Surface mining
What to observe on a haul road
A field-oriented look at visibility, drainage, grades, traffic and edge conditions.
Published by Mine-Pro · Surface mining operations and recordkeeping
Walk the route as a driver would
Look ahead to intersections, blind crests and changing traffic patterns. Mud, ruts and loose material change stopping and turning behavior. Check whether signs and communications still match the current route.
Record the exact location
A note saying 'road bad' cannot guide a repair crew. Identify the segment, direction, condition and immediate response; close it with a dated correction. Design dimensions and berm criteria require site-specific engineering and applicable standards.
In practice
North ramp, second curve downhill: rut on loaded lane; route held while grader repairs the segment.