Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist

This comprehensive open pit mine slope stability monitoring checklist ensures regulatory compliance with MSHA, 30 CFR 56.3200, LOP Project Guidelines, ISRM. Weekly geotechnical slope stability inspection for open pit mines covering bench condition, instrumentation readings, groundwater levels, and blast damage assessment per MSHA 30 CFR Part 56 and international best practice guidelines from the Large Open Pit (LOP) Project. Slope failures are among the leading causes of fatalities in surface mi

  • Industry: Mining & Quarrying
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 35 minutes
  • Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
  • Total Items: 19
  • Compliance: MSHA, 30 CFR 56.3200, LOP Project Guidelines, ISRM

Visual Slope and Bench Inspection

Inspect slope conditions per MSHA 30 CFR 56.3200.

  • Has slope crest been inspected for new tension cracks or widening of existing cracks indicating slope movement?
  • Are bench faces free of overhanging or loose rock that could fall onto working areas below?
  • Are signs of raveling, spalling, or surface deterioration documented and tracked?
  • Are seeps or wet areas on slope face identified and reported to geotechnical engineer?
  • Are haul road and access road edges in good condition with no sloughing or erosion undercutting the road?
  • Are exclusion zones in place below areas of known instability per geotechnical engineer direction?

Geotechnical Instrumentation Readings

Read and evaluate instruments per monitoring plan.

  • Have survey prism readings been taken per monitoring schedule and compared to baseline?
  • If movement exceeds trigger action response level (TARL), have required actions been initiated?
  • Have piezometer readings been recorded and compared to trigger levels for groundwater management?
  • If slope radar is deployed, is system operational and alarms set at appropriate thresholds?
  • Are all instrumentation readings logged in geotechnical database with date, time, and collector name?

Groundwater and Drainage Management

Verify drainage controls critical to slope stability.

  • Are slope dewatering pumps operational and maintaining groundwater below critical piezometric levels?
  • Are bench drainage ditches clear and directing water away from slope face effectively?
  • Are crest drainage swales preventing surface water infiltration into slope materials?
  • Are horizontal drain holes discharging freely and drain locations mapped for ongoing maintenance?

Blast Damage Assessment

Assess post-blast slope condition per mining geotechnical standards.

  • Is post-blast inspection of slope conducted before resuming operations in proximity to blast area?
  • Is presplit or trim blast quality (half-barrel traces) evaluated to assess blast damage to final walls?
  • Are powder factor and burden/spacing within geotechnical engineer design to minimize over-break?
  • Is geotechnical engineer notified of any significant blast-induced damage or observed slope movement?

Related Mining Quarrying Checklists

Related Geotechnical Safety Checklists

Why Use This Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist?

This open pit mine slope stability monitoring checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with MSHA, 30 CFR 56.3200, LOP Project Guidelines, ISRM. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 4 sections: Visual Slope and Bench Inspection, Geotechnical Instrumentation Readings, Groundwater and Drainage Management, Blast Damage Assessment. It is designed for mining & quarrying operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 35 minutes.

Who should use this Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager professionals in the mining & quarrying industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists