Iron Ore
The operating solution for Simandou South and Simandou Blocks 1 and 2 has been developed with the view of simplifying the operations, allowing third party access to infrastructure and minimisation of any disruption to local inhabitants and the environment. The operating solution will be subject to trade off studies or solutions, which are applicable to the mine, port and rail and any socio-economic and environmental requirements as determined by the relevant studies.
It is envisaged that the various ore bodies will be mined by traditional drilling and blasting operations followed by loading and hauling operations. The run of mine ore will undergo primary crushing at the mine sites before being stockpiled. The need for secondary and tertiary crushing, product segregation and blending/stockpiling is to be investigated. The final products (lumpy and fines) will be loaded at loading stations and then transported by rail to the ports of choice.
Rail lines will be designed as both single and double tracks that include passing loops to allow full and empty trains to pass each other. The final logistical design will include rail maintenance yards and control centres likely located near the ports of choice.
The final products will be unloaded at the port sites and transferred using stackers to various stockpiles. Reclaimers will recover the final products and conveyors will transfer these products to ship loaders that will load the bulk ore carriers. The port designs will include a logistics berth as well as fuel storage and cargo handling facilities.
