NCHANGA OPEN PIT (NOP) USES SSR TECHNOLOGY TO OPTIMISE SAFETY AND RECOVERY The NOP division of Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) has been mining copper ore at their Chingola operation for almost 50 years. During that time the pit operations have been disrupted a number of times in response to failures of both high and low walls. In September 2002, cracking was observed on the 165m bench of the North Wall indicating that a failure was developing. NOP immediately implemented procedures to increase vigilance in this area of concern. Strata in NOP dip to the north at an average of 25° and comprise of a series of relatively weak shales sandstones and dolomites. The locality experiences annual rainfall of about 1500mm so control of weathering and erosion of weak rocks becomes a major

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