Abstract
This study examines the effects of slope geometry and Geo-mechanical parameters of tailing dumps at Enyigba mine, Nigeria. Fifty-two slopes were studied, with seven sampled for laboratory analysis. Correlation matrix and principal component analysis were employed in the data interpretations. The mechanical properties of the slope materials were investigated using geotechnical tests such as sieve analysis, Atterberg limits, compaction and undrained triaxial tests. Shear strength parameters generated from the triaxial tests were utilized in slope stability analysis executed with the Slope/W Geostudio software. Both statistical and slope stability methods suggested a combination of height and width (dimensions) has more significance on the stability of the dump slopes at Enyigba mine than slope angles (inclination). Height and width constituted 83.61% of the total variance data and represented 16.39%. Particle size distribution of the slope materials showed high percentage of fines. The computed factor of safety of the slopes ranged from 1.00 to 1.30, implying critical stability which indicates liability of the slopes to failure when predisposed to landslide triggering agents. Therefore, slope dimension optimization and stabilization are required on the tailing dumps at Enyigba to prevent severe landslide occurrence.
Highlights
The slope angle and height of dumps are very critical to mine economics because of shortage of horizontal space available for dumping and stability concerns
Field mapping and laboratory analyses of samples were the stages adopted in the course of this research
Tailing geotechnical properties The samples presented a wide range of heterogeneity in their geo-mechanical properties
Summary
Background The slope angle and height of dumps are very critical to mine economics because of shortage of horizontal space available for dumping and stability concerns. Increasing rate of mine activities in Enyigba has led to large dump accumulations formed in and around the mining areas. Mandal and Sengupta [40] noted that the internal mine dumps are often located close to active haul roads of the mine (Fig. 1a) and failure of these dumps may result in heavy loss of life and property. The failure of slopes can happen in either sudden or slow modes. The sudden failures which could be dangerous to humans and the environment usually follow extreme events such as large precipitations, earthquakes or volcanic activity. Research on management of mine waste dumps have increased since it has been established that the waste do play significant role in mine functioning and mining economics [63]
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