Sepon mine is an open pit operation that is mining and processing supergene copper ore. The operation uses a fleet of excavators and articulated trucks along with a fleet of auxiliary equipment. This mining method is appropriate for the style and size of the mineralisation.
Pit optimisations and designs adhered to recommended geotechnical parameters. The inter-ramp slopes used range between 18° – 40° for the clay material and 35° – 50° for the more competent material.
Sepon mine to operate the first modern underground mine in Lao PDR.
With a mineral resource of 9.5 million tonnes and projected ore production to increase from 400,000 tonnes in 2023 to 1.2 million tonnes per annum thereafter, the “Discovery Deeps Underground Mine” is expected to extend Sepon’s mine life for at least another seven years, to 2030.
The underground mine will extend 450 metres below the surface. The decline access tunnel will be more than 1,800m long, 5m high and 5m wide to accommodate modern underground excavation and drilling equipment.
The pit design comprises a 70° slope angle, 20 m height, and 10-15 m safety berm, meeting stability requirements with a factor of safety of 2.46. Underground mining design includes a 62° ore body dip, 50 m thick crown pillar to prevent surface subsidence, and 5 m wide, 5 m high stopes. Sill pillars are left for support after each level excavation. Rock bolts are employed in specific stope areas where is ........
