Design and construction of a real-time slope monitoring system for open pit mines

Abstract

In today's current global scenario in open pit mining, the basic question in every mining operator's mind, considering the continuous increase of slope instability issues in the recent past, is mostly about slope safety and stability. Slope stability is a crucial aspect of open pit mining, as it directly affects the safety of mine workers and the overall efficiency of mining operations. The prevention of slope failures can result in significant economic losses and environmental damage. The only thought haunting every mining operator is when they will be able to ensure the stability of their slopes in real-time, without worrying about potential failures, which can be triggered by changes in the depth and width of discontinuities/cracks. This project describes the design and construction of a real-time monitoring system for open pit mines, a case study of Namekara Mining Company Limited. The system utilizes ultrasonic sensors to detect and monitor changes in the depth and width of discontinuities/cracks and triggers audio signals via a buzzer, visual alerts via LEDs, and SMS alerts via GSM when certain thresholds on depth and width are exceeded. By providing real-time monitoring and alerts, this system aims to prevent slope failures, enhance slope safety, ensure the overall stability of open pit mines, and support informed decision-making by mine operators and authorities. The first chapter comprises the introduction, which clearly shows the problem statement, the objectives of the study, the background, and scope of the study. The second chapter comprises the literature review which elaborately shows how different mines and companies have handled the problem of slope failure around the world including the various monitoring systems that have been implemented to address this problem. The third chapter is comprised of the methodology that this study seeks to apply. It elaborates on how the data collection will be done, how the data collected will be analyzed, and how they analyze the data will be utilized in design and construction of a real time slope monitoring system. The fourth chapter includes the results and discussions of every specific objective. Chapter five involves the conclusion, challenges, and recommendations.