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

William Hustrulid has more than 40 years of experience in mining engineering. He has worked all over the world as a Professor of Mining Engineering, in R&D positions and as a consultant. He currently holds the rank of Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah and manages Hustrulid Mining Services in Bonita Springs, Florida. Mark Kuchta has almost 20 years of experience in mining engineering, research and teaching and has worked in the United States and Sweden. At present, he is an Associate Professor of Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.

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 2½-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