Abstract:In 1965 Lerchs and Grossman presented the famous graph theory method for determining the optimum ultimate open pit limits. Since then many such numerical methods have been reported one after another in the literature concerned. Based on those methods, the principles for the optimum design of the open pit limits have been demonstrated in this paper. Upon these principles an optimum criterion to design the open pit limits was established to evaluate, improve and apply the present numerical methods, also to study and approach the new ones.

Key words: open pit limit optimum design numerical method design criterion basic principle