📘 Introduction

Highwall Mining operations require comprehensive slope stability assessment and approval from DGMS before commencement.
The SSR (Slope Stability Report) is a mandatory technical document prepared by a qualified geotechnical expert as per Reg. 106 of CMR 2017 and DGMS Tech Circular 01/2015.
This blog explains how to prepare an SSR, what data it includes, and how DGMS evaluates the safety of Highwall operations — essential for DGMS Manager’s exams.

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🧭 1. What is an SSR (Slope Stability Report)?

• An SSR is a geo-technical analysis report that evaluates the stability of highwalls, benches, and dump slopes.
• It defines safe operating parameters, bench geometry, and critical slope angles for Highwall Mining.
• Prepared and certified by a recognized Geotechnical Expert approved under CMR 2017.

DGMS Reference: Regulation 106 (1)(a) – “Every owner, agent or manager shall ensure a scientific study for slope stability before starting any opencast working.”

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🧩 2. Components of SSR An SSR typically includes:

1. Mine details – location, ownership, and type of operation.
2. Geological data – lithology, joint orientation, bedding planes, groundwater.
3. Geotechnical testing results – UCS, RQD, cohesion, angle of internal friction.
4. Design parameters – bench height, width, and slope angle.
5. Numerical modeling – FEM/LEM analysis using tools like FLAC3D or Phase2.
6. Drainage & water control measures.
7. Monitoring plan – SSR radar, prism network, visual inspection schedule.
8. Factor of Safety (FoS) under static and dynamic conditions.

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⚙️ 3. DGMS Approval Workflow 

Step 1: SSR preparation by Geotechnical Expert.
Step 2: Submission to DGMS along with the mine plan.
Step 3: DGMS scrutiny and queries (if any).
Step 4: Field inspection and validation.
Step 5: DGMS approval with operational conditions (bench geometry, monitoring frequency, reporting schedule). 📘 Note: No Highwall operation can begin before DGMS approval as per Reg. 106(2).

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🧱 4. Safety & Monitoring Requirements

• SSR must specify real-time monitoring tools (SSR radar, prisms, extensometers).
• Bench geometry to be maintained within ±5% of design.
• Daily inspection by a competent person.
• Revalidation of SSR required if:
• Rainfall >100 mm/day
• Any slope failure incident
• Expansion beyond designed area

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📊 5. DGMS Circular 01/2015 – Key Highlights

• Continuous monitoring of highwalls using SSR systems.
• Minimum FoS = 1.3 (static) and 1.1 (dynamic).
• Regular slope inspections after each blast.
• Training of operators and engineers in slope stability.
• Proper drainage and dewatering systems at the toe.

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🧠 Exam-Oriented Quick Notes

• Reg. 106 → Slope Stability & SSR requirement.
• SSR prepared before operation starts.
• DGMS approval mandatory for HWM & opencast projects.
• FoS ≥ 1.3 (static).
• Use FEM/LEM modeling tools.
• SSR revalidated after rainfall or blast impact.
• Circular 01/2015 → Slope Safety Monitoring.

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🧾 25 MCQs on DGMS SSR & Highwall Approval

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Q1. What does SSR stand for in mining context?
A. Safety Survey Report
B. Slope Stability Report
C. Structural Safety Record
D. Slope Study Regulation
E. Safety Standard Report
Answer: B.
Solution: SSR = Slope Stability Report under CMR 2017.

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Q2. SSR approval is required under which regulation?
A. Reg. 100
B. Reg. 106
C. Reg. 127
D. Reg. 155
E. Reg. 175
Answer: B.
Solution: Reg. 106 mandates slope stability study & DGMS approval.

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Q3. Who prepares SSR in a Highwall project?
A. Mine Manager
B. Geotechnical Expert
C. Surveyor
D. Electrical Engineer
E. Shotfirer
Answer: B.
Solution: SSR must be prepared by an approved geotechnical expert.

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Q4. What is the minimum FoS required for slope stability (static)?
A. 1.0
B. 1.1
C. 1.3
D. 1.5
E. 2.0
Answer: C.
Solution: DGMS requires FoS ≥ 1.3 under static conditions.

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Q5. Which software is commonly used for slope stability analysis?
A. AutoCAD
B. FLAC3D or Phase2
C. SAP2000
D. Surpac
E. ArcGIS
Answer: B.
Solution: Numerical modeling with FLAC3D or Phase2 is standard.

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Q6. SSR should be revalidated after:
A. Every 5 years
B. Heavy rainfall or blast event
C. Every inspection
D. Production increase
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS requires revalidation after rainfall or seismic impact.

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Q7. SSR is submitted to DGMS along with:
A. Mining lease copy
B. Mine plan
C. Electrical layout
D. Fire management plan
E. HR records
Answer: B.
Solution: SSR forms part of mine plan for DGMS approval.

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Q8. Minimum inspection frequency for slope monitoring is:
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Shift-wise
D. Monthly
E. Quarterly
Answer: C.
Solution: DGMS mandates shift-wise inspection by a competent person.

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Q9. SSR radar data primarily shows:
A. Temperature variation
B. Slope displacement velocity
C. Rainfall intensity
D. Vibration pattern
E. Blast pressure
Answer: B.
Solution: SSR radar tracks wall movement velocity.

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Q10. Circular 01/2015 deals with:
A. Lighting in mines
B. Slope stability & monitoring
C. Rescue operations
D. Dust suppression
E. Manriding systems
Answer: B.
Solution: It covers slope safety for opencast and Highwall mines. 

Q11. The minimum dynamic Factor of Safety (FoS) required for highwall stability is:
A. 1.0
B. 1.1
C. 1.3
D. 1.5
E. 2.0
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS Circular 01/2015 specifies FoS ≥ 1.1 for dynamic (blasting/seismic) conditions.

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Q12. SSR radar alarms are typically triggered when wall velocity exceeds:
A. 1 mm/hr
B. 3 mm/hr
C. 5 mm/hr
D. 10 mm/hr
E. 15 mm/hr
Answer: C.
Solution: A threshold velocity of 5 mm/hr is commonly used for early warning alarms.

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Q13. The SSR must be revalidated if rainfall in a day exceeds:
A. 25 mm
B. 50 mm
C. 75 mm
D. 100 mm
E. 125 mm
Answer: D.
Solution: As per DGMS norms, rainfall exceeding 100 mm/day mandates SSR review.

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Q14. Which of the following is NOT part of SSR data reporting?
A. Slope displacement logs
B. Rainfall records
C. Production shift reports
D. FoS analysis results
E. Bench geometry details
Answer: C.
Solution: Production data is not part of SSR; it focuses on stability monitoring.

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Q15. The bench width-to-height ratio in Highwall Mining should not be less than:
A. 0.5:1
B. 1:1
C. 1.5:1
D. 2:1
E. 3:1
Answer: C.
Solution: A minimum 1.5:1 ratio ensures stability and haul road safety margins.

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Q16. SSR monitoring frequency for active highwalls must be at least:
A. Once per week
B. Once per day
C. Once per shift
D. Twice per week
E. Monthly
Answer: C.
Solution: DGMS mandates shift-wise monitoring by competent persons.

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Q17. The SSR report must be certified by:
A. Mine Surveyor
B. DGMS Inspector
C. Competent Geotechnical Expert
D. Mine Manager
E. Planning Engineer
Answer: C.
Solution: Only a certified geotechnical expert can sign and submit the SSR.

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Q18. The DGMS-approved SSR should define which of the following?
A. Production targets
B. Safe operating slope angle
C. Explosive storage capacity
D. Truck haulage speed
E. Lighting layout
Answer: B.
Solution: SSR defines safe slope angle and bench geometry parameters.

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Q19. The typical safe slope angle for hard rock highwalls ranges between:
A. 30°–35°
B. 40°–45°
C. 55°–60°
D. 70°–75°
E. 80°–85°
Answer: C.
Solution: Hard rock slopes are stable around 55°–60°, depending on rock type.

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Q20. DGMS requires SSR radar calibration and data validation at least:
A. Every 6 months
B. Every month
C. Every 3 months
D. Every year
E. Weekly
Answer: C.
Solution: Quarterly calibration ensures sensor accuracy and compliance.

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Q21. The rainfall correction factor is used in SSR design to adjust:
A. Truck speed
B. Drainage gradient
C. Slope stability under saturation
D. Explosive quantity
E. Bench width
Answer: C.
Solution: Rainfall increases pore pressure, reducing stability; correction factor applied.

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Q22. The SSR report is valid until:
A. DGMS inspection
B. Next mine plan revision
C. Occurrence of instability or design change
D. Two years
E. It never expires
Answer: C.
Solution: SSR validity ends if design or slope conditions change.

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Q23. Which DGMS officer primarily reviews SSR documents?
A. Electrical Inspector
B. Regional Inspector (RI)
C. Deputy Director of Mines Safety
D. Explosives Officer
E. Mines Surveyor
Answer: B.
Solution: Regional Inspector conducts SSR review and field validation.

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Q24. The SSR report must include a stability analysis for which conditions?
A. Static only
B. Dynamic only
C. Static & dynamic both
D. Seismic only
E. Laboratory test only
Answer: C.
Solution: Both static and dynamic analyses are mandatory for DGMS submission.

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Q25. The final DGMS approval letter for SSR specifies:
A. Production limits
B. Safety conditions and monitoring schedule
C. Tax liabilities
D. Manpower distribution
E. Blasting license renewal
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS approval defines operational safety and monitoring frequency.

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                           ✅ Conclusion 

DGMS places utmost importance on scientific slope stability through SSR and continuous monitoring.
For Highwall Mining projects, Reg. 106 compliance ensures operational safety and long-term mine viability.
For DGMS exam aspirants, understanding SSR preparation, approval workflow, and CMR integration is vital to mastering Mine Legislation and Safety papers.

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