RE: Order of events10 Jul 2020 08:53
Have a look at this press release from OZ Minerals for their Carrapateena mine from 2013, it sounds very similar to the set-up that NCM are looking at and ultimately they have plumped for the selective sub-level caving system with the option to progress to a block-cave afterwards - sounds familiar.....
https://www.ozminerals.com/uploads/media/OZ-Carrapateena-April-2013-c3243939-f6b0-4267-b665-21baf50d65a8-0.pdf
OZ Minerals is currently undertaking exploration at Carrapateena to
determine the potential of mining this deposit. Several mining options are
currently being considered including sub-level open stoping, sub-level
caving and block caving. OZ Minerals has recently completed a number of
scoping studies to review options for mining techniques, infrastructure,
power, water supply and ore processing.
During 2012 OZ Minerals completed an extensive infill exploration drilling
program which led to a 43 percent increase in the Mineral Resources at
Carrapateena. The deeper infill exploration drilling has led to an extension
of the resource both laterally and at depth.
In June 2012, the OZ Minerals Board approved the development of the
exploration decline. With commencement scheduled for early 2013, the first
phase involves completion down to 625 metres for geotechnical testing
during 2014. The exploration decline will continue to a depth of
approximately 1,000 metres for further exploration access.
In December 2012, OZ Minerals purchased a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
to accelerate the development of the exploration decline. A TBM provides
an efficient and safe method to develop the decline with expected
development rates between 350 metres to 550 metres per month. This
represents an approximate 12 month time saving compared with
traditional drill and blast. The TBM is expected to be commissioned in late
2013.
During the same timeframe as the exploration decline construction,
OZ Minerals will be undertaking a pre-feasibility study to refine the options
selected during the scoping study.
Following the successful completion of the first stage of the decline and the
pre-feasibility study, it is expected that a feasibility study and detailed
geotechnical assessment of the orebody will be undertaken. This refines the
chosen implementation option from the pre-feasbility study and will
confirm if the defined mineral resource is able to be mined economically. If
the feasibility study proves to be positive then an official ‘decision to mine’
can be then considered by the OZ Minerals Board.
ATB - Paddy
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