After detailing the first three conferences on the subject, even listing the papers, Hustrulid and all neglect to mention when and where the fourth, documented here, was held. Like the previous ones, it emphasized the stability of the rock slope itself in open-pit, or strip, mines, but also considers the stability of waste rock embankments, tailings dams, and heap leach facilities. Among the 49 topics are failure mechanisms for high slopes in hard rock, the Sur Sur Mine of Codelco's Andina Division, assessing embankment parameters, and managing tailings basin water. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Today, mines are being planned to reach depths of more than 1,100 meters, waste rock embankments have surpassed 600 meters in height, tailings dams have reached heights of 200 meters, and heap leach facilities have topped 150 meters. The push toward higher, deeper, and steeper, along with the larger and more productive equipment in use today, continues to test our tools and capabilities. Slope Stability in Surface Mining documents the progressive rise in technical understanding and sophistication in the field. Only be continuously collecting and exchanging information can design concepts, construction methods, monitoring strategies, and reclamation practices keep pace with the times. Slope Stability in Surface Mining creates a common platform on which to base correct, economical, and safe slope design and construction decisions.
