Implementing 3D Ore Control at Red Dog Mine
Brian Hall, Teck Alaska Red Dog Mine; Will Hunt, OreControl Blasting Consultants
Red Dog Mine has been trying to define and mitigate the effect high energy blasting has on ore/waste boundary delineation. Traditional demarcation of the ore/waste boundaries are defined by the in situ blasthole assay information. This method does not account for the material displacement incurred through blasting which leads to potential misclassification and loss of revenue. To optimize ore/waste separation, Red Dog has been using a new ore control tool (OrePro 3D) to create post-blast optimized dig boundaries that consider mining direction, heave, and topography of the blasted material. Results from several blasts are discussed, along with challenges and benefits.
Keywords:
Blast Movement, 3D, Ore Control
