Mining
The optimum mine design for Zogota in Simandou South will be determined through a process of Whittle optimisation and final pit design. The ore body 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 two smaller pits that eventually will 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 a primary crusher. Maintenance workshops, refueling facilities and support service for the mining activities are included in surface footprint of the mining area 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 20 and 30 million tones per annum of Direct Shipping Ore ("DSO"). The crusher will comprise a direct dual tip crusher, a crusher surge pocket, and an apron feeder. The latter will deliver the primary crushed product onto a product conveyor that will convey the crushed product to a dedicated stockpile located near the processing facility.
Power to the mine site will be supplied by means of a diesel fired power plant, 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 a bulk fuel farm, which will supply the entire mine site 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 will support the mine site operations and will be located away from the operational areas.
