Mine Closure and Quarry Conversion

GeoStabilization International® routinely aids mine and quarry operators in their land reclamation and conversion efforts to help them maximize land use after the site closure. The company’s innovative ground stabilization techniques like rock scaling and installing rockfall barriers, extend the useful life of mines and quarries. That makes it possible to access additional recoverable reserves or repurpose the sites for other beneficial functions such as reservoirs, landfills, theme parks, and more.

Rock Scaling

GeoStabilization performs rock scaling as part of most landslide mitigation projects. Rock scaling is the process of removing loose rock, other material, or entire slope sections to improve a slope’s safety and stability. The company’s rockscale services include:

• Manual scaling (scaling bar, airbag, hydraulic jack)
• Mechanical scaling
• Remote scaling

Scaling work can be very dangerous, but with GeoStabilization’s skilled crews and cutting-edge technology, the risks are minimal. The Association of Geohazard Professionals has named GeoStabilization’s Rope Access Program as one of the industry’s best safety programs every year since 2018.

Rockfall Barriers

Mine/quarry closure and conversion projects often require the installation of a rock barrier to contain potential rockfall events. GeoStabilization uses a combination of berms, fences, rigid, and catchment areas that allow loose debris to fall before containing them at the base of the rock slope, including:

• Rigid barriers like K-rails and GCS^® walls are a good fit for smaller spaces. GCS^® barrier walls can have capacities over 50,000 kJ and feature aesthetic facings that can match the surrounding natural or architectural environment.
• Flexible barrier systems are generally better at containing rockfall in larger areas or multiple locations. They work by dissipating the energy of the falling rock mass and can have capacities of up to 10,000 kJ.
• Hybrid or attenuator barrier systems are a good match for sites with long slope run-out where falling debris bounces over traditional barriers. By removing the bottom rope and hanging a drape from the barrier, GeoStabilization’s crews can create a “hybrid” or “attenuator” system that catches bouncing rock.

Mine Closure and Quarry Conversion

GeoStabilization’s mine closure and quarry conversion services include:

• Highwall, spoilbank, and slope stability failure assessment
• Geohazard detection and highwall management planning
• Slope stabilization for earth fills and tailings dams
• Tunnel boring for temporary site protection
• Reclamation, rehabilitation, and waste dump stabilization
• Quarry rehabilitation for reservoir and utility infrastructure
• Waste material geotechnical engineering
• Creation of alternative designs for compacted clay liners in landfill sites

In 2016, GeoStabilization was contracted to help convert Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta, GA, into a water storage facility. The conversion of the 100-year-old quarry began in April, with blasting and tunnel boring operations.

To stabilize the slope, GeoStabilization deployed almost two dozen rock remediation technicians (RRTs) who performed a rock scaling operation. The crews used scale bars and airbags with compressors to remove any unstable rock that could injure workers or damage equipment on the tunneling project. Working 10 hours a day, six days a week, GeoStabilization’s RRTs successfully cleared the slope on time to allow the next phase of the project.

With more than 5,500 completed projects to date, GeoStabilization International® is a global leader in geohazard mitigation. To learn more about our services, call 855-579-0536.