Economico-Mathematical Analysis of Transition from Open-Pit to Underground Mining

Citation

Shahriar K, Oraee K, Bakhtavar E & Flett P (2010) Economico-Mathematical Analysis of Transition from Open-Pit to Underground Mining. In: Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2010. 2010 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, 28.02.2010-03.03.2010. Colorado, USA: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, pp. 150-152.

Abstract
Shallow ore deposits are mined by surface methods but a depth is reached in the case of most deposits after which underground methods are applied for the extraction of the remaining ore. The determination of this depth and its analysis is the subject of this paper. In order to determine transition depth from open-pit to underground mining on the basis of the allowable and economically feasible overall stripping ratios, an economic-mathematical equation is first introduced. Using the achieved equation and an analytical procedure on a particular two-dimensional hypothetical tabulate deposit, an effective formula is then established. The formula introduced here, together with the procedure adopted, could be used in all similar mining situations by the mining design engineer.

Keywords
; Ore deposits; Mines and mining

People

Dr Peter Flett

Senior Lecturer, Management, Work and Organisation