Half Pit Limits

University of Alberta
MINE 325 Mine Planning and Design

Lec16_1
MINE 325
Mine Planning
L 15 Pit Li it I Lec15 Pit Limits I
Manual Method
Ultimate or Final Pit Limits (1/5)
Size and shape of mineable reserves and
associated waste materials to be excavated
Lec15-2
associated waste materials to be excavated
based on:
Technical , Economical , Safety constraints
It is used in:
The economic potential of a mineral deposit.
Financing and Taxation.
Short and long term mine plans.
The boundaries outside which mine plant and
structures should be located.
Lec16_2
Pit Limits (2/5)
Lec15-3
Pit Limits (3/5)
Lec15-4
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Pit Limits (4/5)
Lec15-5
Final Pit Limit method (5/5)
Manual method
C t th d (2D 3D)
Lec15-6
Computer methods (2D, 3D)
Manual methods are based on sections
Involve Stripping Ratios (SR)
Three stripping ratios which can be defined:
Overall Stripping Ratio
Incremental (Instantaneous) Stripping Ratio
Break-even or maximum Stripping Ratio
Lec16_4
MINE 325
Mine Planning
Stripping Ratio
Stripping Ratios (1/6)
Overall stripping ratio is the ratio of the total
tonnage of waste divided by the total tonnage of
Lec15-8
tonnage of waste divided by the total tonnage of
ore contained in the final pit (SR
o
)
Incremental stripping ratio (or instantaneous
stripping ratio)is the ratio of waste tonnage to
ore tonnage as a result of expanding the pit by a
unit volume (ISR)
Break-even stripping ratio is the ratio of waste
tonnage to ore tonnage where the cost of the
waste removal exactly equals the value of the
mineral (BESR or SR
max
)
Lec16_5
Stripping Ratios (2/6)
SR
o
and ISR are physical ratios
Lec15-9
BESR is an economic ratio
BESR will change depending on
grades, costs and revenues
Stripping ratio (3/6)
The volume of the contained ore is expressed by
2
V h
Lec15-10
2
V r h t =
where
r is the ore radius
h is the ore thickness.
Lec16_6
Chapter 4 pages 45 to 49
. tan h r A = O
Lec15-11
tan
c
H h h h r = + A = + O
tan tan
c
H h
R r = = +
O O
2
1
3
tip
V r h t = A
Truncated tip
2 2
1 1
3 3
m tip c
V V V R H r h t t = = A
Fully circumscribed cone
2
1
3
c
V R H t =
Mined volume (ore + waste)
1 1
Mined volume (ore + waste)
Lec15-12
2 2
1 1
3 3
m tip c
V V V R H r h t t = = A
2
w m
V V r h t =
Volume of waste
( ) Waste volume
SR =
( )
SR
Ore volume
=
2
2
( )
w m
o
V V r h
SR overall
V r h
t
t
= =
Lec16_7
Lec15-13
MINE 325
Mine Planning
Final Pit Limits a t ts
Manual Method
Lec16_8
Manual Method
Basic Concepts - Sectional Calculation
waste
$NV = $GV $TC
Net Value = Gross Value Total Cost
Lec15-15
the density of ore and waste is the
0.6% Cu
ISR = 2:1
1 ton of Ore
(0.6% Cu)
3.2 tons of
waste
$NV = $GV - $TC
BESR = 3.2:1
the density of ore and waste is the
same, the ISR is the ratio of the
length in ore to the length in waste.
$NV = Cost of Stripping
Manual Method
Basic Concepts - Sectional Calculation
waste
Lec15-16
0.6% Cu
ISR = 2:1 BESR = 3.2:1
Actual Stripping
Ratios
Allowable
Stripping Ratios
Pit Limit is adjusted until:
ISR = BESR
Lec16_9
Manual Method
Basic Concepts - Both Walls in Waste
Lec15-17
Usually the width of cross
section is assigned to each side
( f i fl f ti ) (area of influence of section).
Shape is moved vertically and
horizontally on section until both
sides fit the SR-Grade Curve
Manual Method
Sectional Calculation -Variable Grades
Each block or polygon has a
grade associated with it
Lec15-18
grade associated with it.
Multiple layers
of overburden
type material
can complicate
Calculation of average grade in the ore is
a length weighted average grade.
Each side is done independently.
can complicate
the sectional
calculation
Lec16_10
Hand Method
The Basic Concept - Example
Lec15-19
Ore Net Value
$NV = $GV - $TC = $1.90 / unit volume
Cost of stripping waste is $1/unit volume
Hand Method the Basic Concept
Example- Strip 1
The volumes are:
Strip 1:
3
1
7.5
w
V u =
Lec15-20
3
1
5.0
o
V u =
The instantaneous stripping ratio (ISR) is defined as:
1
wl
ol
V
ISR
V
=
1
1.5 ISR =
Assuming that the net value from selling one unit volume of ore (that money
remaining after all expenses have been paid) is $1.90
cost for mining and disposing of the waste is $1/unit volume, the net value
for strip I is
1
5.0 x $1.90 - 7.5 x $1 = $2.00 NV =
Lec16_11
Example- Strip 2
V u
2
3
8 4 = .
Strip 2:
Lec15-21
V u
V u
ISR
NV
w
o
2
2
3
2
2
8 4
5 0
1 68
=
=
=
.
.
.
5.0 x $1.90 - 8.4 x $1 = $1..10
Example- Strip 3
Strip 3:
V u
3
3
9 45 = .
For strip 3, the net value is just about
zero This pit position is termed
Lec15-22
V u
V u
ISR
NV
w
o
3
3
3
3
3
9 45
5 0
1 89
=
=
=
.
.
.
5.0 x $1.90 - 9.45 x $1 = $$0.05 0
zero. This pit position is termed
'breakeven' since the costs involved in
mining the strip just equal the revenues.
It is the location of the final pit wall.
Lec16_12
Example- Strip 4
V u
3
10 5 =
Strip 4:
Lec15-23
V u
V u
ISR
NV
w
o
4
4
3
4
4
10 5
5 0
2 1
=
=
=
=
.
.
.
5.0 x $1.90 - 10.5 x $1 = --$1.0
Hand Method
Example final pit
ISR = BESR
Lec15-24
Lec16_13
The overall stripping ratio (OSR) for this section is calculated as
t A
Lec15-25
waste area A
OSR
ore area B
= =
OSR = 0.8
how to find the final pit outline?
Lec15-26
Lec16_14
Basic steps in determining pit limits
the following basic steps involved in
determining pit limits remain the same:
Lec15-27
determining pit limits remain the same:
1. A slice is selected.
2. The contained value is compared with the
costs.
3. If the net value is positive, the pit can be
d d If ti th it t t expanded. If negative, the pit contracts.
4. The final pit position is where the net value
of the slice is zero.
ISR = BESR
MINE 325
Lec15-28
Mine Planning
M l M th d Manual Method
Net Value Calculation
Lec16_15
Cutoff Grades
The term cutoff grades refers to grades
f hi h th d ti ti f t i l
Lec15-29
for which the destination of materials
changes
Cutoff grade is the grade at which the
mineral resource can no longer be
processed at a profit. processed at a profit.
The break even cutoff grade is defined
as the grade for which the net value is
zero
Manual Method
Example Copper Deposit
Lec15-30
Find the Min and
Max grade in the
section section
Lec16_16
to construct a net value grade curve
1. Compute the amount of saleable product
copper (lb/s t of ore)
Lec15-31
copper (lb/s.t of ore)
2. Calculate the gross value (GV) for the ore ( $/ s.t)
3. Calculate the associated costs (TC) ($/s.t)
4. Calculate the net value per ton of ore
Net Value = GV TC
5. Calculate the net value per ton of ore for another
ore grade
6. Construct a net value grade curve
to construct a net value grade curve
7. determine the breakeven cutoff grade
Lec15-32
8. Developing a stripping ratio grade
curve
9. Presenting the final curves
10.Finding the location of pit limits
Lec16_17
Manual Method
Creating a Net Value to Grade Curve
Net value must include all recoveries/losses
due to processing
Lec15-33
due to processing
Consider the following example:
Mill recovery = 80%
Mill concentrate grade = 20%
Smelting loss = 10 lbs/st of conc.
Refining loss = 5 lbs/st of copper
Calculations for 0.55% Cu
Mining cost $1 / ton
Manual method
Creating a Net Value to Grade Curve
It will be assumed that
Pit l
Lec15-34
Pit slopes:
Left hand side = 50 degrees
Right hand side = 40 degrees
Minimum width of the pit bottom = 100 ft;
Material densities:
Ore = 165 lb/cu-ft
Waste rock = 165 lb/cu-ft
Overburden =165 lb/cu-ft;
Lec16_18
Manual Method
Net Value to Grade Curve
Mine Mill Concentrator Smelter Refinery
Mill recovery = 80%
loss = 5 lbs/st of
Blister copper
loss = 10 lbs/st
of concen
Lec15-35
0.55%
blister copper concentrate copper Ore
1 st = 2000lb weight
grade
lbs cu 11.0
2000lb
20%
8.8 8.58 8.56
2000lb
45.45 tons
Copper price $1 / lb
233.1 tons
Copper price $1 / lb
By product $1.77 / st ore
Mining cost $1 / ton
Manual Method Creating a
Net Value to Grade Curve
Mill recovered Quantity of Metal = Contained copper * recovery
0.55% Cu 11 lb/st * recovery = 8.8 lb/st
Lec15-36
y
Mill produces 20% concentrate
Conc. Ratio = 400 lb/st conc / 8.8 lb ore = 45.45 tons of ore
Means that ~45 tons of ore produces 1 ton conc.
Smelter loses 10 lb/st conc = 0.22 lb/ore
Smelter Recovered copper = 8.8 0.22 = 8.58 lb
Refinery recovery = 2000 lb copper/ 8.58 lb copper/st ore
= 233.1 tons ore
Refining losses are 5lb/ton copper therefore loss of 0.02 lb of
copper
Refinery Recovered copper = 8.56 lb Cu / ton of ore
Lec16_19
Manual method Creating a Net
Value to Grade Curve
Copper is $1.00 / lb other recovered
$
Lec15-37
pp
minerals (Au, Ag etc) total $1.77/ton of
ore
Revenue =
8.56lb * $1.00 + $1.77 = $10.33/ ton
Costs:
Production costs:
Lec15-38
Production costs:
Mining $1.00/ton,
Milling $2.80/ton,
Administration (15% of m&m) $0.57
Total production costs $4.37
Amortization and depreciation costs / ton ore
20% of production costs per ton ore = $0.87
Treatment, refining, selling costs = $2.59
Lec16_20
Total costs of $7.83/ ton ore
Lec15-39
For 0.55% grade copper,
Net Value = Revenue Costs =
$10.33 - $7.83 = $2.50
Net Value Curve
4 00
5.00
Lec15-40
y = 1556.1x - 6.064
-1.00
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
0.00% 0.20% 0.40% 0.60% 0.80% 1.00%
N
e
t

V
a
l
u
e

(
$

/

t
o
n

o
f

o
r
e
)
-4.00
-3.00
-2.00
Cu Grade
Lec16_21
4.00
5.00
Net Value Curve
Based on total costs of
$7.83/ton of ore
Lec15-41
y = 1556.1x - 6.064
-2.00
-1.00
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
0.00% 0.20% 0.40% 0.60% 0.80% 1.00%
N
e
t
V
a
lu
e
(
$
/ t
o
n
o
f
o
r
e
)
Net Selling Price of $1.00/lb
for the copper
%CU Value
0.55 $2.50
0.37 -$0.31
Break Even
Grade
Knowing the cost of waste
-4.00
-3.00
Cu Grade
g
removal, the curve can be
converted to a stripping ratio
grade curve
4.00
5.00
Net Value Curve
Cost of stripping is $1 00/ton
Lec15-42
y = 1556.1x - 6.064
-2.00
-1.00
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
0.00% 0.20% 0.40% 0.60% 0.80% 1.00%
N
e
t
V
a
lu
e
(
$
/ t
o
n
o
f
o
r
e
)
Cost of stripping is $1.00/ton
Stripping ratios added to the
curve.
BESR =
Net Value/ Stripping cost
Minimum Value
3:1
2:1
1:1
0.5:1
-4.00
-3.00
Cu Grade
Minimum value is the cost of moving a ton of waste
Lec16_22
Sectional Calculation
Variable Grades-Example
Lec15-43
Manual method
Stripping ratios and average grades are
evaluated usually by direct measurement of
Lec15-44
evaluated usually by direct measurement of
the lengths of the slope in ore and waste
A final pit slope angle is chosen based on
geotechnical considerations
Lec16_23
Sectional Calculation - G1
Variable Grades-Example Contd
Lec15-45
Sectional Calculation G1
Lec15-46
130 296
( ) 1.79:1;
238
SR actual
+
= ~
( ) 6.2 :1; SR allowable ~
Conclusion: expand pit
BESR
ISR
Lec16_24
Lec15-47
Lec15-48
Lec16_25
Sectional Calculation Line G2
Lec15-49
130 385
( ) 3.3:1
156
SR actual
+
= ~ ( ) 5.6:1 SR allowable ~
Conclusion: expand pit
Lec15-50
Lec16_26
Lec15-51
130 443
( ) 5.51:1
104
SR actual
+
= ~
( ) 3.9:1 SR allowable ~
Conclusion: contract pit
Sectional Calculation - Line G4
Lec15-52
Lec16_27
Lec15-53
130 435
( ) 5.43:1
104
SR actual
+
= ~ ( ) 5.4 :1 SR allowable ~
Conclusion: Final Pit
Sectional Calculations
Lec15-54
Pit is outlined on
each section.
Number of sections
required will depend
on the complexity and
shape of the deposit.
Typically 8-20
sections are used.
Lec16_28
Transfer to Plans
Pit top and bottom are
transferred to a plan view and
Lec15-55
p
the surface intersects
connected.
The ends must be done
separately. At the pit ends a
stripping wedge is calculated
to complete the design.
Sections
Radial Section at Pit End
Lec15-56
Lec16_29
Lec15-57
Parallel section
radial section
Lec15-58
Lec16_30
Measured SR (for Radial Section)
Lec15-59
a
b
u
a = length in ore
b = length in waste
u=slope angle
Plan View
B
a*cos u b*cos u
| includes angle
of the wedge
B
A
True SR (for Radial Section)
The angles cancel out in the equation
Area A = (a*cosu)
2
* | / 2
Lec15-60
Area A = t(a*cosu)
2
* | / 2t
Area B = t [((a+b)*cos u)
2
- (a*cos u)
2
] * |/ 2t
SR (true) = B/A
=[(a+b)
2
-a
2
] / a
2
= (1 + b/a)
2
1
SR (true) = [1 + SR(measured)]
2
- 1
Lec16_31
Pit Ends
Create a graph of Measured vs True SR
M th SR th ti
Lec15-61
Measure the SR on the section
Find the true SR from the graph
Use the SR-Grade curve to adjust the
position of the line
True vs Measured SR Curve
Stripping Ratio
Measured True
16 00
True vs Measured
Lec15-62
0.00 0.00
0.25 0.56
0.50 1.25
0.75 2.06
1.00 3.00
1.25 4.06
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
16.00
T
r
u
e

S
R
1.50 5.25
2.00 8.00
2.50 11.25
3.00 15.00
0.00
2.00
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00
Measured SR

Half Pit Limits

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University of Alberta

MINE 325 Mine Planning and Design

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