Justification of Pitwall Parameters: A Case-Study of Koktaszhal Deposit, Kazakhstan

The article describes a technical approach to justification of pitwall parameters based on an integrated geomechanical research of pitwall rock mass using cores from specially drilled earth bores. The sizes of structural blocks, the rock mass quality index and structural weakness coefficient are determined. The strength characteristics of rocks and their physical properties are studied on a laboratory scale. Estimates of pitwall stability using different methods show a good agreement. The optimal pitwall parameters are recommended.