In choosing a mining method, experience with numerous methods will play a major role.
The reason is that some of the
factors outlined earlier cannot be evaluated on a quantitative basis. Reaching an optimal decision, however, is facilitated
and strengthened by the use of quantitative and engineering evaluation, including operations research methods, aided by
computerized information gathering and data analysis. It is when quantitative and intuitive methods are in total
agreement that the mining method selected will be most successful. Engineering evaluation in the selection of a mining
method is often carried out on three levels (Folinsbee and Clarke, 1981). First, in the conceptual study. the physical
characteristics and production potentials of a number of mining methods, layouts, and systems are assessed. Next, in the
engineering study, the preceding concepts are quantified and compared, resulting in firm designs and costs.
Finally, in the detailed design study, drawings and specifications for construction for the preferred method are prepared.
The result is a final engineering report on which the investment decisions, equipment purchases, and construction
schedule are based. During this three-step process, the potential for upgrading any mining method should be considered.
The decision makers should consider whether any bigger or better equipment has come on the scene, whether any new
variations in the method are being tested to improve output, or whether any new mechanization or automation
technologies can enhance the production or cost performance of the chosen mining method. New and better mining
methods have evolved through this process.
4.8.2 Guidelines and Procedure
There are a variety of schemes to classify TABLE 4.1 Classification of Mining Methods
mining methods and aid in selection
Locale Class Subclass Method Commodities Relative Cost(%)
(Peele. 194 L young. 1946; Lewis and
Surface Mechanical -- *Open pit mining Metal, non-metal 5%
Clark, 1964), of which the oldest has Quarring Non-metal 100
been most widely copied and may still be *Open cast(strip)
the most useful. The basis for Mining Coal, non-metal 10
Auger mining Coal 5
classification In these schemes is some Aqueous Placer Hydraulicking Metal, non-metal 5
subjective combination of the spatial, Dredging Metal, non-metal <5
geologic, and geotechnical factors we Solution Borehole mining Non-metal 5
*Leaching Metal 10
have previously discussed. More recent
Underground Unsupported -- *Room and pillar mining Coal, non-metal 20
schemes (Morrison and Russell, 1973;
Boshkov and Wright, 1973; Thomas, Stope and pillar mining Metal, non-metal 10
Shrinkage stopping Metal, non-metal 45
1973; Humrin, 1982; and Nicholas, 1982, *Sublevel stopping Metal, non-metal 20
1992 b) have added more quantitative Supported -- *Cut and fill stopping Metal 55
Stull Stopping Metal 70
elements to the approach, but use the
Square-set stopping Metal 100
same basic approach as Peck. We will Caving -- *Longwall mining Coal 15
refer to some of these schemes again Sublevel caving Metal 15
*Block caving Metal 10
when we discuss mining method
selection in Chapter 14. One of the *Asterisks indicate the most important and commonly used methods.
disconcerting aspects of all of these
approaches is the orientation of the
scheme toward the underground noncoal
methods. 4.8.3 Classification of Mining Methods
For our purposes, we will devise a classification of mining methods that (I) is generic (that is, applies to both surface and
underground and to all types of mineral commodities) but not excessively complicated, (2) includes all current major
mining methods, and (3) recognizes the established major class distinctions and relative costs. This classification scheme
was introduced in Chapter I when exploitation methods were first discussed. The major categories used in our
classification are locale (surface or underground), class, subclass, and method. Table 4.1 outlines the classification and
provides basic information on the typical commodities mined and relative costs. Features of the various methods are yet
to be examined. These include a depiction, sequence of development, cycle of operations, deposit conditions, advantages,
disadvantages, production rate, relative cost, and examples. A suggested mining methods summary form is provided in
Figure 4.3. Surface mining methods will be outlined in detail in Chapters 7 and 8, underground methods in Chapters 10 to
12, and innovative methods in Chapter 13. A summary of all the methods and the procedures for selecting a mining
method will appear in Chapter 14. In this text, we will discuss all of the methods listed in Table 4.1. However, the heaviest
emphasis will be on the most commonly used methods. Eight of these have been marked with an asterisk in the table.
Three are surface methods and five are underground. Together, these methods account for about 90% of U.S. solid
minerals production.
4.8.3 Classification of Mining Methods
MINING METHODS NOTEBOOK
Locale Class Method
Sketches
PLAN OR SECTION SECTION
Sequence of Development
Cycle of Operations
Deposit Conditions
Ore strength Deposit size
Rock strength ore grade
Deposit shape ore uniformity
Deposit dip depth
Advantages Disadvantages
Production Flate Relative Cost
Examples
FIGURE 4.3. Sample form for mining methods notebook page
VOCABULARIO
• Layout: it is defined as the previous process of mental configuration, "prefiguration", in the search for a solution in any
field.
• Makers: Company dedicated to produce goods or transform a large-scale energy source using machinery and repetitive
processes, and then sell it to distributors, wholesalers or directly to consumers.
• Evolved: Pass an organism or a thing from one state to another.
• Category: is an element used to classify, facilitating the ordering in groups that have homogeneous qualities.
• Mineral: is a natural substance, of defined chemical composition, normally solid and inorganic, and that has a certain
crystalline structure.
• Ore grade: it is a measure that describes the degree of concentration of valuable natural resources (such as metals or
minerals) present in a ore. It is used to determine the economic viability of a mining operation: the cost of extracting
natural resources from its deposit is directly related to its concentration. Therefore, the cost of extraction must be less
than the commercial value of the material that is extracted so that the operation is economically feasible.
• Development: process of change and growth related to a situation, individual or specific object.
• Strength: It refers to a vectorial magnitude, that tends to produce a change in the movement or in the internal structure
of an object or a substance.
• Mining methods: are the different types of extraction of minerals from a mine, can be open pit or underground.
• Mine operations: Are all the processes that there are in a mine from the prospection until the marketing of the mineral.