Underground Mining in Vein and Layer Deposits-New Methods for Concentrating Mining Works, Increasing Outputs and Reducing Ore Dilution

Abstract

COGEMA applies in underground operations working systems adapted to the shape of the orebodies, as illustrated by two methods recently developed in FRANCE. ECARPIERE mine stopes a vertical vein simultaneously using cut and fill for the upper part and undercut and fill with cemented backfilling for the lower part. This method allowed to concentrate several working faces in a limited area and consequently to concentrate equipment, power distribution, backfilling means, primary ventilation, supervision and maintenance ; resulting output was significantly increased. LODEVE mine operates a short wall method for mining thin layers ; ore is mined according to the mineralization limits, waste is blasted at the footwall and used as part of the integral backfilling. The method improves profitability of thin mineralizations in the general frame of a complex carbonate leach ore processing where dilution must be drastically reduced.