Join us at the Manganese/Chrome Ores, EMD, EMM and Ferroalloys summit from 18-19 December, 2024 in Kolkata. The summit is organised by Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI). This Summit will bring together manganese/chrome ore and alloy producers, consumers, technology suppliers, as well as many others interested in the future of these commodities, to discuss technological developments, legislative issues, research and market trends.
Join Dr. Sujit Roy, Principal Consultant (Engineering Geology), Avijit Bhunia, Senior Consultant (Mine Geotechnics) and Jayeeta Dey, Consultant (Engineering Geology), for an insightful presentation on the Pit slope design in weak rocks: experience from Sukinda chromite valley, India.
SRK Session
Pit slope design in weak rocks: experience from Sukinda chromite valley, India
Sukinda chromite valley, India’s largest chromite deposit, consists of six chromitite bands mined through open pits. The ultramafic host rock is weathered into weak, clay-rich limonitic rockmass (~1-5 MPa strength), leading to shallow pit slopes and ore sterilization. Geotechnical audits undertaken by SRK identified potential for slope steepening, however, conventional methods were inadequate due to challenges with weak rock sampling. Extensive site characterization followed by numerical groundwater and geotechnical models, showed that near-surface monsoon water tables significantly reduced stability. Horizontal drains improved conditions, achieving the required factor of safety, and optimized slope designs were implemented, extending the mine’s life. The study presents case studies demonstrating effective slope management strategies, such as the use of horizontal drains and slope stability radar, to improve safety and operational efficiency.
