The selected mining method is based on a common surface mining method, open pit benching. The process of mining is the same as terrestrial mines: to expose mineralised material, achieve fragmentation, load and haul. Fragmentation at Solwara 1 will be achieved by mechanical cutting rather than drill-and-blast.
The three main mining tasks (sediment removal, rock cutting, and transfer of fragmented cuttings to surface) are performed by three seafloor production tools and a positive displacement pump, which are the four machines listed below and known collectively as the seafloor production equipment: Auxiliary cutter; Bulk cutter; Collection machine; Subsea slurry lift pump.
The seafloor production equipment will be remotely controlled by operators located on board the production support vessel.
The production process is broken down into the following tasks:
1. Remove the unconsolidated sediments.
2. Level the chimneys.
3. Establish the site and prepare a bench for bulk cutter operations.
4. Bulk cutter production – mineralised material pumped to stockpile:
a. ramp-down to the toe of the bench to be cut
b. cut a bench (bulk cutter production cut), bench may vary from 1 m to 4 m in height.
5. Auxiliary cutter production – mineralised material pumped to stockpile:
a. cut 4 m benches when auxiliary cutter available (auxiliary cutter production), or in locations where
the bulk cutter cannot o ........
