Abstract
Regrading for Reclamation of Mine Sites Using Spatial Analyst
Track: Mining and Geosciences
Author(s): Josiah Gerber, Brett Bingham
When reclaiming existing mine sites steep slopes in on waste rock dumps and other facilities must be regraded to a more natural and stable post-mining configuration. These steep slopes are generally built at the angle of repose (AOR) which is about 1.5 horizontal units for every 1 vertical unit (1.5H:1V). The regrade slope is determined by the type of material being regraded and government regulation, and is generally about 3 horizontal units for every 1 vertical unit (3H:1V). Currently the regrade design is determined through a system of “guess and check”. Using Esri Spatial Analyst Extension a tool was created to find the most cost effective regrade configuration of the AOR slope. The tool accounts for distances regrade equipment will be required to push the material, changes in the material volume during regrade (bulking factor), and other factors that affect the cost and effectiveness of regrading.
Josiah Gerber
SRK Consulting
5250 Neil Road, Suite 300
Reno , Nevada 89502
United States
Phone: (775)934-9084
Fax: (775)828-6802
E-mail: jgerber@srk.com
Brett Bingham
SRK Consulting
1250 Lamoille Hwy, Suite 520
Elko , Nevada 89801
United States
Phone: (775)753-4151
Fax: (775)753-4152
E-mail: bbingham@srk.com