24-MMP-A5 Surface Mining Methods and Design, December 2018, Q16

Question 16 of 27

Nivaar worked solution (AI-drafted; not reviewed by a licensed engineer)

Notes on this paper

Paper: Surface Mining Methods and Design (09-MMP-A5), National Exam, December 2018 — 20 pages, compulsory Question 1 (40 marks, parts 1.1–1.8) plus THREE of five optional Questions 2–6 (20 marks each) normally constitute a complete paper. As a study resource, this solution answers Question 1 in full AND all five optional Questions 2–6.

Reference texts: Hustrulid, Kuchta & Martin, Open Pit Mine Planning and Design (3rd ed.) — truck-shovel match factor, dragline stripping geometry, capital cost indexes, open-pit scheduling; SME Mining Engineering Handbook (3rd ed.) — equipment costing, mine dewatering, cost-index escalation.

Question 3.7 spoil pile swell (1 mark)

Question text not reproduced: the examination questions are © Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Open the official past paper (linked at the top of this page) to read the question, then follow the worked solution below.

Given. Bank (in-situ) volume V _bank=10 m³; swell factor S=0.25.

Find. Loose (spoil) volume after excavation.

Apply the swell factor. $$V_{loose} = V_{bank}(1+S) = 10 \times (1+0.25)$$ $$\boxed{V_{loose} = 12.5\text{ m}^3}$$

Item	Result
Loose spoil volume from 10 m³ bank	12.5 m³