Bench design plays a crucial role in the stability, safety, and productivity of open-pit mining operations. Bench width is an important factor when planning the excavation and haulage activities in open-pit mines. Proper bench dimensions help maximize ore recovery, provide safe working conditions, and optimize equipment usage. This article will offer a detailed explanation of how to calculate the bench width in mines, using a real-world scenario to demonstrate the calculations. We'll also cover the factors that affect bench width and provide an SEO-optimized guide for those looking to rank this article on Google.  What is Bench Width?  In open-pit mining, a "bench" refers to the step or ledge formed during the process of extracting material from a surface mine. A bench is created when layers of overburden and ore are excavated at specific heights. The bench width is the horizontal distance between two consecutive benches (also known as bench-to-bench distance). Bench widt...