The transition of mining methods at Anderson Lake Mine
CIM Bulletin, Vol. 81, No. 909, 1988
SEPPO HAAPAMAKI, Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting, Snow Lake, Manitoba
Since it started production in 1970, Anderson Lake Mine has experienced several radical changes in mining methods as a result of the physical characteristics of the ore zone along with the need for improved productivity. This paper examines the transition from longhole open sloping to mechanized cut-and-fill then to vertical crater retreat at Anderson Lake Mine. The reasons for the need to change mining methods is analyzed taking into consideration the impact of such criteria as improved productivity and ground conditions and how these criteria affected the over-all economic viability of the mine.
Keywords:
Underground mining, Mining methods, Production costs, Anderson Lake Mine, Cut-and-fill, Longhole sloping, Vertical crater retreat, Ground control.
