A mining operation requires the regular removal of overburden, a mixture of weathered rock and soil, from a long, wide pit. The material needs to be moved approximately 75 metres to the dump area. To maximize daily production, what combination of techniques would likely yield the best results?

Question: A mining operation requires the regular removal of overburden, a mixture of weathered rock and soil, from a long, wide pit. The material needs to be moved approximately 75 metres to the dump area. To maximize daily production, what combination of techniques would likely yield the best results?

Answer options:

• Side-casting with blade angling.
• Using a single ripper tooth followed by backfilling. ✅ Multi-shank ripping to loosen, followed by slot dozing to transport.
• Direct dozing with a full-width blade in multiple shallow passes.

Correct answer: Multi-shank ripping to loosen, followed by slot dozing to transport.

Explanation: For long-distance movement of tough material like overburden, multi-shank ripping breaks up the material efficiently. Subsequently, slot dozing leverages the containment effect to move large volumes over the 75-metre distance with minimal spillage, optimizing overall production as per OPSWA HEO advanced training.