Outstanding textbook designed for courses in surface mine design, open pit design, geological excavation engineering and in advanced open pit mine planning and design. The step-by-step introduction to mine design and planning enables a fast-path approach to the matter by undergraduate and graduate students. The excellent, user-friendly software guides the student through the planning and design steps, and the drillhole data sets allows the student to practice the described principles in diverse mining properties case examples. The large number of illustrative examples and case studies, together with the exercises and the reference lists at the end of each chapter, provide the student with all the material needed to study effectively the theory and application methods of open pit mine planning and design. Volume 1 deals with the fundamental concepts involved in the planning and design of open pit mines. Subjects covered are mine planning, mining revenues and costs, orebody description, geometrical considerations, pit limits, production planning, mineral resources and ore reserves, and responsible mining.
Volume 2 deals with CSMine, a user-friendly mine planning and design software that was developed specifically to illustrate the principles involved when applied in practice. It includes CSMine software, a CSMine tutorial, a users guide and various orebody case examples. Although intended as student course material, many practitioners have used it as a practical reference guide.
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 OHara cost estimator 2.4.5 The updated OHara 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 21/2-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 Taylors 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 USERS 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