Quarry Design
Designing a maximum pit is often the starting point of quarry design. This simplistic model provides the maximum crest limit and working depth of an excavation, providing a boundary structure within which the resource estimate is undertaken.

With the maximum pit design in place (and a viable resource estimate), then the next phase of detailed 3D design work can be undertaken, specifically of phased stages of the operation. Phasing may be according to years (for example with a hard rock operation with significant life span) or may relate to working areas, delineated by roads etc., or by higher/lower quality mineral. Phasing is individual to each site and is influenced by a myriad of factors.

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When designing each phase of the operation, from the initial breaking of ground to exhausting the resource, mineral and waste volumes are calculated (and influence the phasing design), ensuring a suitable balance and the ability to handle waste throughout the site’s life.

Design work can be undertaken with a long term view where the entire life of the operation is considered and phased, through to a short term view, for example showing blast designs required to turn a face.

Restoration design to return the exhausted site back to a viable land area is a further design stage and again is often carried out in conjunction with other specialists, to try to ensure maximum return from the land for all stakeholders.

ROCK OPTIONS is experienced in these various stages of 3D quarry and restoration design using the LSS software, and in working alongside other specialists to produce the most considered designs, taking all relevant aspects into account.