Natural and Geologic Factors

Topography
- Spatial relations (size, shape, attitude, depth, etc.) of the
ore body
- Geologic considerations (mineralogy, structure, ore body
genesis, presence of water, etc.)
- Rock mechanics properties
- Chemical and metallurgical properties of the ore that affect
processing and smelting

Developmen

Also includes:
o Acquiring water and mineral rights
o Buying surface lands
o Arranging for financing
o Preparing permit applications
o EIS (Environmental Impact Statement)
o Construction of:
▪ access roads,
▪ power sources,
▪ mineral transport systems,
▪ mineral processing facilities,
▪ waste disposal areas,
▪ offices and other support facilities

EIS

Environmental Impact Statement

Surface

determination of
stripping ratio

- some have no overburden

Underground

– generally more complex +
expensive
- requires careful planning
and layout of access
openings

Factors in Mine Development

Assessment of Existing Conditions
Evaluation with respect to the Project Requirements

Assessment of Existing Conditions

- Current use of utilities (power, water)
- Infrastructure
- Housing
- Equipment suppliers

Evaluation with respect to the Project Requirements

Upgrades
- Impact
- Anticipated future growth (supply and projected usage)

Locational Factors

Ease of transport of mineral products and supplies
- Availability of labor and support services (housing, health
care, educational and recreational facilities etc.)
- Operational and (and psychological) impacts of climate and
weather
- Employees’ satisfaction

Social-Economic-Political-Environmental Factors

Demographics and occupational skills of the locals
- Means of financing and marketing
- Political stability of host country
- Environmental legislation
- Government aids, government restrictions, and taxes

Market Analysis

Projected Consumption Demands
- Projected Supply
- Potential Market Penetration
- Projected Sales Price of the Product of Mine Operation
- Projected Cycles in the Market, etc.

Financial Analysis

Market Information
- Capital Cost for the Corporation
- Strategic Planning of the Corporation
- Evaluation of the numerous Financial Indicators

Equipment to be used

dictated primarily by the mining
plan

Shovel + Dumper (Mining
Dump or Articulated Truck

slippery grounds, tight switchbacks,
and low ceiling heights, ↑maneuverability)

Bucket wheel excavators

(high capacity, productivity also very expensive)
- lignite (low compressive
strength <100kg/cm2)

Dragline and Long-reach Shovels

-1 in 6 gradient or flatter

Surface Miner

(cuts, crushes and loads; instead of drilling + blasting)
-compressive
strength
<250kg/cm2
-1 in 10 gradient
or flatter

Electric Rope Shovel

Hydraulic Shovel

Backhoe
- mounted on the back of
a tractor or front loader

Excavator
(excavation)
- longer boom & stick

Dozer

Large Wheel Loader

Continuous Miner
→ cutter head + conveyor boom

Roadheader
- either transverse (Sideways) or longitudinal (Front)

SDL (Side Discharge Loaders)

LHD (Load-Haul-Dumper)

Longwall machine

Factors in buying equipment

Price
*Availability, transport systems
*Local Vendor Capabilities
*Product support
- maintenance staffing requirements
- capital expenditures on shops and tools, parts and supplies