Open cut mining has been done before and with great success.
Domprov mine in the Kalush region Russia is the only open cut potash mine in the world (Opened 1960).
It is 10m thick and dips 19-27 deg. (similar to STB)
Rainfall in the region is 179 - 339mm. (Rainfall in the Danakil Eritrea is only 100-200mm and it's one of the hottest places on earth - water evaporates fast!!)
To overcome rain they installed water drainage trench and pumps.
The mine depth is up to 163m and ore recovery was 90.6% capital cost was 1/4 the cost of underground mines in the area and mining costs were half.
Potash: deposits, processing, properties and uses By Donald E. Garrett Page 228
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