Mining Methods classificotion System 351

CLASSIFYING SURFACE MINING METHODS Depth Reloted to Excavating Technique and Stripping
Depth .Related to Inclination Ratio
Because of the effects of weathering and stress release, exca-
The surface mining classification, although based on the cru-
vating becomes more difficult and expensive with depth,
cial ability to cast waste material rather thao to haul it, has
following a continuum from hydraulic action and scooping
other fe atures. These are primarily based on the depth of fue
through to blasting (Hartman 1987)
deposit being a function of its inclination. Flat seams tend to
As a matter of definition, the stripping ratio (rat.o of
be shallow, aod casting is possiblc; steep aod massive deposits
waste to mineral) usually incrcases with dcpth. Howevcr,
trend lo depth. Frorn this, a number of relationships result.
the relatively inexpensive handling of waste near the surface
by casting tends to mitigate this increase, permitting higher
ratios, Tbe use of mobile, cross-pit, high-angle conveying
Toble 6.2-7 Rocks classified by strenglh allows greater pit dcpths and, along with the mineral value,
also infiuences this ratio.
Cla •• Compreuive Str ••ngth Examples

Weak ••41.3 MPa 16,000 psi) Ccc], weathered rack,

Surface Mining Clessificerien System
alluvium
Based on the Ioregoing factors, a surface mining c1assification
Moderale 41.3-137.9 MPa Shole, scndslcee, Ílmestcne.
has been developed (Table 6.2-9). The classification incorpo-
16,OO~20,OOO psiJ ,chist
rates information dependen; on the intrinsic characleristics of
Evoporiles, disseminated
the geometry of the deposit. Quarrying appears to be anorna-
depasit
lous because of (1) relativcly steeper pit slopes, (2) special-
Strong 137.9-206.8 MPo Metomorphic, igneous, veins,
120.00~30,OOO psi) morble, .Iate
ized means of excavating and handling, and (3) less critical
amount of overburden. "Glory hole" mining or its equivalcnt
Very,'rong ",206.8 MPa (30,000 psi) Quortzile, bosalt, diobose
is making a comcback in vcry deep open pits using inclined

Table 6.2-8 Deposits reIated lo geometry, genesis, and slrenglh (in arder of induration)
Slrength and Sliffne •• ,
Oeposils Type Geometry Genesis Deposill Country RocIc Examples

A1luvium (plocers) Tobulor.flol Surfoce-streom odion deposition Poar/poor Send and gravel; precious metels
Ifen., delta., meenders, braids) end slone, Itin)
Erosion surfoce (swomps) Tebulor-flol ond thin Swemps (possible dynemic Peor/peor lo good Cool
IpO$sible folding) metamorphism)
Dis~eminoted Mas:;ive Unde<ground channels ond Poor/poor Hydrethermol ores (porphyry
mullifoceted odvence coopers and sul~des)
Vein (can be reheeled) Tabulor~ndined (pipe., Mejor underground chonnel. Peor to good/good Hydrotharmol ore. Iperphyry
chimney shoots] I~ssures), gcuge, ollerolion Ireheal) coppers ond sulf¡des)
Evaporites Tabutar.flal.thick Interior drainoge Gaod/good Sclt, phasphales
Sedimentary Ibedded) Tabulor.flo~thick Shellow seas Geod/good limestone, sandstone
Metomorphic Tobulor.flol.thick Dynamic and/or thermal Good/good Morble, slate
Igneous Imagnetic) Massive Plutoni:: emplocement Good/good Granite, bcsolt, diobese

Table 6.2-9 Clossificofion of surface mining methods

Excavation
Shap e , Depasit
Altitud. Idip) charactaristia Slripping Ratio Wast. Handling Excavalion Mining Method

Tabular
Flat Necr 5urfc::e Low Onsite Hydraulic, sceop, dig Placers--hydrosluicing, dredging.
solulion-ol depth
ShoUow Moderole Ca.1 Scoop, dig, light bias! Open ccst ($tripj~rea, ccntoer,
mountain top

Inclined Moderote Moderote [rerncve Need highwall Auger Auger

hanging woll)
Haul 110 wasle dump) Blost Open pit
Decp High [removc both Haul 110 waste dvmp) Open pit
honging woll and
footwalls)
Sow, jet pierce (¡oinl.) Quarry
Massi,,~ FuI! range Depends en depth Hcul ñe wasle dump) Open pil; glory hole

Note: In·,ilu mining is alwoys possible.