Reference no: EM133163319
Mining Method Selection
In the sections fictitious ore deposits, each with different characteristics are defined. Based on the information provided, propose up to three mining methods for mining the orebody in order of preference if applicable. Also summarise the most important reasons, factors, characteristics or conditions that were most influential in your first choice of mining method.
In presenting the assignment students are requested to provide no more than a single page of A4 for each deposit. Also note dot point presentation is suitable. Marks for the assignment will be based on the suitability of the first choice mining method and the reasons for selecting this method and on the conciseness of the reasoning. It should also be noted that there is no one single method of mining each deposit.
Deposit 1:
A tabular, narrow vein steeply dipping gold deposit. Grade averages around 18 g/tonne but is variable. Ore body width varies from 2 to 3 m and dip between 70 to 80°. Mean depth is about 500m. The ore is strong, 200 MPa, with very little fracturing. The footwalls and hanging walls are weak, UCS 100MPa, also with very little fracturing.
Deposit 2:
A coal seam 2.5 m thick, located 1000m underground. Dip is about 2°. The mining lease is located in mixed rural and urban area. The coal is underlain by a reasonably competent mudstone and overlain by a series of typical coal measures strata. Underlying and overlying the seam are a number of very thin < 20cm thick coal seams within 200m of the seam to be mined.
Deposit 3
A massive porphyry style deposit located at high altitude in West Papua. Average grade of the deposit is 0.5 g/t Au and 0.8% Cu. The deposit has a UCS of 200MPa and is highly fractured; country rock is similar in nature. The deposit has a large foot print area 500m by 500m and is located 300m from surface and open at depth.
Deposit 4
A coal seam 5 m thick, located 300m underground. Dip is horizontal. The mining lease is located in rural area. The coal is underlain by a reasonably competent mudstone and overlain by a series of typical coal measures strata.
Deposit 5
A tabular steep set of 5 lead zinc deposits with a constant width of 20 m. Dip is almost constant at 55°. Average separation of the deposits is 10m Mean depth is 500m from surface and the grade is constant at 5% Ni. Both ore and country rock are of moderate strength, UCS 130 MPa, with little fracturing.
Attachment:- Mining Method Selection.rar