Status note: Applies to metalliferous mines, not coal.
DGMS (Tech) Circular 11 of 2026 — Rock mass classification and support/slope design in metalliferous mines
Summary
Addressed to owners, agents and managers of METALLIFEROUS mines. Geotechnical assessment, safe support and slope design and the monitoring of stability are an integral part of mine planning, but in Indian mining conditions support and slope design and their monitoring is not yet standardised, and no broad guideline existed for the use of rock mass classifications and support/slope designs in metalliferous mines. Following a workshop on rock mass classifications and support in metal mines organised by DGMS and IIT Kharagpur at Jaipur on 28 November 2025, attended by about 80 officials and experts from regulatory authorities, academic institutions, research organisations and the mining industry, these guidelines were finalised for improving the stability of workings in metalliferous mines.
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