The final pit design in open-pit mining is a complex optimization process influenced by geological, economic, geotechnical, operational, and environmental factors. These elements collectively determine the pit’s boundaries, slope stability, profitability, and long-term viability. Below are the key determinants: Geological and resource characteristics Deposit geometry and mineralization: the ore body’s shape, depth, grade distribution, and […]

Simply put, pushbacks are a sequence of controllable stages that can be exploited with the mining equipment currently in use and that can satisfy operational and geotechnical mining constraints. In the design and optimisation of open pit mines, pushbacks are extremely important. Since the underlying set of pushbacks serves as the basis for production scheduling, […]

In open-pit mining, the inter-ramp angle refers to the angle of the slope between two consecutive ramps or haul roads, encompassing multiple benches.  The overall slope angle (OSA) is the angle measured from the toe of the pit wall to the crest of the highest point, encompassing all benches, ramps, and haul roads within the open pit […]

Pueblo Viejo, the Government of the Dominican Republic, and representatives of affected communities have held dialogues in recent months, mediated by the Public Defender and observed by the Catholic Church. This “Commission” was convened to address outstanding issues linked to the resettlement process for the Pueblo Viejo mine’s expansion project. Today the Commission had successfully […]

Rio Tinto is investing CA$7.6 million in an industrial demonstration project to assess the integration of an ore sorting technology at its Lac Tio mine located in Havre-Saint-Pierre. The Government of Quebec will contribute CA$2.5 million to this initiative through its Support Program for the Scale-up of Mineral Processing or Primary Transformation for Critical and […]

Botswana’s main diamond company has paused production at some of its mines, citing a prolonged downturn in global demand. Debswana, a joint venture between the government and global mining giant De Beers, saw its sales revenue drop by almost 50% last year. Botswana is the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value. The industry accounts […]

Automation is transforming the mining industry, offering increased efficiency, safety, and productivity. Let’s explore several significant pitfalls and challenges accompany its adoption: High initial investment The cost of purchasing, installing, and integrating automated machinery and digital infrastructure is substantial. While long-term savings are possible, these upfront expenses can be a financial burden, especially for smaller […]

Wedges are used in conventional or wireline drilling. A wedge is set in a borehole so that it deflects the drill string in the desired direction when drilling recommences. Roller jet bits are used in oil drilling. A roller bit with a large jet on one side is often used to change direction. The drill […]

Drilling has existed as an industry since the Chinese erected the first cable-tool rig approximately 4000 years ago. Since the development of drill rigs, techniques and applications have led to the industry’s expansion multiple specialised sectors. Definitions of each drilling sector follow, along with brief outlines of the applications involved. Processes and spheres of influence […]

Sublevel caving (SLC) is most effective under specific geological conditions characterized by: Orebody geometry and dip: SLC is particularly suited for steeply dipping ore bodies, generally greater than 60°, and can also be applied to very thick and massive deposits. The orebody is typically divided into vertical slices for systematic extraction from top to bottom. […]