Mining
The optimum mine design for Simandou Blocks 1 and 2 will be determined through a process of Whittle optimisation and final pit design. Blocks 1 and 2 will produce at least five open pits in different areas within the concessions. The ore bodies will be drilled and blasted using traditional equipment and explosives. Drill and blast patterns and bench heights will be determined from the results of the metallurgical test work, ore body dimension and topography. It is likely that mining operations will commence with a range of smaller pits, some of which depending on their geographical location, will eventually merge into one large open pit operation.
The blasted ore will be loaded into trucks by means of excavators. The trucks will deposit their loads directly into primary crushers. Maintenance workshops, refueling facilities and support service for the mining activities are included in surface footprints of the mining areas and will be appropriately located to minimise turnaround time for the earthmoving fleet in order to maximise production.
Primary crushing capacity will be designed to generate between 90 and 100 million tonnes per annum of Direct Shipping Ore ("DSO"). Each crusher will comprise a direct dual tip crusher, a crusher surge pocket, and an apron feeder. The apron feeders will deliver the primary crushed product onto product conveyors that will convey the crushed product to dedicated stockpiles located near a central processing facility.
Power to the mine sites will be supplied by means of diesel fired power plants, however, the design will allow for tie in capabilities to future national power supplies. Fuel will be delivered by a fuel train, from the port, and stored in bulk fuel farms, which will supply the various mine sites with fuel.
Typically, the mining, crushing and load-out processes will share common workshops, maintenance facilities and support services, which would include, inter alia, access control, administration facilities, change houses, a medical treatment facility, training facilities, accommodation and recreational facilities, and bulk stores.
The vast majority of the permanent work force will be recruited from the local population with the remainder being expatriate personnel. An accommodation village or town will support the mine site operations and will be located away from the operational areas.
