Mining method is conventional open pit mining as was used successfully at the operation until mining ceased.
No mining dilution or ore loss is applied to ROM stockpile recovery as dimensions are well known. The ROM stockpile floors are surveyed prior to build and no blasting is required.
Based on the back analysis of existing data and a factor of safety assessment, the pit slope design parameters are recommended:
Parameter Wall Height <60 m 60 m < Wall Height < 90 m
Batter face angle 62° 62°
Bench height 9 m 9 m
Berm width 5 m 5 m
Overall slope angle 45° 41°
Geotechnical berm width N/A 15 m
The H pits consist of five mining areas, totaling 17.6 Mt of Ore Reserves at 484 ppm U3O8 and an average strip ratio of 4.1:1.
The F pits consist of two mining areas, totaling 10.6 Mt of Ore Reserves at 540 ppm U3O8 with an average strip ratio of 1.4:1.
The G pits consist of four mining areas, totaling 9.3 Mt of Ore Reserves at 436 ppm U3O8 with an average strip ratio of 1.9:1.
The J pits consist of four mining areas, totaling 20.8 Mt of Ore Reserves at 478 ppm U3O8 with an average strip ratio of 1.8:1.
The study considered the infrastructure requirements associated with the conventional contr ........