Interactive tool to design and visualise slope geometries for open pit mining and civil engineering applications
Note: Slope parameters are based on North American terminology (after Read & Stacey, 2009).
Adjust the parameters above to modify the mine slope configuration.
Overall Slope Angle
55°
Overall Slope Height
30.0 m
Total Horizontal Distance
20.9 m
Mine slope design is the process of determining the optimal geometry of pit walls in open pit mining operations. A well-designed slope balances safety and stability concerns with economic objectives by maximising ore recovery while minimising waste rock removal. The design involves configuring multiple elements including bench height, bench width, batter face angle (BFA), and overall slope angle (OSA). Together, these parameters determine how steep or flat a mine slope will be, which directly impacts both safety and operational economics.
Effective slope design requires understanding these critical parameters:
The vertical distance between bench floors. Typically ranges from 5-20 meters, depending on equipment size and rock mass characteristics.
The horizontal distance between successive bench face crests. Provides working space for equipment and serves as a catchment area for rockfalls.
The angle of the individual bench face from horizontal.
The angle measured from horizontal to a line connecting the toe and crest of the entire multi-bench slope.
This mine slope geometry calculator is useful for:
While designing mine slopes requires detailed geotechnical analysis, our interactive calculator helps you visualise and explore different geometric configurations. It enables mining engineers, geotechnical engineers, and students to quickly experiment with various parameters and see their impact on the overall slope. This visual approach makes it easier to communicate design concepts and develop an intuitive understanding of how each parameter affects the final geometry.
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