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Questions and Answers
What factors need to be considered to determine if a diamond deposit is economically viable to mine?
What factors need to be considered to determine if a diamond deposit is economically viable to mine?
What method is used to mine primary diamond deposits by producing stepped terraces?
What method is used to mine primary diamond deposits by producing stepped terraces?
What is the weight of diamonds contained within a given quantity of ore called?
What is the weight of diamonds contained within a given quantity of ore called?
What is the main consideration for Canadian mines in terms of receiving supplies?
What is the main consideration for Canadian mines in terms of receiving supplies?
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What becomes narrower as an open-cast diamond mine pit gets deeper?
What becomes narrower as an open-cast diamond mine pit gets deeper?
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What does tropical-coastal mining require vigilance to protect?
What does tropical-coastal mining require vigilance to protect?
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What is the process of liberating ore by drilling and low-impact explosions in open-cast mining called?
What is the process of liberating ore by drilling and low-impact explosions in open-cast mining called?
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What is the method used to mine primary diamond deposits that involves the removal of overburden and cutting steps to produce terraces?
What is the method used to mine primary diamond deposits that involves the removal of overburden and cutting steps to produce terraces?
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What is the term used for the weight of diamonds contained within a given quantity of ore?
What is the term used for the weight of diamonds contained within a given quantity of ore?
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What is the main consideration for Canadian mines in terms of receiving supplies?
What is the main consideration for Canadian mines in terms of receiving supplies?
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What becomes narrower as an open-cast diamond mine pit gets deeper?
What becomes narrower as an open-cast diamond mine pit gets deeper?
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What does tropical-coastal mining require vigilance to protect?
What does tropical-coastal mining require vigilance to protect?
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What is the chambering technique in underground mining?
What is the chambering technique in underground mining?
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At what depth does underground mining become more economical?
At what depth does underground mining become more economical?
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What mining method involves leaving draw points for the ore to fall into?
What mining method involves leaving draw points for the ore to fall into?
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What is the consequence of illegal mining mentioned in the text?
What is the consequence of illegal mining mentioned in the text?
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What type of deposits can be mined as 'dry' or 'wet'?
What type of deposits can be mined as 'dry' or 'wet'?
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What does the term 'run-of-mine' refer to?
What does the term 'run-of-mine' refer to?
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What mining method is a combination of chambering and block caving?
What mining method is a combination of chambering and block caving?
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Which mining method involves excavating ancient river beds or diverting rivers?
Which mining method involves excavating ancient river beds or diverting rivers?
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'Coastal alluvial mining' involves removing overburden and excavating which type of rock?
'Coastal alluvial mining' involves removing overburden and excavating which type of rock?
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'Alluvial deposits' have already undergone liberation, but may still require further processing using methods such as?
'Alluvial deposits' have already undergone liberation, but may still require further processing using methods such as?
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Which mining method involves creating a series of parallel tunnels and blasting the ceiling to collapse the pipe rock above?
Which mining method involves creating a series of parallel tunnels and blasting the ceiling to collapse the pipe rock above?
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What type of deposits have a lower grade but high value output and include river, coastal, marine, and offshore deposits?
What type of deposits have a lower grade but high value output and include river, coastal, marine, and offshore deposits?
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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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Description
This quiz covers the various factors that need to be considered when determining the economic viability of mining a diamond deposit. It includes aspects like geographical and political accessibility, climate conditions, depth and composition of overburden, clearance of area, planning for infrastructure, and removal of overburden.
