Geometry of Mining Haul Roads from Mining Pits to Stockpiles at Nickel Mining Companies in South Palangga District

Abstract

This study focuses on haul road geometry in nickel mining operations, specifically examining the design of mine haul roads from the mine pit to the stockpile in South Palangga District. Given the critical role of haul roads in supporting efficient hauling operations, this study investigated key geometric factors such as road width, curve radius, superelevation, gradient, and cross slope. Data were collected through field observations and primary measurements at the mine site, including direct assessment of road dimensions and alignment. The results indicate that mine haul road design is critical for optimizing the movement of large haul vehicles, with an average straight road width of 8.05 meters and curved roads up to 8.95 meters. In addition, this study examined the impact of curve radius and superelevation, which were found to affect vehicle stability and operational safety. Road gradient measurements revealed varying slope conditions, with a maximum slope of 5.75% found in some segments. A cross slope of 0.895 mm/m was identified as critical for good drainage. The study emphasized the importance of adhering to standard design principles, such as a minimum straight-line width of 8.57 meters, a curve width of 12.58 meters, and appropriate superelevation values. These findings contribute to safer and more efficient mining operations, highlighting the need for ongoing haul road optimization and maintenance in mining operations.