After going through this lecture you will be able to 1. list and define stripping ratios (K, C) 2.

calculate various stripping ratios for given situations (C, Ap) 3. explain the influence of stripping ratios on planning decisions (A, S) 4. assess the most economic method of mineability of a deposit by surface mining or underground mining from the limiting stripping ratio (A, S, E)

1.4 Stripping Ratio Stripping ratio is defined as the ratio of the Overburden/Cover Rock / Waste Rock to the ore body. The various stripping ratios that are used in surface mining are the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Volumetric / geometric strippling ratio Break even stripping ration Limiting stripping ratio Instantaneous stripping ratio Cumulative/ average stripping ratio Overall Stripping ratio Incremental stripping ratio

Geometric / Volumetric stripping ratio (VSR):

In case of horizontal or flat bedded deposits VSR becomes same as thickness ratio (TR).

In case of simultaneous back filling thickness ratio helps in knowing whether the backfilled surface will be lower than, equal to or above the pre-mined land surface level. Break even stripping ratio (BESR) In case of coal deposits,

In case of other deposits,

BESR helps in determining the pit limit. Example: Selling cost of coal per te : Rs 2500/Mining and preparation cost per te: Rs 500/Overburden Handling cost per cubic meter: Rs 100/-

Calculate the BESR. Limiting stripping ratio (LSR) In case of Coal deposits,

In case of other deposits,

Where, PSM: Profit earned in Rs/te of ore or coal by surface mining PUGM: Profit earned in Rs/te of ore or coal by underground mining LSR indicates for a given deposit when to switch over from surface mining to underground mining for higher profitability. Instantaneous stripping ratio (ISR) In case of coal deposits,

In case of other deposits,

ISR helps in: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Assessing the yearly cash flow Equipment planning and scheduling Manpower planning Different calendar planning Waste dump planning

Cumulative/ Average stripping ratio (ASR) In case of coal deposits,

In case of other deposits,

Average stripping ratio will indicate the economic viability up to the given instant. This also helps in waste dump planning. Overall stripping ratio (OSR) In case of coal deposits,

In case of other deposits,

OSR will provide information regarding overall economic viability of the mine, additionally it helps in waste dump planning. Incremental stripping ratio (InSR) InSR is the change in the stripping ratio from year to year, i.e., yearly change in the ISR.