Mine engineers face numerous challenges when designing haul roads and dump structures. It is common for open cut mines to be dug on benches with the walls of the pit dug at angles less than vertical. The steps in the walls may help prevent rock falls continuing down the entire face of the wall, but in some instances additional wall face support is required. Depending on the type of rock and degree of weathering, the use of geotechnical solutions can minimise damage and danger from rock falls.

Similarly dump walls (or dump structures) are widely used in mining operations to create a stable platform from which heavily laden trucks can tip their loads into a primary crusher. The large amount of rock found on most mine sites is ideal for use in the packing of a mechanically stablised earth system.

The various configurations of geotechnical solutions offer benefits that are ideally suited to the sometimes remote, harsh and demanding environments that are encountered at most sites. For example, modular systems allow for relatively quick and easy installation and corrosion resistant coatings ensure optimum performance and long term design strength.

Maccaferri NZ offer a range of products that, when used in conjunction with the soil materials, have the ability to retain, protect and reinforce.