Open Pit Mine Planning and Design, Two Volume Set, Second Edition

Open Pit Mine Plannign & Design, 2nd Edition

VOLUME 1

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1 MINE PLANNING

• 1.1 Introduction


• 1.1.1 The meaning of ore


• 1.1.2 Some important definitions


• 1.2 Mine development phases


• 1.3 An initial data collection checklist


• 1.4 The planning phase


• 1.4.1 Introduction


• 1.4.2 The content of an intermediate valuation report


• 1.4.3 The content of the feasibility report


• 1.5 Planning costs


• 1.6 Accuracy of estimates


• 1.6.1 Tonnage and grade


• 1.6.2 Performance


• 1.6.3 Costs


• 1.6.4 Price and revenue


• 1.7 Feasibility study preparation


• 1.8 Critical path representation


• 1.9 Mine reclamation


• 1.9.1 Introduction


• 1.9.2 Multiple-use management


• 1.9.3 Reclamation plan purpose


• 1.9.4 Reclamation plan content


• 1.9.5 Reclamation standards


• 1.9.6 Surface and ground water management


• 1.9.7 Mine waste management


• 1.9.8 Tailings and slime ponds


• 1.9.9 Cyanide heap and vat leach systems


• 1.9.10 Landform reclamation


• 1.10 Environmental planning procedures


• 1.10.1 Initial project evaluation


• 1.10.2 The strategic plan


• 1.10.3 The environmental planning team


• 1.11 A sample list of project permits and approvals


• References

2 MINING REVENUES AND COSTS

• 2.1 Introduction


• 2.2 Economic concepts including cash flow


• 2.2.1 Future worth


• 2.2.2 Present value


• 2.2.3 Present value of a series of uniform contributions


• 2.2.4 Payback period


• 2.2.5 Rate of return on an investment


• 2.2.6 Cash flow (CF)


• 2.2.7 Discounted cash flow (DCF)


• 2.2.8 Discounted cash flow rate of return (DCFROR)


• 2.2.9 Cash flows, DCF and DCFROR including depreciation


• 2.2.10 Depletion


• 2.2.11 Cash flows, including depletion


• 2.3 Estimating revenues


• 2.3.1 Current mineral prices


• 2.3.2 Historical price data


• 2.3.3 Trend analysis


• 2.3.4 Econometric models


• 2.3.5 Net smelter return


• 2.3.6 Price-cost relationships


• 2.4 Estimating costs


• 2.4.1 Types of costs


• 2.4.2 Costs from actual operations


• 2.4.3 Escalation of older costs


• 2.4.4 The original O'Hara cost estimator


• 2.4.5 The updated O'Hara cost estimator


• 2.4.6 Detailed cost calculations


• 2.4.7 Quick-and-dirty mining cost estimates


• 2.4.8 Current equipment, supplies and labor costs


• References

3 OREBODY DESCRIPTION

• 3.1 Introduction


• 3.2 Mine maps


• 3.3 Geologic information


• 3.4 Compositing and tonnage factor calculations


• 3.4.1 Compositing


• 3.4.2 Tonnage factors


• 3.5 Method of vertical sections


• 3.5.1 Introduction


• 3.5.2 Procedures


• 3.5.3 Construction of a cross-section


• 3.5.4 Calculation of tonnage and average grade for a pit


• 3.6 Method of vertical sections (grade contours)


• 3.7 The method of horizontal sections


• 3.7.1 Introduction


• 3.7.2 Triangles


• 3.7.3 Polygons


• 3.8 Block models


• 3.8.1 Introduction


• 3.8.2 Rule-of-nearest points


• 3.8.3 Constant distance weighting techniques


• 3.9 Statistical basis for grade assignment


• 3.9.1 Some statistics on the orebody


• 3.9.2 Range of sample influence


• 3.9.3 Illustrative example


• 3.9.4 Describing variograms by mathematical models


• 3.9.5 Quantification of a deposit through variograms


• 3.10 Kriging


• 3.10.1 Introduction


• 3.10.2 Concept development


• 3.10.3 Kriging example


• 3.10.4 Example of estimation for a level


• 3.10.5 Block kriging


• 3.10.6 Common problems associated with the use of the kriging technique


• 3.10.7 Comparison of results using several techniques


• References

4 GEOMETRICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• 4.1 Introduction


• 4.2 Basic bench geometry


• 4.3 Ore access


• 4.4 The pit expansion process


• 4.4.1 Introduction


• 4.4.2 Frontal cuts


• 4.4.3 Drive-by cuts


• 4.4.4 Parallel cuts


• 4.4.5 Minimum required operating room for parallel cuts


• 4.4.6 Cut sequencing


• 4.5 Pit slope geometry


• 4.6 Final pit slope angles


• 4.6.1 Introduction


• 4.6.2 Geomechanical background


• 4.6.3 Planar failure


• 4.6.4 Circular failure


• 4.6.5 Stability of curved wall sections


• 4.6.6 Slope stability data presentation


• 4.6.7 Slope analysis example


• 4.6.8 Economic aspects of final slope angles


• 4.7 Plan representation of bench geometry


• 4.8 Addition of a road


• 4.8.1 Introduction


• 4.8.2 Design of a spiral road - inside the wall


• 4.8.3 Design of a spiral ramp - outside the wall


• 4.8.4 Design of a switchback


• 4.8.5 The volume represented by a road


• 4.9 Road construction


• 4.9.1 Introduction


• 4.9.2 Road section design


• 4.9.3 Straight segment design


• 4.9.4 Curve design


• 4.9.5 Conventional parallel berm design


• 4.9.6 Median berm design


• 4.9.7 Haulage road gradients


• 4.9.8 Practical road building and maintenance tips


• 4.10 Stripping ratios


• 4.11 Geometric sequencing


• 4.12 Summary


• References

5 PIT LIMITS

• 5.1 Introduction


• 5.2 Hand methods


• 5.2.1 The basic concept


• 5.2.2 The net value calculation


• 5.2.3 Location of pit limits - pit bottom in waste


• 5.2.4 Location of pit limits - pit bottom in ore


• 5.2.5 Location of pit limits - one side plus pit bottom in ore


• 5.2.6 Radial sections


• 5.2.7 Generating a final pit outline


• 5.2.8 Destinations for in-pit materials


• 5.3 Economic block models


• 5.4 The floating cone technique


• 5.5 The Lerchs-Grossmann 2-D algorithm


• 5.6 Modification of the Lerchs-Grossmann 2-D algorithm to a 21-D algorithm


• 5.7 The Lerchs-Grossmann 3-D algorithm


• 5.7.1 Introduction


• 5.7.2 Definition of some important terms and concepts


• 5.7.3 Two approaches to tree construction


• 5.7.4 The arbitrary tree approach (Approach 1)


• 5.7.5 The all root connection approach (Approach 2)


• 5.7.6 The tree ?cutting' process


• 5.7.7 A more complicated example


• 5.8 Computer assisted methods


• 5.8.1 The RTZ open-pit generator


• 5.8.2 Computer assisted pit design based upon sections


• References

6 PRODUCTION PLANNING

• 6.1 Introduction


• 6.2 Some basic mine life - plant size concepts


• 6.3 Taylor's mine life rule


• 6.4 Sequencing by nested pits


• 6.5 Cash flow calculations


• 6.6 Mine and mill plant sizing


• 6.6.1 Ore reserves supporting the plant size decision


• 6.6.2 Incremental financial analysis principles


• 6.6.3 Plant sizing example


• 6.7 Lanes algorithm


• 6.7.1 Introduction


• 6.7.2 Model definition


• 6.7.3 The basic equations


• 6.7.4 An illustrative example


• 6.7.5 Cutoff grade for maximum profit


• 6.7.6 Net present value maximization


• 6.8 Material destination considerations


• 6.8.1 Introduction


• 6.8.2 The leach dump alternative


• 6.8.3 The stockpile alternative


• 6.9 Production scheduling


• 6.9.1 Introduction


• 6.9.2 Phase scheduling


• 6.9.3 Block sequencing using set dynamic programming


• 6.9.4 Some scheduling examples


• 6.10 Push back design


• 6.10.1 Introduction


• 6.10.2 The basic manual steps


• 6.10.3 Manual push back design example


• 6.10.4 Time period plans


• 6.10.5 Equipment fleet requirements


• 6.10.6 Other planning considerations


• 6.11 The mine planning and design process - summary and closing remarks


• References

7 REPORTING OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND ORE RESERVES

• 7.1 Introduction


• 7.2 The jorc code - 4 edition


• 7.2.1 Preamble


• 7.2.2 Foreword


• 7.2.3 Introduction


• 7.2.4 Scope


• 7.2.5 Competence and responsibility


• 7.2.6 Reporting terminology


• 7.2.7 Reporting - General


• 7.2.8 Reporting of Exploration Results


• 7.2.9 Reporting of Mineral Resources


• 7.2.10 Reporting of Ore Reserves


• 7.2.11 Reporting of mineralized stope fill, stockpiles, remnants, pillars, low grade mineralization and tailings


• 7.3 The cim best practice guidelines for the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves - general guidelines


• 7.3.1 Preamble


• 7.3.2 Foreword


• 7.3.3 The Resource Database


• 7.3.4 Geological interpretation and modeling


• 7.3.5 Mineral Resource estimation


• 7.3.6 Quantifying elements to convert a Mineral Resource to a Mineral Reserve


• 7.3.7 Mineral Reserve estimation


• 7.3.8 Reporting


• 7.3.9 Reconciliation of Mineral Reserves


• Selected References


• References

8 RESPONSIBLE MINING

• 8.1 Introduction


• 8.2 The 2 united nations conference on the human environment


• 8.3 TheWorld Conservation Strategy (WCS) - 0


• 8.4 World Commission on Environment and Development (7)


• 8.5 The ?Earth Summit'


• 8.5.1 The Rio Declaration


• 8.5.2 Agenda 21


• 8.6 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)


• 8.7 Mining industry and mining industry-related initiatives


• 8.7.1 Introduction


• 8.7.2 The Global Mining Initiative (GMI)


• 8.7.3 International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)


• 8.7.4 Mining, Minerals, and Sustainable Development (MMSD)


• 8.7.5 The U.S. Government and Federal Land Management


• 8.7.6 The Position of the U.S. National Mining Association (NMA)


• 8.7.7 The View of One Mining Company Executive


• 8.8 ?Responsible Mining' - the way forward is good engineering


• 8.8.1 Introduction


• 8.8.2 The Milos Statement


• 8.9 Concluding remarks


• References

Index

VOLUME 2

PREFACE

9 THE CSMine TUTORIAL

• 9.1 Getting started


• 9.1.1 Hardware requirements


• 9.1.2 Installing CSMine


• 9.1.3 Running CSMine


• 9.2 The arizcu property description


• 9.3 Steps needed to create a block model


• 9.4 Data files required for creating a block model


• 9.5 CSMine program design overview


• 9.6 Executing commands with CSMine


• 9.7 Starting the tutorial


• 9.8 The drill hole mode


• 9.8.1 Reading the drill hole file


• 9.8.2 Defining the block grid


• 9.8.3 Creating a drill hole plan map


• 9.8.4 Creating a drill hole section map


• 9.9 The composite mode


• 9.9.1 Calculating composites


• 9.9.2 Storing and loading composite files


• 9.9.3 Drill hole section plots with composites


• 9.10 The block mode


• 9.10.1 Calculating block grades


• 9.10.2 Creating block value plots


• 9.10.3 Creating contour maps


• 9.10.4 Assigning economic values to the blocks


• 9.10.5 The Restrictions command


• 9.10.6 Pit plots


• 9.10.7 The Slopes command


• 9.10.8 The Save and Print commands


• 9.11 Conclusion


• 9.12 Suggested exercises

10 CSMine USER'S GUIDE

• 10.1 Basics


• 10.1.1 File types


• 10.1.2 The project file


• 10.1.3 Changing modes


• 10.1.4 Formatting the data screen


• 10.1.5 Sorting data


• 10.1.6 Printing data


• 10.1.7 Coordinate system description


• 10.2 Drill hole mode


• 10.2.1 Drill hole data file description


• 10.2.2 Reading a drill hole file


• 10.2.3 Plotting a drill hole plan map


• 10.2.4 Plotting a drill hole section map


• 10.3 Composite mode


• 10.3.1 How composites are calculated


• 10.3.2 Creating composites


• 10.3.3 Saving composite files


• 10.3.4 Reading composite files


• 10.3.5 Composite file description


• 10.4 Block model mode


• 10.4.1 Defining the block model grid


• 10.4.2 Surface topography


• 10.4.3 Assigning block values


• 10.4.4 Creating a block model


• 10.4.5 Saving a block file


• 10.4.6 Reading a block file


• 10.4.7 Block file description


• 10.5 Economic block values


• 10.5.1 How economic values are calculated


• 10.5.2 Evaluation of the default formulas


• 10.5.3 Creating an economic block model


• 10.6 Pit modeling


• 10.6.1 Surface topography restrictions


• 10.6.2 Geometric pit limit restriction and pit slopes


• 10.6.3 Positive apexed cone limits


• 10.6.4 Three-dimensional floating cone


• 10.6.5 Entering pit slopes


• 10.6.6 Turning pit restrictions on and off


• 10.7 Block plots


• 10.7.1 The Configure command


• 10.7.2 The Next command


• 10.7.3 The Previous command


• 10.7.4 The Return command


• 10.7.5 Controlling which blocks are plotted


• 10.8 Contour plots


• 10.8.1 The Configure command


• 10.8.2 The Next command


• 10.8.3 The Previous command


• 10.8.4 The Return command


• 10.9 Plotting pit profiles


• 10.9.1 The Configure command


• 10.9.2 The Surface command


• 10.9.3 The Geometric command


• 10.9.4 The Outer_Economic command


• 10.9.5 The Floating_Cone command


• 10.9.6 The Return command


• 10.10 Block reports


• 10.10.1 The Restrictions command


• 10.10.2 The Configure command


• 10.10.3 The Return command


• 10.11 Summary statistics


• 10.11.1 The EX1.CMP data set


• 10.11.2 The EX2.CMP data set


• 10.11.3 Summary statistics description


• 10.11.4 Is a distribution normal?


• 10.11.5 Is a distribution lognormal?


• 10.11.6 The Transform command


• 10.11.7 The Statistics command


• 10.12 Variogram modeling


• 10.12.1 Introduction


• 10.12.2 Experimental variogram modeling


• 10.12.3 Anisotropy


• 10.12.4 The Variogram command


• References

11 OREBODY CASE EXAMPLES

• 11.1 Introduction


• 11.2 CSMine arizona copper property


• 11.2.1 Introduction


• 11.2.2 Historical background


• 11.2.3 Property topography


• 11.2.4 Geologic description


• 11.2.5 Mineralization


• 11.2.6 Drill hole data


• 11.2.7 Mining considerations


• 11.3 The minnesota natural iron property


• 11.3.1 Introduction


• 11.3.2 Access


• 11.3.3 Climatic conditions


• 11.3.4 Historical background


• 11.3.5 Topography


• 11.3.6 General geologic setting


• 11.3.7 Mine-specific geology


• 11.3.8 An initial hand design


• 11.3.9 Economic basis


• 11.4 The utah iron property


• 11.4.1 Background


• 11.4.2 Mining history of the district


• 11.4.3 Property topography and surface vegetation


• 11.4.4 Climate


• 11.4.5 General geology


• 11.4.6 Mineralization


• 11.4.7 Mineral Processing


• 11.4.8 Pit slopes


• 11.4.9 Initial cost estimates


• 11.4.10 Other considerations


• 11.5 The minnesota taconite property


• 11.5.1 Introduction


• 11.5.2 Location


• 11.5.3 History


• 11.5.4 Topography and surface conditions


• 11.5.5 General geology


• 11.5.6 Structural data


• 11.5.7 Mining data


• 11.5.8 Ore processing


• 11.6 The kennecott barneys canyon gold property


• 11.6.1 Introduction


• 11.6.2 Geologic setting


• 11.6.3 Resource definition


• 11.6.4 Geotechnical data


• 11.6.5 Topography and surface conditions


• 11.6.6 Climate


• 11.6.7 Ore processing


• 11.6.8 Mining data


• 11.7 The newmont gold property


• 11.7.1 Introduction


• 11.7.2 Property location


• 11.7.3 General geologic setting


• 11.7.4 Deposit mineralization


• 11.7.5 Topography and surface conditions


• 11.7.6 Local climatic conditions


• 11.7.7 Initial pit modeling parameters


• 11.8 The codelco andina copper property


• 11.8.1 Introduction


• 11.8.2 Background Information


• 11.8.3 Geology


• 11.8.4 Structural geology


• 11.8.5 Geotechnical slope analysis and design


• 11.8.6 Unit operations and initial costs for generating a pit


• 11.9 The codelco norte copper property


• 11.9.1 Introduction


• 11.9.2 Location and access


• 11.9.3 Geology


• 11.9.4 Geotechnical information


• 11.9.5 Open pit geometry


• 11.9.6 Material handling systems


• 11.9.7 Metallurgical testing/process development


• 11.9.8 Leach pad design and operation


• 11.9.9 Mine design and plan


• 11.9.10 Unit operations and manpower


• 11.9.11 Economic analysis


• References

Index