Surface vs Underground Mining Capital Investment Factors

Questions and Answers

What are the main start-up costs associated with mining?

Accessing the orebody, infrastructure, equipment, environmental compliance, and licensing costs

Describe the hazards faced by employees in underground mines.

Limited visibility, working in confined spaces, exposure to dust, gases, fumes, harmful gases, heat, and risk of rock falls

What are the hazards commonly found in surface mines?

Heavy equipment operations, falling debris, and slope instability

How does capital investment differ between surface and underground mining?

Capital investment is generally small for surface mines and larger for underground mines Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of safety in mining operations.

Safety is crucial to control hazards and conditions that can cause harm, ensuring the well-being of individuals and the community Signup and view all the answers

What are some environmental risks associated with mining?

Erosion of land, destruction of flora and fauna, sinkholes, contamination of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the oldest evidence of a mine and where was it found?

Lion Cavern Mine at Ngwenya mountain in Swaziland Signup and view all the answers

How does mining contribute to economies of countries?

Mining contributes to economies through job creation, tax revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructure development. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage did the mining industry contribute to South Africa's gross domestic product in 2022?

7.53% Signup and view all the answers

What are some benefits of mining for countries?

Job creation, tax revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructure development. Signup and view all the answers

How much did the mining industry in South Africa pay in mining company taxes in 2022?

R74 billion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of mining in terms of economic impact?

To contribute to the economy through various means like job creation, taxes, and infrastructure development. Signup and view all the answers

Why may deposits with folds, faults, or other complex geological features be more challenging to mine from the surface?

Due to the limited flexibility of surface methods. Signup and view all the answers

What natural elements can weaken the surrounding rock in surface mines?

Wind and rain. Signup and view all the answers

Why might very complex geological structures make underground mining difficult to operate?

The excessive support units required. Signup and view all the answers

What can render a mining project unprofitable due to the need for excessive support units?

Very complex geological structures. Signup and view all the answers

Why may the ground be too unstable or unpredictable to support underground mining operations?

Poor ground conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of costs, what are the two main categories of operating costs in mining?

Fixed and variable costs. Signup and view all the answers

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