Underground Mining in Sudbury
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Questions and Answers

What is a key difference between surface mining and underground mining?

  • Surface mining is more expensive than underground mining due to the higher cost per tonne.
  • Surface mining requires high-grade ore to justify the cost, while underground mining does not.
  • Surface mining is not selective, extracting both ore and waste, while underground mining is a selective operation, extracting the ore and leaving waste in place. (correct)
  • Underground mining uses larger equipment compared to surface mining.

    • What is a disadvantage of underground mining compared to surface mining?

  • Underground mining is more expensive, with a cost ranging from $50-$200 per tonne excluding processing. (correct)
  • Underground mining has lower grades of ore that can be mined compared to surface mining.
  • Surface mining poses higher health and safety risks due to working in an open environment.
  • Surface mining requires larger equipment, making it more challenging than underground mining.

    • Which country ranks first in potash production according to the text?

  • China
  • Canada (correct)
  • Australia
  • United States

    • What percentage of the mined ore in Canada was obtained via underground mining in 2002?

    <p>16%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What equipment is used to install rock bolts in wall and roof a safe distance from the active face?

    <p>Rock Bolter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate objective of all exploration in terms of tonnage estimation of ore?

    <p>To predict the shape, distribution, and concentration of mineralization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does underground mining method depend on?

    <p>Size, shape, thickness, and dip of deposit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of creating a 3-D geological model in the context of ore deposit modeling?

    <p>To predict the geology and calculate the quantity and quality of the ore deposit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of expected waste rock dilution in a mine stope?

    <p>10% to 40%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical capital cost requirement for underground mining methods?

    <p>$50M to $10B</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of ore deposit modeling?

    <p>To predict the geology and calculate the quantity and quality of the ore deposit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of production rate required/desired by the mine?

    <p>From &lt; 2000 tonnes per day to 50,000 tonnes per day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of orebody widths needed for underground mining methods?

    <p>From &lt; 2 meters to 200 meters or more</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical operating cost for underground mining methods?

    <p>$10 to $300 per tonne</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical ore value needed for underground mining methods to be profitable?

    <p>Low, moderate or high ($50 per tonne to $300 per tonne)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the value of nickel in October 2020?

    <p>USD 6.00/lb</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many active underground mines are there in Sudbury?

    <p>10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which company operates underground mines in Sudbury?

    <p>Vale</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key mining terminology related to ventilation?

    <p>Intake shaft</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What equipment is used in underground mining for transportation?

    <p>Skip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a method of artificial support in underground mining?

    <p>Rock bolting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key activity involved in underground mining?

    <p>Loading with explosives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a type of natural support in underground mining?

    <p>Rock bolting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key mining terminology related to drilling?

    <p>Development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key mining terminology related to rock structure?

    <p>Dip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key mining terminology related to support pillars?

    <p>Crown pillar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a method of artificial support in underground mining?

    <p>Shotcrete</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Underground Mining in Sudbury: Key Terminology and Activities

    • Sudbury contains one of the largest nickel deposits in the world, with historic production and present reserves and resources exceeding US$300 billion.
    • There are 10 active underground mines and 5 active underground projects in Sudbury, operated by companies such as Vale, Glencore, and KGHM.
    • Mining terminology includes definitions such as ore, orebody, cut-off grade, vein, host rock, and dyke.
    • The value of nickel in October 2020 was USD 6.00/lb, and the region also contains significant amounts of copper and gold.
    • Key mining terminology includes dip, strike, hanging wall, footwall, and development.
    • Other mining terms featured are shaft, portal, adit, tunnel, ramp, collar, drift, crosscut, and face.
    • Further mining terminology includes draw point, ore pass, raise, sump, crown pillar, and sill/floor pillar.
    • Equipment used in underground mining includes cage, skip, hoist, and stope.
    • Intake shaft and ventilation are crucial for underground mining activities.
    • Underground mining activities involve development and production drilling, loading with explosives, ventilation, loading and hauling, scaling, rock supports, and backfilling.
    • Natural support and artificial support methods are employed in underground mining, including rock bolting, shotcrete, and hydrafill.
    • The text also refers to a video about the Eagle Mine in Michigan, showcasing underground mining operations.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of underground mining terminology and activities in Sudbury with this quiz. Explore key terms like orebody, vein, and drift, and learn about the equipment and methods used in underground mining. Whether you're a mining enthusiast or seeking to expand your industry knowledge, this quiz offers a comprehensive look at the world of underground mining in Sudbury.

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