils. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering,
ASCE, Vol. 120, No. 5, May 1994, pp. 856–871.
• This also provides the opportunity to explain what
adverse conditions should be identified and com-
municated if observed prior to slope instability
developing.
• The regular communication and joint field inspec-
tions between mine operations and mine engineering
can be used to train operation personnel to under-
stand what to look for that may need further investi-
gation and analysis by technical staff.
• Helps all involved know “why” changes to geology
can be important if they were not considered in the
design basis for stability.
• Approach the mining activity with observational
inspection and monitoring to tie the actual obser-
vations back to the design assumptions and analysis
parameters.
• These observations can lead to additional geology,
geotechnical, and hydrology investigations if vari-
ability is identified as mining advances.
• Ongoing observations/inspections not just “work-
place” inspections. Things to document include:
• Structural features on highwall
• Small scale failures from one pit to another
• Water seepage on highwall
• Consider incorporating quantitative slope move-
ment monitoring and groundwater elevation moni-
toring instrumentation or systems.
• These can supplement by quantifying changes in
condition, to understand the degree of change, as
well as identify ranges that are safe vs. unsafe for
mining activities.
• Document, map, and track potential adverse geo-
logical conditions as mining advances.
• An instability may not develop upon the initial
occurrence or exposure, but in the future, as more
area is excavated during mining.
• This precursor information may help identify geo-
logic trends across multiple pits that should be
mitigated.
• Regular review of scan survey data to look for devia-
tions in spoil or highwall slopes which may indicate
changing conditions.
The items are not an exhaustive nor detailed list. The intent
is for each site to consider what may apply to their location,
or what items could be readily implemented into on-going
operations and planning.
REFERENCES
Mesri, G. and Shahien, M. 2003. Residual Shear Strength
Mobilized in First-Time Slope Failures. Journal of
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering,
Vol. 129, Issue 1 (January 2003).
Stark, T.D. and Eid, H.T. 1994. Drained Residual Strength
of Cohesive Soils. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering,
ASCE, Vol. 120, No. 5, May 1994, pp. 856–871.