- In all mechanised opencast working, the following precautions shall be observed, namely - (1) Before starting a mechanised opencast working, design of the pit, including method of working, ultimate pit and dump slope shall be planned and designed as determined by a scientific study and a copy of the report of such study shall be kept available in the office of the mine:Provided that in case of mines where such a study has not been made, it shall be the responsibility of the owner or agent to get the aforesaid study made within one year from the date of coming into force of these regulations.(2)The height of the benches in overburden consisting of alluvium or other soft soil shall not exceed 3 metres and the width thereof shall not be less than three times the height of the bench and the height of the benches in overburden of other rock formation shall not be more than the designed reach of the excavation machine in use for digging, excavation or removal.(3)The width of any bench shall not be less than-(a)the width of the widest machine plying om the bench plus two metres, or(b)if dumpers ply on the bench, three times the width of the dumper, or(c)the height of the bench, whichever is more.(4)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulations (1), (2) and (3), the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, require or permit the height and width of benches to be less than or more than aforesaid.
