Question 1
a) With reference to open-pit mining, explain how the following factors would govern
bench height:
i. Degree of selectivity required in separating ore and waste.
[5]
ii. Production rate.
[5]
iii. Physical characteristics of the deposit.
[5]
b) It is often necessary to consider the conversion of a surface mining operation to an
underground mining operation. Evaluate the factors that you would consider in
converting a surface mining operation to an underground mining operation.
[10]
Question 2
a) The following surface mine production scenario is given:
Production Required ................2000 t/hour
Material ..................................... Blasted in 6m high face; pile;
Density .......................................! 600 kg/m 3
In addition to the above information, you are also given that the Front-End-Loader
(FEL) is being deployed in LHD mode (Load-Haul-Dump) doing loading on a hard level
surface for loader maneuvering with a total basic cycle time of 1.0 min. FELmaximum
activity per hour is 50.0 min.
I. Determine a suitable FELfor this application.
[5]
11. Calculate the tonnage generated per cycle.
[2]
Ill. What additional considerations would you make in your selection process? [4]
b) Distinguish between Discontinuous/Cyclical and Cyclical equipment as applied to a
surface mining operation, giving at least two examples of each class of equipment. [4]
c) Distinguish between Design Capacity and Technical Capacity of mining equipment,
clearly outlining the parameters that define each of the two capacities.
[4]
d) Explain the term Ultimate Pit Limit (UPL).
[2]
e) How do the following impact on d)
I. Stripping Ratio
[2]
11. Overall Slope Angle
[2]
Question 3
You are presented with the following surface mine stripping operation:
Material parameters:
Volume to be excavated, hauled and compacted -
45 000m 3
1