34th Annual Rocky Mountain Mining Institute
2025 Tri-State Regional Meeting

September 16-17, 2025
Sheridan College  |  Powderhorn Golf Club  |  Sheridan, Wyoming

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 We will have a short course on Tuesday, September 16th and a dinner with a speaker that evening. Wednesday, September 17th will include breakfast, speakers for a morning session, and golf at Powderhorn Golf Club. 

Tuesday, September 16th

Short Course 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Instructor Russell J. Sheets, P.E., Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Barr Engineering Co.

Practical Slope Stability for Surface Mine Operations (4 PDH)

Surface coal mine operations pose unique challenges for mine slope design, compared to a benched pit slope typical of metal and many aggregate operations. For larger operations, a dragline will be operating upon the top of the slope, either on a dragline bench in native ground or atop a spoil bench, which applies additional bearing load on the slope. Coal extraction will involve traditional mining equipment working in the pit in between the dragline bench and spoil slope. This mining activity is in a constantly changing environment as both the pit and spoil slopes advance with mining, which limits the ability for slope monitoring.
The intent of this short course will be to provide operators and engineers with a general overview of factors for developing a ground control plan. Applying the information covered here in their day-to-day operations and mine planning to mitigate the risk for geotechnical impacts to personnel safety and production. The topics to be covered is expected to include:
1.    Introduction and recognizing potential for instability
2.    Geotechnical investigation basics
3.    Slope stability – soil, rock, geometric factors and analysis
4.    Factors for generating stable slopes
5.    Remote slope monitoring

The topics will incorporate examples and case studies of situations that have been experienced at active mine operations.

6:00 pm- Reception

6:30 pm- Dinner

7:15 pm – Speaker

Wednesday, September 17th

8:00 am- Breakfast

8:30 am- Sessions Begin

12:00 pm- Lunch for Golfers at Powderhorn Golf Club

1:00 pm- Golf at Powderhorn Golf Club

Speakers to be announced soon