Strip mining
Strip mines are one of the most common surface mining methods. The major difference between strip mines and conventional open pits, is the horizontal mining progression versus the generally vertical mining progression of open pits. Strip mines are generally associated with the mining of bulk minerals and ongoing waste roll-over back into the mined-out void.
We specialise in defining the techno-economic mining limits of strip mines, based on proprietary software that we have developed in-house over the years, or commercial software such as Dassault Systems Whittle. Our client base for strip mining methods is mostly situated on the coal fields of Southern Africa, the bauxite deposits of Western Africa and the Southern and Northern African phosphate and potash deposits.
The overlying principle of this method is that a boxcut is developed up to the technoeconomic floor of the pit, with the overburden material moved to a position that considers effective mine closure. From here, the overburden material is backfilled to the mining void to save cost and allow for mine closure to a post-mining topography, which reinstates original ground levels, or to a state that closely resembles the pre-mining conditions and water drainage channels. This allows for a sustainable, safe and environmentally responsible state of mine closure.