The Evolution of Grade Control at Falconbridge Ltd, Kidd Creek Mine
Arie C. Moerman, Wayne Barabas,
The Kidd Creek Mine, a Division of Falconbridge Limited, produces ore containing copper, zinc, and silver through underground mining of distinct zones of massive sulphide and copper stringer ore. The mining method employed is longhole open stoping with delayed backfilling. Grade control requirements at the mine have evolved through the years as mining has progressed from open pit to underground, and with mineralogical changes at increasing depths. This paper will document the process changes through the mine life, and describe the challenges faced with grade control where high production rates are being sustained from a limited number of workplaces in a poly-metallic deposit. The handling of cut-off grades and treatment of incremental ore will also be discussed.
