STRIP MINING METHOD WITH IPCC SYSTEM FOR VALES IRON ORE MINES

Arnor B. de Couto Junior Daniel S. Chausson Antonio C. Perreia VALE - BRAZIL Arnor B. de Couto Junior arnor.couto@vale.com

Summary
Introduction Methodology

Results
Conclusion

Introduction
Studies mining methods to reduce costs, environmental impacts and improve the occupational safety Maximize the IPCC application

Maximize masses in a multi-year plan of production (master plan)

Introduction
Comparison
Truck&Shovel
1 - Lower investment cost 2 - More flexibility 3 - Shorts distances 4 No restriction for material size

Conveyor
Advantages 1 - Long distances 2 - High capacity 3 - High availability 4 - Low cost of operation and maintenance 5 - Continuous production 6 - Easily extendable 7 - Correct environmentally

Disadvantages 1 - High operating costs and maintenance 1 - High cost of investment 2 - Large number of equipment for high volumes 2 - Less flexibility 3 - High requirement of employee 3 - Limitation on size of transported material 4 - High maintenance of roads 7 Not safe for operator

Methodology

Methodology
Assumptions Crusher productivity per IPCC System: 2.700 tonnes/hour Panel size (width x length): 100 m x 200 m Time to mine a panel: 4 hours Time to forward an strip: 48 hours Time to open a face: 240 hours IPCC availability: 90% Maximum worked hours: 5.556 hours/year A solid was generated between the initial and final surfaces, and then divided into mining areas. Each solid was divided into mining blocks, with 100 m width x 200 m length. This size is proportional to the articulated belt system consisting of three segments of 30 meters that connect the mobile crusher to the bench belt.

Methodology
Generate a solid between the initial and final surfaces, and then divided into mining areas Divide the solids into mining blocks, with 100 m width x 200 m length

Assigned attributes as the mining method desirable, to the cuts generated: More than 13,0000 m - CONVEYOR attribute Less than 13,0000 m - TRUCK&SHOVEL attribute Visual analysis is necessary to give continuity of the strips and the elimination of very short strips

Methodology
BLUE - CONVEYOR RED TRUCK&SHOVEL

Convert this panel in block models

Methodology

Insert block precedences

Methodology
Scheduling example 2015 Capito do Mato Mine

Methodology
Scheduling example 2016 Capito do Mato Mine

Methodology
Scheduling example 2020 Capito do Mato Mine

Methodology
Scheduling example 2025 Capito do Mato Mine

Methodology
Scheduling example 2030 Capito do Mato Mine

Methodology
Scheduling example 2036 Capito do Mato Mine

Results
Mine IPCC (%) Truck&Shovel (%)

Galinheiro & Sapecado Fbrica Nova

Capito do Mato Itabira Carajs

85 78
74 67 57

15 22
26 33 43

Results

Results

Results

Results

Conclusion
Results has shown that IPCC System has many advantages compared to truck and shovel method, in economical, technical and environmental aspects. More studies are needed before proposing a change in mining method, involving environmental department, engineering, geotechnical department, process, etc. The results shows that it cannot possible to apply hundred percent of IPCC system at iron ore mines, due to geology characteristics and geometry pit. Even with thirty percent of truck and shovel application, the gains in terms of safety and occupational health are relevant because of employee reduction and the fact that IPCC system it is a safer operation. The OPEX and carbon emission reduction are also results that must be observed. Nowadays, the communities around mining operations are favourable to environmentally correct solutions, and carbon credits can be considered in feasibility studies.

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