Morenci is an open-pit copper mining complex that has been in continuous operation since 1939 and previously was mined through underground workings.
Mine unit operations include drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and auxiliary support.
Primary production equipment is used to mine ore and waste, and as of December 31, 2022, comprises of 16 blast hole drills, 13 electric rope shovels with bucket sizes ranging from 62 to 74 cubic yards, 6 front end loaders, and 146 trucks with a 267-ton payload factor. The primary production equipment is supported by a fleet of ancillary equipment including track dozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, backhoes, and water trucks. Support equipment is used for building access roads, road maintenance, and other mine services.
The LOM plan includes equipment units up to 13 electric rope shovels and 146 haul trucks. Mine equipment is replaced or rebuilt after its useful life is achieved. Costs for mine equipment replacements and additions are accounted for in the financial modeling.
Morenci’s mining fleet is capable of moving an average of 815,000 metric tons of material per day.
The inter-ramp slope angles vary between 42 to 54 degrees. The haul ramps are planned with a width of 130 feet and with a 10 percent grade but can vary in different sections of the ramp. They are designed to accommodate the current truck fleet.
The final mine design is approximately 3.4 miles in width (east ........
