Factors for Economic Viability in Diamond Mining

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Questions and Answers

What factors need to be considered to determine if a diamond deposit is economically viable to mine?

  • Geographical and political accessibility, climate, depth and composition of overburden, clearance of area (correct)
  • Type of deposit, potential profitability, capital outlay, average value per carat
  • Output (annual), grade, planning for infrastructure, accommodation
  • Clearance from authorities, staff, removal of overburden, treatment plants

What method is used to mine primary diamond deposits by producing stepped terraces?

  • Chambering (older method)
  • Open cast (open pit) mining (correct)
  • Block Caving
  • Underground mining

What is the weight of diamonds contained within a given quantity of ore called?

  • Output (annual)
  • Grade (correct)
  • Type of deposit
  • Average value per carat

What is the main consideration for Canadian mines in terms of receiving supplies?

<p>Can only receive supplies in winter while ground is frozen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What becomes narrower as an open-cast diamond mine pit gets deeper?

<p>The pipe itself (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does tropical-coastal mining require vigilance to protect?

<p>Sand seawalls (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of liberating ore by drilling and low-impact explosions in open-cast mining called?

<p>Ore liberation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the method used to mine primary diamond deposits that involves the removal of overburden and cutting steps to produce terraces?

<p>(Open pit) mining (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the weight of diamonds contained within a given quantity of ore?

<p>Grade (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consideration for Canadian mines in terms of receiving supplies?

<p>Can only receive supplies in winter while ground is frozen. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What becomes narrower as an open-cast diamond mine pit gets deeper?

<p>The pipe itself. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does tropical-coastal mining require vigilance to protect?

<p>Sand seawalls. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the chambering technique in underground mining?

<p>Creating a series of parallel tunnels and blasting the ceiling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what depth does underground mining become more economical?

<p>Around 300m (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mining method involves leaving draw points for the ore to fall into?

<p>Block caving (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of illegal mining mentioned in the text?

<p>Not obtaining 100% of potential diamonds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of deposits can be mined as 'dry' or 'wet'?

<p>Alluvial deposits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'run-of-mine' refer to?

<p>The production range of rough diamonds from a mine, including all qualities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mining method is a combination of chambering and block caving?

<p>Sub-level caving (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mining method involves excavating ancient river beds or diverting rivers?

<p>'Dry' alluvial mining (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'Coastal alluvial mining' involves removing overburden and excavating which type of rock?

<p>'Wet' rock (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'Alluvial deposits' have already undergone liberation, but may still require further processing using methods such as?

<p>'Density separation' or alternative processes like grease tables and belts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mining method involves creating a series of parallel tunnels and blasting the ceiling to collapse the pipe rock above?

<p>Chambering technique (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of deposits have a lower grade but high value output and include river, coastal, marine, and offshore deposits?

<p>Alluvial deposits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

  • Underground mining becomes more economical at a depth of around 300m.
  • Chambering technique involves creating a series of parallel tunnels and blasting the ceiling to collapse the pipe rock above. Labour intensive and not commonly used.
  • Block caving method involves excavating parallel tunnels (scraper drifts) under the kimberlite and leaving draw points for the ore to fall into.
  • Sub-level caving is a combination of chambering and block caving used towards the 'roots' of a diamond-bearing pipe, making it a relatively quick process.
  • Alluvial deposits have a lower grade but high value output and include river, coastal, marine, and offshore deposits.
  • Alluvial deposits can be mined as 'dry' or 'wet', with 'dry' methods involving excavating ancient river beds or diverting rivers.
  • Consequences of illegal mining include not obtaining 100% of potential diamonds, improper waste disposal, and affecting the economy.
  • Coastal alluvial mining involves removing overburden and excavating diamond-bearing rock.
  • Alluvial deposits have already undergone liberation, but may still require further processing using methods such as density separation or alternative processes like grease tables and belts.
  • Run-of-mine refers to the production range of rough diamonds from a mine, including all qualities.

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