Ground Control Inspections at a Mine

A ground control inspection is a documented, in-person examination of on-site terrain formations and locations that slope into working areas at a mine. As part of an ongoing ground control plan, these inspections help establish and reinforce prudent engineering design, reduce ground instability, and contribute to safer working conditions for miners and others on-site. This course covers the definition and purpose of a ground control inspection and includes examples of ground instability hazards, the definition of “angle of repose,” descriptions and examples of slope failures, and common ground control corrective actions.

• State the definition and purpose of a ground control inspection • List two primary hazards of ground instability • Define the term "angle of repose" • Identify and describe slope failure signs, types, and causes • List components of an effective ground control plan • List best practices for the preparation and performance of a ground control inspection for highwalls, benches, the pit, and spoil banks • Describe preventive measures to reduce ground instability hazards • List common ground control hazard corrective actions • List best practices for inspection and corrective action reports