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Assessment of mining method selection, mine layouts, ore/waste schedules, ore transport and blending, capital and operating cost estimates, manpower, power distribution and infrastructure formed the basis for these studies. We define physical elements such as operating and ultimate slopes, mine dewatering, ore blending systems, waste dumps and tailings facilities to appropriate detail in light of their influence on costs. We demonstrate economic sensitivities to capital requirements, ore reserves, commodity prices, royalties, fuel costs, transportation costs and environmental liabilities.
In addition to financial optimization, sensitivity studies conducted by Terracon also identify key data deficiencies prior to project commitment. Our services include engineering investigations for the energy, metal and industrial mineral sectors. Our mine planning studies have encompassed several mining methods including, truck and shovel, draglines, and continuous mining systems such as bucket wheel excavators and cutter dredges. We have designed tailings facilities for small volume impoundment structures capable of handling waste from pilot plants to very large structures with capacities of millions of cubic metres of waste per year. Optimum design of these facilities demands strict controls on costs, embankment safety and ultimate reclamation. Some of our mine and tailings engineering services include:
