what is a bench berm in mining?

A bench berm in mining refers to a horizontal shelf or ledge that is created within an open-pit mine as part of the benching process. A bench is the step-like excavation formed as miners remove layers of overburden and ore. The berm is the flat horizontal surface between these steps.

The primary purposes of a bench berm are:

1. Safety: It helps catch falling rock or debris, thus enhancing the safety of workers and equipment below.
2. Stability: The berm can improve the overall stability of the pit walls by reducing the steepness of the overall slope.
3. Access: It provides a working surface for machines and personnel to operate and transport materials safely.

In summary, the bench berm is a critical feature in open-pit mining, playing a key role in both operational efficiency and safety.