Mining Program
In December 2021, Blackstone was granted approval to recommence mining activities as part of our ongoing development of the Ta Khao Project. Approval was received to perform mining works that will involve completion of ~1,000m of lateral development.
The development drive starts from the 1,270mRL level of existing Ban Phuc underground workings (approximately 130m below natural ground leve) and extends completely through the middle of the Ban Phuc disseminated sulfide resource. Multiple cross cuts extend from the main development drive to provide access to a wide distribution of ore zones.
Open Pit Mining
Geotechnical Parameters
The open pit slope design parameters are based on a best estimate for a Scoping Level Study. The assessment has been undertaken based on consideration of the geotechnical model and relevant failure mechanisms. The design sectors adopted are based on degree of oxidation, i.e. completely oxidised, partially oxidised, and fresh rock. The slope design parameters apply to the following:
• Completely oxidised – all slopes above the base of complete oxidation;
• Partially oxidised – all slopes between the base of complete oxidation and the base of partial oxidation;
• Fresh – all slopes below the base of partial oxidation.
Conceptual Open Pit Mine
The Ban Phuc deposit is a large, near-surface disseminated nickel sulfide orebody amenable to bulk open pit mining with a p ........