Slope monitoring plan and risk management process- Case study: Chadormalu open pit mine

ABSTRACT: A comprehensive understanding of the risks and the implementation of suitable control operations are crucial for the effective management of unstable walls in large open pit mines. The Chadormalu mine is divided into five domains. Domain 1 is of paramount importance, as reducing the slope is not a viable option. The wall is situated on a substantial portion of the ore, in conjunction with structures and power towers. The analysis, which attributes the properties of the tectonized zone to the unstable regions, yields results that closely align with the actual conditions. Consequently, the implementation of the TARP program and monitoring system effectively addressed the instability. This strategy facilitated mitigation with minimal associated costs and risks. Nevertheless, the potential loss of 2 million tons of waste remains a concern. To address this, a numerical analysis of the finite element was conducted, focusing exclusively on the primary structures, according to the Moher-Columb criterion. A comprehensive examination of the area revealed wedge-shaped collapses, as well as plane ruptures and block toppling failure.