The underground mine has over 60km of tunnels, and is mined over a vertical depth of 300 metres from the surface.
The main access to the underground operations is provided by a 1:9 decline, 4m by 4m in cross section which runs from the portal at 1,065m amsl to the 852m level. Access from this decline to the orebodies is via ramps and cross-cut haulages.
Mining methods include fully mechanised sub-level stoping and cut-and-fill with application depending on orebody dimensions. Each cut is either 2m or 4m depending on orebody geometry and fill is placed in the stopes after each cut and stopped with sand (>50cm), which also acts as a marker between ore and waste.
All primary waste development, ore development and the cut-and-fill stopes are drilled using electro- hydraulic drill rigs.
Mining operations extend to a depth of 190m from the general desert surface. Ground conditions are generally good although (ground conditions) in localised areas is poor which necessitates the use of roof-bolts, sometimes in combination with mesh. No formal support system is left in the stopes, however low grade areas are left in-situ which also limit mining spans.
Mining activities are serviced with compressed air from a central facility with an installed capacity of 231m3/min provided by five compressors, three of which are operational at any one time. Ventilation is provided via the main decline and all air is exhausted via a separate incl ........
