Enhancement of mechanical stability of waste dump slope through establishing vegetation in a surface iron ore mine

Abstract

The mechanical stability of waste dump is important from the economic and safety points of view. Re-vegetation is the most popular and eco-friendly approach to stabilize the waste dumps. However, not many studies address this concern and support the type of vegetation to be carried out on these waste dump slopes. This study has therefore explored the possibilities of using local species for the mechanical stability of the waste dump in surface iron ore mine for long tern protection of the environment. Commonly available local species those are likely to fit into the ecosystem and adapt quickly to the climate have been used for vegetation in the waste dump in the present study. The increased shear strength of the vegetated waste dump is determined by carrying out in situ field tests. A shear box (0.15×0.15×0.15 m) specifically designed and fabricated was used to determine the increased mechanical stability of the vegetated waste dump on the surface iron mine. From the analysis of in situ field data, it is concluded that the mechanical stability of waste dump has significantly improved with the application of local species as vegetation on the waste dump, with a possibility of extending its role towards maintaining long term stability.