DYWIDAG Stabilizes Huge Open Pit Mine with Soil Nails
DYWIDAG provided key materials for stabilizing the steep slopes of the former Mina de Águas Claras mine in Brazil, ensuring safety and enabling future use of the site.
Challenge
Mina de Águas Claras, an iron ore mine in Minas Gerais, was closed in 2002 after extracting 300 million tons of ore. The deep pit, now partially filled with water, posed significant safety risks due to steep slopes prone to erosion and landslides. A 1992 landslide and ongoing erosion made the area dangerous, especially given its proximity to a densely populated region. Rehabilitation efforts had been delayed for years, but in 2013, Vale decided to stabilize the slopes.
Solution
DYWIDAG’s solution involved the stabilization of the highest portion of the western pit. The process began in 2014 with the removal of loose soil and the installation of a drainage system to prevent further erosion. The stabilization work was carried out step-by-step, starting from the top down.
To secure the high-strength steel mesh used for slope stabilization, DYWIDAG provided 47,535 meters of GEWI Soil Nails, each 32mm in diameter and made from GR 50/55 steel. These soil nails were installed into the stable strata beneath the slope, anchoring the steel mesh. The soil nails, along with 7,310 nuts, ensured the safe installation of the mesh, which was then covered with vegetation to further protect the area.
Outcome
The successful stabilization project minimized the risk of landslides and erosion, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and paving the way for the future development of the site.
DYWIDAG provided key materials for stabilizing the steep slopes of the former Mina de Águas Claras mine in Brazil, ensuring safety and enabling future use of the site.
Challenge
Mina de Águas Claras, an iron ore mine in Minas Gerais, was closed in 2002 after extracting 300 million tons of ore. The deep pit, now partially filled with water, posed significant safety risks due to steep slopes prone to erosion and landslides. A 1992 landslide and ongoing erosion made the area dangerous, especially given its proximity to a densely populated region. Rehabilitation efforts had been delayed for years, but in 2013, Vale decided to stabilize the slopes.
Solution
DYWIDAG’s solution involved the stabilization of the highest portion of the western pit. The process began in 2014 with the removal of loose soil and the installation of a drainage system to prevent further erosion. The stabilization work was carried out step-by-step, starting from the top down.
To secure the high-strength steel mesh used for slope stabilization, DYWIDAG provided 47,535 meters of GEWI Soil Nails, each 32mm in diameter and made from GR 50/55 steel. These soil nails were installed into the stable strata beneath the slope, anchoring the steel mesh. The soil nails, along with 7,310 nuts, ensured the safe installation of the mesh, which was then covered with vegetation to further protect the area.
Outcome
The successful stabilization project minimized the risk of landslides and erosion, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and paving the way for the future development of the site.
