GEOTECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AND BENCH FACE ANGLE OF THE ELLATZITE OPEN-PIT MINE, BULGARIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The paper presents a geotechnical investigation of the structural integrity of the Ellatzite open-pit mine and considers the achieved bench face angle, while looking at the final geometry shaping of the bench face. The study shows that the influence of the lithology, rock mass structure, mining technology and water saturation of the bench faces is of crucial importance for achieving a long-term sustainability of the mine benches. Therefore, some efforts need to be made to optimise the technological processes in the mine, as well as to drain precipitated and groundwater away from the slopes, by maintaining an effective and appropriate drainage and dewatering system.

Keywords

• open pit mine