Thompson, JE & Witler, MH 2010, 'Computer aided earthmoving systems — mine reclamation in a digital age', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Mine Waste 2010: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on the Reduction of Risk in the Management of Tailings and Mine Waste, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 159-167, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1008_14_Witler
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1008_14_Witler/)
Abstract: Mine reclamation — the necessary component of a successful mine closeout. It is a task that does not 
generate profit for the mining company, but it can be one of the most visible examples of a mining company’s 
commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible mining. Therefore, it is paramount for mining 
companies to utilise technologies that allow for a complete, yet economical reclamation pursuit. Computer 
aided earthmoving systems (CAES) is a convenient tool that can allow mining companies to use large-scale 
mine equipment to successfully implement and complete massive earth moving projects such as tailings dam 
reclamation quickly and efficiently. Mine equipment that is no longer being used in active mining activities 
can be utilised for reclamation purposes, obviously reducing capital and potential operating costs, or saving 
the mining company millions of dollars in equipment rental fees. In addition, mining companies can self-
perform the reclamation work, keeping their workers employed and minimising expensive subcontractor 
costs. Finally, the CAES system drastically reduces the number of surveyors and grade checkers required to 
provide grade and design control for the reclamation work. This paper is based on experience reclaiming 
tailings and mine waste stockpiles using CAES in the western United States. Included in the discussion is a 
brief overview of the CAES system, its setup and implementation during reclamation, design considerations 
that enhance the usefulness of the CAES system, and various problems and solutions encountered and solved 
during its use. In the end it is demonstrated how CAES brings success to mine reclamation.