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📘 Detailed Notes – Top 10 DGMS Circulars for Opencast Mining

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1. DGMS (Tech)(S&T) Circular 2 of 2010 – Design, Control & Monitoring of Pit and Dump Slopes Core Idea: Scientific slope design and monitoring to prevent slope and dump failures.

• Bench Parameters: Bench height, width, and overall slope angle must be designed by a geotechnical engineer using slope stability analysis.
• Dump Design: Dumps must be constructed in layers, compacted, and not exceed safe slope angle (≈ 27–30° for OB dumps).
• Drainage: Proper drainage channels at the top, middle, and toe of dumps to avoid water saturation.
• Monitoring Systems: Use of Slope Stability Radar (SSR), prisms, piezometers, extensometers for continuous monitoring.
• Action Plan: Mines must prepare a “Slope Failure Management Plan” including early warning system, safe zones, and evacuation routes.
• Exam Note: This circular is frequently asked in MMLGS / First Class exams – focus on SSR, piezometer use, bench height-width relation.

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2. DGMS (Tech)(S&T) Circular 2 of 2001 – Lessons from Slope Failure Accidents Core Idea: Issued after major OC slope accidents.

• Cause Analysis: Most failures caused by over-steep slopes, improper bench width, and water seepage.
• Mandatory Practices:
• Benches should not exceed height of 10–15 m depending on rock strength.
• Benches should have proper catch berms.
• Toe protection walls at dumps.
• Water Control: Importance of dewatering boreholes and horizontal drains in slope faces.
• Manager’s Role: Mandatory weekly inspection of slope condition, especially in rainy season.
• Exam Note: Questions are asked on “hydrological influence on slope stability” and “catch berms.”

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3. DGMS Tech. Circular – Standards of Illumination in Opencast Metalliferous Mines (2017) Core Idea: Safe illumination standards for all mining areas.

• Illumination Values (Lux):
• Haul roads: 10–15 lux
• Loading/unloading zones: 20 lux
• Workshops: 50 lux
• Rest shelters & first aid: 20 lux
• Design: Use of mast-mounted floodlights for uniform lighting; avoid glare and shadows.
• Special Provision: In fog-prone areas, LED floodlights with higher lumen output recommended.
• Exam Note: Expected in short notes & MCQs — “minimum illumination on haul roads = 10–15 lux.”

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4. DGMS Tech. Circular No. 3 (SOMA) of 2024 – Safety in Opencast Coal Mines (HEMM) Core Idea: Safety of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM).

• Machinery Covered: Dumpers, dozers, excavators, shovels, draglines, surface miners.
• Mandatory Safety Features:
• ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structures) & FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structures).
• Seat belts with alarm system.
• Fire-resistant hydraulic hoses.
• Proximity detection and reverse alarms.
• Haul Roads:
• Gradient not steeper than 1:16.
• Width = sum of widths of largest two vehicles + 1.5 m berms each side.
• Parapet walls/berms ≥ half tyre diameter of largest dumper.
• Traffic Management: One-way system, stop signs, speed limits.
• Exam Note: This circular is a favourite in case studies (e.g., “design haul road for 100T dumper”).

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5. DGMS Tech. Circular No. 2 of 2024 – Precautions Against Danger of Inundation Core Idea: Protection against water danger in OC mines.

• Barrier Requirements: 15 m minimum barrier from river/canal/reservoir unless DGMS permission obtained.
• Monsoon Preparedness:
• Construct garland drains, pumping sumps, settling ponds.
• Maintain standby pumps of adequate capacity.
• Old Workings: Mines near old abandoned pits must carry out drilling to detect waterlogged zones.
• Water Danger Plan: Mandatory water danger plan showing catchment, drains, sumps, pumps.
• Exam Note: Always prepare calculation-type questions on sump & pump capacity.

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6. DGMS Tech. Circular No. 1 of 2024 – Heat Wave Precautions Core Idea: Managing heat stress in summer.

• Symptoms: Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke.
• Preventive Steps:
• Water + ORS near working places.
• Rest shelters near workplaces.
• Job rotation, shaded areas.
• Posters on symptoms of heat stress.
• Training: Heat-stress recognition included in basic, refresher, and special training.
• Exam Note: This is new and important — likely to appear in 2025 MMLGS exam.

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7. DGMS Tech. Circular No. 13 of 2020 – Premature Blast of Site Mixed Explosives (SME) Core Idea: Blasting safety using SME.

• Precautions:
• Avoid loading during lightning.
• Ensure proper mixing ratio of ammonium nitrate & fuel oil.
• Use of explosives magazines & mixing sheds approved by Chief Controller of Explosives.
• Only authorized blasters allowed.
• Exam Note: Expect case-based question: “What precautions are to be taken while charging SME cartridges?”

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8. DGMS Tech. Circular No. 2 of 2020 – Guidelines for Systematic Monitoring of Slopes Core Idea: Scientific monitoring of slope stability.

• Tools: Piezometers (water pressure), Inclinometers (tilt), SSR (movement).
• Data Records: Mines must maintain Slope Monitoring Register.
• Review: Geotechnical data to be reviewed monthly by manager and annually by a geotechnical expert.
• Exam Note: Candidates must know instrument types and record-keeping requirements.

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9. DGMS Tech. Circular No. 10 of 2020 – Protection Against Lightning in Mines Core Idea: Lightning protection system.

• Protective Measures:
• Install lightning arrestors at magazines, tall structures, and workshops.
• Suspend blasting during thunderstorms.
• Provide safe shelters for workers in OC mines.
• Equipment Protection: Earthing for draglines, shovels, conveyors.
• Exam Note: Important for safety engineering part.

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10. DGMS Tech. Circular No. 8 of 2020 – 12th National Safety Conference Recommendations Core Idea: Broad safety reforms.

• Safety Management System (SMS): Mandatory for all large mines.
• Worker Participation: Pit Safety Committee, Tripartite Committees.
• Technology Use:
• Fatigue monitoring systems for dumper drivers.
• GPS & collision avoidance systems in HEMM.
• Audit: Annual safety audit report to DGMS.
• Exam Note: Expect a theory question on “Role of National Safety Conference in improving OC mine safety.”

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📊 Comparison Snapshot

Circular	Year	Focus	Keywords for Exam
2 (S&T)	2010	Pit/Dump slope design	SSR, Piezometer, Bench width
2 (S&T)	2001	Slope accident lessons	Catch berm, drainage
Illumination	2017	Lighting norms	Lux standards
3 (SOMA)	2024	HEMM safety	ROPS, Haul road 1:16
2	2024	Inundation prevention	Water danger plan, sump
1	2024	Heat stress	ORS, job rotation
13	2020	Blasting safety	SME, lightning
2	2020	Slope monitoring	Inclinometer, SSR
10	2020	Lightning safety	Arrestors, earthing
8	2020	Safety culture	SMS, fatigue monitoring

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📘 MCQs on DGMS Circulars – Opencast Mining

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Circular 2 of 2010 – Slope Design & Monitoring Q1. 🏔️ The primary objective of DGMS (Tech)(S&T) Circular 2 of 2010 is:
A. To improve blasting efficiency
B. To regulate coal production
C. To prevent slope and dump failures
D. To increase mine lighting standards
E. To standardize PME training
✅ Answer: C
📝 Emphasizes slope/dump stability through design & monitoring. Q2. 📡 Slope Stability Radar (SSR) is used for:
A. Detecting fly rock
B. Monitoring slope movement
C. Measuring air velocity
D. Recording blasting vibration
E. Checking dump density
✅ Answer: B
📝 SSR provides real-time slope monitoring. Q3. ⛰️ The safe angle of repose for OB dump slopes is generally:
A. 15°–20°
B. 25°–30°
C. 35°–40°
D. 45°
E. 60°
✅ Answer: B
📝 Stable slope angle = ~27–30°. Q4. ⚒️ The minimum safety measure for dump stability is:
A. Toe wall construction
B. Compaction of dumps
C. Proper drainage
D. Bench width
E. All of the above
✅ Answer: E
📝 All factors together ensure safety. Q5. 💧 Which instrument is used to measure groundwater pressure in slopes?
A. Extensometer
B. Piezometer
C. Prism
D. Inclinometer
E. Radar
✅ Answer: B
📝 Piezometers measure pore water pressure.

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Circular 2 of 2001 – Slope Failure Lessons Q6. ⚠️ The 2001 circular was issued after:
A. Lightning accidents
B. Heat stress incidents
C. Fatal slope failures in opencast mines
D. Blasting accidents
E. Inundation disasters
✅ Answer: C
📝 Issued after slope accidents. Q7. 🧱 Catch berms in opencast benches are provided for:
A. Lighting
B. Water drainage
C. Catching rolling material
D. HEMM parking
E. Explosive storage
✅ Answer: C
📝 Berms catch falling rock. Q8. 📏 Bench height in OC mines should generally not exceed:
A. 5 m
B. 7 m
C. 10–15 m
D. 20–25 m
E. 30 m
✅ Answer: C
📝 Bench height max 10–15 m. Q9. 🌊 Which factor increases risk of slope failure most?
A. High ventilation
B. High humidity
C. Water seepage
D. Low illumination
E. Small berms
✅ Answer: C
📝 Water weakens slope stability. Q10. 👨‍💼 Who is responsible for weekly inspection of slope conditions?
A. Safety Officer
B. Blaster
C. Manager
D. Geologist
E. Supervisor
✅ Answer: C
📝 Manager ensures slope safety.

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Illumination Standards 2017 Q11. 💡 Minimum illumination on haul roads in opencast mines is:
A. 5 lux
B. 10–15 lux
C. 25 lux
D. 50 lux
E. 100 lux
✅ Answer: B
📝 Haul roads = 10–15 lux. Q12. 🔧 Minimum illumination required in workshops:
A. 10 lux
B. 20 lux
C. 25 lux
D. 50 lux
E. 100 lux
✅ Answer: D
📝 Workshops = 50 lux. Q13. 🎇 Why are mast-mounted floodlights recommended?
A. Cheaper
B. Uniform lighting
C. Easier to install
D. Reduce electricity
E. None
✅ Answer: B
📝 Ensures even lighting. Q14. 🏭 Which condition needs higher illumination?
A. Haul road
B. Workshop
C. Rest shelter
D. First aid room
E. Store house
✅ Answer: B
📝 Workshop = high visibility. Q15. 🚨 Poor illumination leads to:
A. Equipment breakdown
B. Reduced blasting efficiency
C. Accidents due to low visibility
D. Increased dust
E. Slope instability
✅ Answer: C
📝 Low visibility = more accidents.

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Circular 3 of 2024 – HEMM Safety Q16. 🚜 Haul road gradient for permanent roads in OC mines should not exceed:
A. 1:10
B. 1:12
C. 1:14
D. 1:16
E. 1:20
✅ Answer: D
📝 Standard = 1:16. Q17. 🛑 Minimum berm height along haul roads = ?
A. 0.5 tyre height
B. 0.25 tyre height
C. 1 tyre height
D. 2 m fixed
E. 0.75 tyre height
✅ Answer: A
📝 Berm = half tyre height. Q18. 🚫 Which is NOT a mandatory safety feature in dumpers?
A. ROPS
B. Seat belt
C. Turbo guard
D. Fire-resistant hoses
E. Free diesel supply
✅ Answer: E
📝 Free diesel isn’t a safety feature. Q19. 📐 Width of haul road = ?
A. Equal to 1 dumper width
B. Equal to 2 dumper widths
C. Sum of widths of 2 largest dumpers + 1.5 m berm each side
D. Fixed 15 m
E. None
✅ Answer: C
📝 Formula ensures safe passing. Q20. 👷 Who is responsible for traffic management plan?
A. Safety Officer
B. Blaster
C. Manager
D. DGMS
E. Dumper operator
✅ Answer: C
📝 Manager prepares plan.

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Circular 2 of 2024 – Inundation Precautions Q21. 🌊 Minimum barrier from river/canal = ?
A. 5 m
B. 10 m
C. 15 m
D. 20 m
E. 30 m
✅ Answer: C
📝 Standard = 15 m. Q22. 📘 Which document must show drainage plan?
A. Key plan
B. Water Danger Plan
C. Illumination plan
D. Mine Closure Plan
E. Rescue plan
✅ Answer: B
📝 Water Danger Plan includes drainage & sump. Q23. 💦 What is the role of standby pumps?
A. Save electricity
B. Pump during emergency
C. Maintain water quality
D. For dust suppression
E. For firefighting only
✅ Answer: B
📝 Used in emergencies. Q24. 🌧️ Monsoon readiness includes:
A. Garland drains
B. Settling ponds
C. Retaining walls
D. All of the above
E. None
✅ Answer: D
📝 All measures reduce flood risk. Q25. ⛏️ Drilling in old workings is done to:
A. Search minerals
B. Check waterlogged zones
C. Ventilate
D. Provide blasting site
E. Install piezometers
✅ Answer: B
📝 Ensures detection of water hazards.

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Q26. 🌡️ The main risk of working in mines during summer is:
A. Pneumoconiosis
B. Heat stress
C. Silicosis
D. Noise-induced hearing loss
E. Dust allergy
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation: Heat stress is the biggest hazard in hot environments. Q27. 💧 Workers should drink water at intervals of:
A. Only when thirsty
B. Every 30–40 minutes
C. Every 15–20 minutes
D. Every 2 hours
E. Twice per shift
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: DGMS recommends small water intake every 15–20 min. Q28. 🚫 Which drink should be avoided in hot working conditions?
A. ORS
B. Plain water
C. Lime water
D. Caffeinated drinks
E. Salted water
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation: Caffeine and excess sugar worsen dehydration. Q29. 🏖️ Rest shelters should be:
A. Near workplace
B. At pit-top only
C. Only at workshop
D. Not mandatory
E. Anywhere outside mine
✅ Answer: A
📝 Explanation: Workers should access rest areas quickly. Q30. ⚠️ Training on physiological effects of high temperature must be included in:
A. Basic training only
B. Refresher training only
C. Special training only
D. All types of training
E. None
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation: DGMS mandates inclusion in all training programmes.

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💥 Circular 13 of 2020 – Blasting Safety (SME Explosives) Q31. 💣 What is the primary hazard of SME explosives?
A. Premature detonation
B. Noise pollution
C. Dust emission
D. Gas formation
E. Flyrock
✅ Answer: A
📝 Explanation: Improper mixing/handling may cause premature blast. Q32. 🌩️ Blasting should be avoided during:
A. Rain
B. High temperature
C. Lightning/thunderstorm
D. Fog
E. Dust storm
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Lightning may trigger premature initiation. Q33. 🧑‍💼 Who is authorized to handle SME charging?
A. Any miner
B. Mechanical engineer
C. Competent blaster
D. Geologist
E. Surveyor
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Only certified blasters can charge explosives. Q34. 🧯 Safe storage of explosives is ensured by:
A. Magazine approved by DGMS
B. Mixing shed
C. Blaster
D. All of the above
E. None
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation: All must be followed as per Explosives Act. Q35. ⛔ Which factor does NOT cause premature blast?
A. Static electricity
B. Friction
C. Lightning
D. Controlled firing system
E. Impact
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation: Controlled systems reduce risk, not cause it.

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⛰️ Circular 2 of 2020 – Slope Monitoring Q36. 📡 Which instrument monitors slope movement?
A. Anemometer
B. Inclinometer
C. Lux meter
D. Noise dosimeter
E. Gas tester
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation: Inclinometers measure tilt of slope strata. Q37. 📝 Mines must maintain:
A. Accident register
B. Illumination register
C. Slope Monitoring Register
D. Blasting log
E. PPE register
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Circular requires Slope Monitoring Register. Q38. ⏱️ Frequency of geotechnical review of slope data = ?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Monthly by Manager + Annually by Expert
D. Annually only
E. Bi-annually
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Regular + expert review mandatory. Q39. 🧪 Piezometers are used for:
A. Rock hardness
B. Water pressure inside slope
C. Dust concentration
D. Air velocity
E. Vibration
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation: Piezometers measure pore water pressure. Q40. 📊 Slope monitoring is especially critical:
A. In foggy weather
B. During blasting
C. During monsoon
D. During night shifts
E. During excavation only
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Rainwater infiltration increases slope risk.

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⚡ Circular 10 of 2020 – Lightning Protection Q41. ⚡ Lightning arrestors must be installed at:
A. Magazines
B. Tall structures
C. Workshops
D. All of the above
E. None
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation: All exposed structures must be protected. Q42. ⛔ Blasting should be stopped when:
A. Wind speed > 10 km/hr
B. Thunderclouds appear
C. Vibration exceeds limit
D. Dust exceeds limit
E. Humidity > 70%
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation: Thunderclouds indicate lightning risk. Q43. 🔌 Earthing is essential for:
A. Magazines
B. Draglines
C. Shovels
D. Conveyors
E. All of the above
✅ Answer: E
📝 Explanation: Protects equipment/workers from strikes. Q44. 🌧️ Which season has maximum lightning risk in India?
A. Winter
B. Summer
C. Monsoon
D. Autumn
E. Spring
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Most strikes occur during monsoon. Q45. 🧍 Workers should take shelter in:
A. Tall trees
B. Open ground
C. Proper shelters
D. Water pond area
E. None
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Safe shelter away from tall/isolated structures.

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🛡️ Circular 8 of 2020 – Safety Conference Recommendations Q46. 🏭 Which system was made mandatory by the 12th Safety Conference?
A. Work study system
B. Safety Management System (SMS)
C. Production monitoring
D. Environmental audit
E. None
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation: SMS implementation was emphasized. Q47. 👷 Worker participation in safety is through:
A. Pit Safety Committee
B. Section 12 Committee
C. Tripartite Conference
D. All of the above
E. None
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation: All platforms involve workers. Q48. 🚜 Which technology was recommended for dumpers?
A. GPS tracking
B. Collision avoidance
C. Fatigue monitoring
D. All of the above
E. None
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation: All were suggested for HEMM. Q49. 📑 Safety audits must be submitted:
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
C. Annually
D. Bi-annually
E. 5-yearly
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation: Annual safety audit report to DGMS is mandatory. Q50. 🤝 The National Safety Conference is a:
A. Bipartite body
B. Tripartite body
C. Govt-only body
D. Worker-only body
E. Manager-only body
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation: Includes management, workers, and govt (tripartite).

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