PT TIMBAWAN ENERGI INDONESIA GEOTECHNICS PUSH BACK ANALYSIS

PT Geo Labora Indonesia Expert Team carried out previous projects with activities comprehensive push back geotechnical analysis for the open-pit coal mining operations of PT Rimau Energy Mining (PT REM) located in Paku District, Barito Timur Regency, Central Kalimantan. This study was carried out to determine a safe, stable, and economically viable push back sequence—ensuring that mining progression is executed in a controlled manner without compromising operational safety. The project forms an integral component of the company’s commitment to the implementation of Good Mining Practice
and compliance with national geotechnical requirements for mining operations.

The study commenced with systematic geotechnical data acquisition through field investigation and full-coring drilling to obtain an accurate representation of subsurface conditions. Surface geotechnical mapping was performed to identify actual slope geometry, structural geology, and rock mass characteristics, followed by coring-based subsurface investigations to collect information on lithology, weathering grade, Rock Quality Designation (RQD), core recovery, and groundwater level. Representative rock and soil samples were secured for laboratory testing to ensure reliable geotechnical parameterization.

All acquired samples were tested through a series of standardized laboratory procedures, including Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS), Direct Shear, Point Load Index, and physical properties testing. The strength and deformation parameters obtained from laboratory testing served as critical numerical inputs for slope stability modeling. Simulations were carried out across multiple mining stages—including actual, design, and redesign scenarios—to evaluate the factor of safety for highwall, lowwall, and waste-dump slopes throughout mining advancement.

Based on the results of the analysis, Expert team PT Geo Labora Indonesia developed engineering-based recommendations for the staged slope geometry of the mine. These recommendations included optimized bench height, bench width, and overall slope angle to ensure that the push back sequence satisfies both safety criteria and production efficiency. The final recommendations provided a technically sound and practical framework for controlling slope movement risk while sustaining continuous mining operations.

Through this project, PT Geo Labora Indonesia delivered substantial value to PT REM by enhancing operational safety, improving slope stability performance throughout mining progression, and supporting compliance with national geotechnical regulations. The successful implementation of this push back analysis further reinforces the company’s expertise in integrated mining geotechnical services, ranging from field investigation and laboratory testing to numerical modeling and implementation-ready design recommendations.

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