Development of a mine dewatering and pit slope depressurisation review process

Authors: Reano, E; Beale, G; Dowling, J; Tejada, LC; Lacey, M; Hazwezwe, H Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_85

Cite As:
Reano, E, Beale, G, Dowling, J, Tejada, LC, Lacey, M & Hazwezwe, H 2020, 'Development of a mine dewatering and pit slope depressurisation review process', in PM Dight (ed.), Slope Stability 2020: Proceedings of the 2020 International Symposium on Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1253-1266, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_85



Abstract:
Most major open pit mines eventually require some form of active depressurisation in order to support geomechanical performance. Often, the overall or inter-ramp factor or safety will only remain within acceptable bounds if specific groundwater levels and pore pressures are achieved during mine plan implementation. In an active mine, there is almost always risk that actual groundwater pressure conditions will not comply with the slope design requirements, which elevates the risk of slope instability. This paper reviews some of the main factors that can cause pit slope pore pressures to deviate from design and offers a framework for evaluation and management of risk in-pit-slope depressurisation programs along with practical examples.

Keywords: instability slope, groundwater pore pressures, review matrix

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