
Guidelines and Considerations for Open Pit Designers
By Deswik
Designed to support engineers using Deswik’s “Design for Open Pit Metals” course, this whitepaper delivers practical guidance for computer-aided pit design.
Former Deswik employee Julian Poniewierski outlines key geometric and operational parameters, from ramp gradients and switchback widths to safety berms and drainage planning. The paper emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design in achieving safe, efficient, and cost-effective outcomes. Whether you're new to pit design or refining your approach, this resource offers a comprehensive checklist of considerations to help you build better pits and avoid common design errors.
