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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
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$sible folding) metamorphism)
Dis~eminoted Mas:;ive Unde<ground channels ond Poor/poor Hydrethermol ores (porphyry
mullifoceted odvence coopers and sul~des)
Vein (can be reheeled) Tabulor~ndined (pipe., Mejor underground chonnel. Peor to good/good Hydrotharmol ore. Iperphyry
chimney shoots] I~ssures), gcuge, ollerolion Ireheal) coppers ond sulf¡des)
Evaporites Tabutar.flal.thick Interior drainoge Gaod/good Sclt, phasphales
Sedimentary Ibedded) Tabulor.flo~thick Shellow seas Geod/good limestone, sandstone
Metomorphic Tobulor.flol.thick Dynamic and/or thermal Good/good Morble, slate
Igneous Imagnetic) Massive Plutoni:: emplocement Good/good Granite, bcsolt, diobese
Tabular
Flat Necr 5urfc::e Low Onsite Hydraulic, sceop, dig Placers--hydrosluicing, dredging.
solulion-ol depth
ShoUow Moderole Ca.1 Scoop, dig, light bias! Open ccst ($tripj~rea, ccntoer,
mountain top