The Mine comprises both open pit and underground mining operations.
Open-pit
From 2022 onwards, open pit production will come from the Sessenge, Aerodrome, Pamao, Gorumbwa, Megi-Marakeke-Sayi, Kalimva-Ikamva, Oere, Pakaka, and the KCD deposits. The Mengu Hill, Mofu, Kombokolo and Rhino pits were depleted in 2017.
Open pit mining is carried out using conventional drill, blast, load, and haul surface mining methods. Mining of the main pits is carried out by a mining contractor, KMS.
From 2022 onwards, open pit production will come from the Sessenge, Aerodrome, Pamao, Gorumbwa, Megi-Marakeke-Sayi, Kalimva-Ikamva, Oere, Pakaka, and the KCD deposits. The Mengu Hill, Mofu, Kombokolo and Rhino pits were depleted in 2017.
The upper levels of the open pits are usually in weathered material, which typically is free digging material. Once fresh (unweathered) rock is encountered, drilling and blasting is required. Emulsion explosives are supplied as a down-the-hole service by the Mine’s explosive contractor Orica. Free digging in the upper levels uses 5 m high benches, with 10 m benches used for drilling and blasting operations. The 10 m benches containing ore are excavated in three flitches of equal height.
Pits Design has following Parameters:
- For Weathered material:
- Bench - Height 5-10m;
- Berm Width 4-5m;
- Batter Angle 27-50°;
- IRA 27-50°.
- For Transition Rocks:
- Be ........
