Episode #4 – Mining essentials: How mineral deposits are extracted

Before mining begins the ore body must be well defined. This is done by drilling exploration holes into the ground and using information to construct a three-dimensional model of the ore body.

• Open cut mining: A pit is excavated around ore bodies close to the surface. The pit is progressively expanded outward and downward until the deposit is exhausted or the operation is no longer economically viable.
• Underground mining: Shafts or declines are developed to access deeper deposits. Drives are extended into the mineralization, and the ore is extracted and transported to the surface using specialized haul trucks or skips.
• Combined approaches: Many mines employ both methods, with deep open pits often transitioning to underground mining accessed from the base of the pit.

Regardless of the method, the general sequence remains consistent: drilling and blasting the ore, removing fractured rock, transporting it to crushers, and moving the crushed material to the concentrator for processing.

This episode underscores the importance of choosing the right mining method to balance safety, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability in mineral extraction.