BCM stands for bank cubic meter, which measures the in-place volume of geological material before it is drilled, blasted, or dug. Because rock expands and introduces void space once broken, engineers use BCM to calculate true extraction volumes and stripping ratios. This metric dictates earthmoving costs and equipment sizing.
Heard on the job
The blast pattern is designed to fracture forty thousand BCM of overburden by Tuesday.
Insider tip
Never confuse BCM with loose cubic meters (LCM). BCM is the solid rock in the ground, while LCM includes the swell factor after blasting.
Also heard as
- bank cubic metre