An Evaluation Procedure For New Deposits In Brownfield Underground Mines

Abstract

An evaluation procedure for newly discovered deposits at brownfield underground mines has been developed and was tested with a case study. A review of current underground mining methods, rock mass classification systems, mining method selection tools and production rates was undertaken to determine the current state of knowledge. An evaluation procedure was then developed to guide on site engineers in selecting feasible underground mining method(s) and identifying a preferred method(s) based on economic analysis. The procedure was calibrated with information from the literature review and then tested with a case study of the Bonanza Ledge deposit, recently mined by Barkerville Gold Mines, an exploration and mining company based in Wells, British Columbia. The procedure was then applied to the BC Vein deposit, currently under development by Barkerville Gold Mines. Application of the procedure to the BC Vein deposit allowed estimation of productivity rates and cashflows for technically feasible mining methods. Based on analysis of productivity rates and cashflows, a recommended mining method was identified. This case application has demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed procedure for evaluation of brownfield projects.