OpenPit Mining Definition | Anglo American
Openpit Mining Operations. Openpit mines are dug on benches that are between four and sixtymeters in size, depending on the size of machinery used to excavate. The walls of most openpit mines are dug at an angle and include steps to prevent avalanches from occurring inside the build site. The incline section of the wall is called the batter, and the flat part of the step is called the bench or berm.