Optimising Underground Expansion for a Major Gold Operation

Project Overview

A leading mining company engaged Mining Plus to conduct a comprehensive underground feasibility study for one of its gold operations. The aim was to refine the approach outlined in the prefeasibility study, address risks, and uncover opportunities to enhance the underground mine plan for future expansion.

Challenges Faced

As an established open-pit operation with no prior underground mining infrastructure, the transition to underground mining posed several challenges. Key hurdles included validating original prefeasibility assumptions with updated geotechnical data, refining the block model with new drilling information, and determining the most efficient mine design and sequencing. Additionally, critical systems such as material handling, ventilation, backfill, and waste disposal had to be evaluated to implement underground operations successfully. A reliable cost model was also required to estimate the expansion's capital and operating expenditures.

Mining Plus Solutions

Mining Plus conducted a detailed feasibility study, employing advanced tools like Deswik Stope Optimiser to refine stope shapes and optimise mining methods, sequencing, and design. The team collaborated closely with updated geotechnical data and conducted trade-off analyses to ensure design decisions were based on the most accurate resource models. A comprehensive mine operations strategy was developed, including material handling, backfill solutions, ventilation, and equipment requirements. To support the planning process, cut-off grade analysis, cost modelling, and project estimation were also performed to provide a complete view of the financial requirements for the underground transition.

Key Results

The feasibility study resulted in an optimised underground mine design and sequencing, ensuring technical robustness and economic viability. Several opportunities were identified to improve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness while mitigating risks from the prefeasibility phase. The refined cost model provided a clear financial roadmap for the underground transition, allowing the company to maintain stable, large-scale, low-cost gold production. The study set the stage for the success of the underground expansion and long-term production goals.

Conclusion

Through advanced techniques and close collaboration, Mining Plus delivered an optimised underground mine design and provided comprehensive guidance for the transition to underground operations. This study laid the foundation for continued success, enabling sustainable, cost-effective operations with potential future growth.