The operation currently includes the Merian 2 open pit, the Merian 1 open pit, and the Maraba open pit. The Kupari open pit is currently in development.
Open pit mining is conducted at Merian using conventional techniques and an Owner-operated conventional truck and shovel fleet. Currently, two open pits, Merian II and Maraba are being mined. Three smaller pits, Maraba South, Kupari, and Merian I are planned.
Pit slope design sectors are defined for the saprolite, saprock (transition), and fresh rock; and separate bench configurations are specified for each sector. Design parameters are the same for the Merian II, Maraba and Merian I pits. Bench face slope angles vary from 56–80º. All benches are assumed at 10 m heights.
There are five mining phases planned for the Merian II deposit. A starter phase in the main pit is planned within the final phase of the main pit with a small section of the west wall being common between the starter and main pits for a section of the pit wall. A minimum mining width of 50 m was targeted between the two phases and narrows to about 40 m for certain sections of the pit. The proposed Merian II main pit measures 2,800 m along strike and is roughly 1,000 m wide with a maximum depth of 390 m from 590 to 200 m elevation.
There are three mining phases planned for the Maraba deposit. A starter phase in the main pit is entirely centered within the final phase of the main pit allowing for at least 50 m betwee ........
