Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1 Amirkabir University of Technology, Mining Engineering Dept, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Amirkabir University of Technology, Mining Engineering Dept, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The demand for raw material mining is growing, particularly in surface mining like open-pit mines. Waste removal and dump of these waste materials, typically outside the pit, are crucial but expensive and amenable to environmental hazards. In-pit dumping (IPD) is an effective way to reduce waste movement and transportation costs. The process of restoring the environment after mining operations can be costly. However, IPD is a method that not only restores the mine environment but also reduces the overall cost of mining. While commonly used in coal mining (open cast mining), IPD is now being considered for metal deposits in open-pit mines. This research explores the factors influencing IPD implementation in open-pit mines, including geometric factors such as the dimensions of the orebody, overburden, and the ratio of horizontal extent to vertical extent. A case study of an iron ore mine showed that 51% of waste could be dumped inside the pit, but operational constraints limited this to 26%. An alternative calculation, based on two-dimensional sections and geometric analysis, yields a potential of 45% due to limitations in the model presented. Despite model limitations, this study provides a strong basis for further research in this area.
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