Evaluation and Risk Analysis of Open-Pit Mining Operations

Abstract

Mining of raw materials is a process that consists of several stages. In open-pit mining, material with high compressive strength is extracted by drilling and blasting and material with low compressive strength is extracted by e. g. a bucket wheel excavator. Most important influencing factors for crusher decision are compressive strength, moisture content, capacity of crusher, abrasiveness, and feed size. Depending on sequence of mining, fixed, semi-fixed, semi-mobile, or fully-mobile crusher stations can be applied. Compressive strength, tensile strength, cleavage, fracture behaviour, and stickiness are the most significant influencing factors for bucket wheel excavator selection. The waste removal and dumping associated with mining must be handled very well, so that the environmental impacts are as low as possible and dump stability is guaranteed. Essential are dump foundation properties, design of dump, and construction of dump. Open-pit mining operations harbour risks which can lead to project delays, operation standstill, injury to personnel, damage to equipment, or negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, risk identification and prevention of risks is essential.