What is considered optimal when handling stockpile materials to minimize degradation?

Frequent remixing is recognized as optimal when handling stockpile materials to minimize degradation because it helps to ensure that the materials remain homogenous and can prevent segregation. When materials are not thoroughly mixed, heavier particles may settle, and lighter particles may rise to the top, leading to an uneven distribution of particle sizes and properties. Frequent remixing helps to maintain the quality of the materials by redistributing any segregated particles, reducing the likelihood of degradation that can occur through compaction or segregation over time.

In contrast, other practices like rapid unloading processes and minimizing the distance between drops may improve efficiency but do not specifically address the preservation of material integrity as effectively. While maintaining uniform sizes helps with the consistency of material, it is more about the initial quality of the stockpile rather than actively managing the stockpile to prevent degradation. Thus, frequent remixing is a proactive measure to uphold the desired properties of material in stockpiles.