The application of failure method probability for analyzing in pit dump stability at West Block ‘X’ pit PT Berau Coal - East Kalimantan

Abstract

West Block 'X' pit is one of the coal mining locations operated by the Lati Mine Operation – PT Berau Coal. Administratively, the Lati Mine is located as part of Berau Regency – East Kalimantan. The study area is located at the north side of the concession, in a syncline fold structure zone. The disposal design in this area needs to special attention from slope stability aspect due it is located on the wing of a mega syncline with a certain slope and constituent of unconsolidated materials. The pit design needs to be stable. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of stability of the in-pit dump by analyzing the current in-pit dump stability based on the value of the safety factor (FS) and the probability of failure (PoF). The method used in this study is a probabilistic analysis of slope stability based on the Morgenstern-Price method to obtain the value of the safety factor and the probability of failure. The study results show that the slope is in the safe category (stable slope) in the range of PoF values 0 – 1%, marginal slope 1 – 12%, and unstable slope above 12%. Based on such as results, it is necessary to modify the slope geometry categorized as unstable to carry out mine operation safely underneath the toe of slope.