Minera Escondida Limitada(MEL) is a mining operation that uses conventional open pit methods to extract mineral reserves containing economic quantities of copper to produce both cathodes and copper concentrates. The mineral reserves are based on the LOM plan which only considers open pit mining.
Since the start of operations at MEL, the mine has operated using an open pit mining method, utilising trucks, and shovels/excavators. This method is suited to the large copper porphyry deposits mined by MEL as the deposits are low grade, high tonnage and located relatively close to the surface.
Drill and Blast
The mining operation begins with the drilling process; drill samples are sent to an assay laboratory for analysis. The assay results are used to mark out zones of ore, leach, and waste rock, which are mined separately.
Waste Removal and Storage
After the blasting is completed, ore and waste are mined by excavators loading onto trucks. Overburden and waste loads can be used for fixing roads, building ramps, or simply placed on the Overburden Storage Facility.
The mine design criteria are listed below:
• Surface mining approach
• Minimum operating width of 80 m
• Haul road design width of 40 m
• Bench height of 15 m
• Maximum road grade of 10%
• Bench face angle and catch berms vary based on geotechnical sector
• Typical blasting grid ranging from 7x7 until 11x14m
• Final wall Control ........