Mining and Transport
Mining
Mine Site conditions present an ore-body that has minimal overburden with an ore horizon that dips 10 to 15 degrees to the East. The Easterly dip will necessitate some benching with the likely removal of “in pit” waste. Waste to Ore ratio of < 0.5:1 is expected for the overall mining operation.
RMC plans to undertake contract mining with the ore body conditions being suitable for relatively small mining equipment including front end loaders and haul trucks of 45 to 50 ton capacity. Preliminary engineering studies suggest that a hydraulic excavator will be the most appropriate digging unit. Run of mine ore will be hauled down the escarpment to crushing facilities. This recent engineering review supports mining operations being carried out on a single shift basis, 6 days per week.
Support facilities for maintenance and administration together with a 25 person accommodation village will be established at the mine site.
Ore Handling
Processing of the ore is expected to also operate on a single shift basis. The design of the processing circuit is expected to feature a jaw crusher equipped with a rock-breaker followed by a two stage crushing and screening operation with possible trommel screen to produce both lump and fines.
Sufficient stockpiles of ore will be maintained at the processing facilities to allow for uninterrupted trucking to port.
Cartage to Port
Road trains of approximately 100 tons capacity will carry the lump and fines product from the mine site 170km to Wyndham during a round-trip of approximately 4.5 hours. The road conditions are excellent, with a wide shouldered two lane sealed carriageway from within 7km of the mine site stockpiles to the port of Wyndham.
Based on an annual production of 1.5 Mtpa approximately 14 road train consists will be required to haul the lump and fines products to Wyndham port. A Workforce of up to 50 people based in Wyndham will be required to support the cartage operation.
Road Train
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