Investigate and establish bench parameters for re-design of Tororo limestone quarry.

Abstract

This final year research project aimed at investigating and establishing bench parameters for re-design of Tororo limestone quarry. Design of open pit slope angles is more important as the depths of open pits continuously increases. Small changes in the overall pit slope angles have large consequences on the overall economy of the mining operation. Tororo quarry has comparable geological formations along the carbonatite complex, for this reason detailed fieldwork was performed to determine the properties (spacing, roughness, weathering, karst etc.) of the discontinuities of the rock slope in the study area. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of rock samples obtained from the study area were tested in the laboratory. The stability of the slope was assessed using orientation-independent slope stability probability classification (SSPC) system in order to determine maximum slope height. The re-design geotechnical parameters were determined using both empirical mathematical equations and the existing equipment in Tororo quarry. The research also gives the logical conclusion inferred from the research activities and goes ahead to give recommendations based observations, empirical and analytical data.