The in situ rock mass rating system – IRMR - leading to the mining rock mass rating system - MRMR - for jointed rock masses has been used (and abused) in mining operations around the world for the past 27 years.
Despite the recent development of elaborate design procedures and computer-aided design packages, MRMR remains one of the most versatile and practical mine design systems available.
It is important to realise that the rock mass classification system should not be replaced but rather complemented by more sophisticated and detailed design procedures. The classification system is not only the ‘crude’ method used for initial assessment (as described in some geotechnical literature) but also in many respects a very effective and practical engineering tool. MRMR could, and should be used during the entire stage of mine life as an integral part of the design process.
The objectives of this paper are to illustrate using practical case histories from the past decade, some of the pitfalls of the MRMR classification system, to clarify certain misconceptions in its application and update its mining application.
