Overview
| Status | Closing / Closed |
| Mine Type | Underground |
| Commodities |
|
| Mining Method |
|
| Mine Life | 2020 |
The Argyle diamond mine closed on 3 November 2020.
In 2022, was completed the high-reach demolition of structures and processing equipment on site and progressed reprofiling and rehabilitation works. |
Source:
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Contractors
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Summary:
Argyle’s open pit diamond mine, which ceased operations in August 2013, produced more than 800 million carats of diamonds over its 28-year life. The Argyle diamonds continue at depth and an underground block cave mine has been developed as the safest and most economical way to reach deep into Argyle’s ore body.
Block cave mining involves undercutting the ore body and allowing it to break up or ‘cave’ under its own weight, removing the need for explosives or blasting. The technologically sophisticated underground operation at Argyle is the first block cave mine in Western Australia and one of only two operating in Australia.
The Argyle underground mine is a challenge both in size and complexity. There are around 40 kilometers of tunnels. The main thoroughfares in the underground network are four tunnels – two to carry vehicles, one for ventilation and one for moving ore. There are two large underground crushers and conveyor belts transport the ore from deep in the mine to the surface.
Source:
Summary:
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Production:
The Argyle diamond mine closed on 3 November 2020.
| Commodity | Units | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|
Diamond
|
k carats
| ...... | ...... | 14,069 | 17,135 | 13,958 | 13,472 |
All production numbers are expressed as mineral.
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Operational Metrics:
| Metrics | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
|
Tonnes processed
| 5 Mt of ore | | 5.1 Mt of ore | 4.8 Mt of ore | 3 Mt of ore |
|
Plant annual capacity
| | 11 Mt of ore | | | |
Reserves at December 31, 2018:
| Category | Tonnage | Commodity | Grade | Recoverable carats |
|
Probable
|
11 Mt
|
Diamond
|
2.2 carats/t
|
23.1 M carats
|
Corporate Filings & Presentations:
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