Mining is integral to Australia’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing essential resources to global industries. Mining methods are primarily categorised into open-cut and underground mining, each with its unique features, processes, and equipment.
In this blog, we explore the differences between the two mining techniques and emphasise the role of mining equipment in Australia in making these operations efficient and safe using latest technological advancements
What Is Open-Cut Mining?
Open-cut mining, also known as surface mining, involves the extraction of minerals from shallow depths by removing large quantities of overburden (soil and rock covering the mineral deposits). This method is highly efficient for minerals found near the surface, making it one of the most common mining practices in Australia.
Key Features:
- Large-scale land clearing to access deposits.
- Visible mining operations that extend across wide areas.
- Commonly used for deposits that are within 100-200 meters of the surface.
Common Minerals Extracted:
In Australia, open-cut mining is extensively used to extract:
- Coal: The country is among the largest coal exporters globally.
- Iron Ore: The Pilbara region in Western Australia is known for its massive iron ore reserves.
- Bauxite: Essential for aluminium production, bauxite is abundantly mined in Queensland and Western Australia.
The Process of Open-Cut Mining
- Land Clearing: Vegetation and topsoil are removed to access the mineral-rich layers.
- Drilling and Blasting: Controlled explosions break the rock for easier excavation.
- Material Removal: Heavy machines, such as excavators, dump trucks, and trommel screens, separate and transport the extracted materials.
Strip Mining
While strip mining is essentially open cut mining, it is used where there are thin or close to the surface ore covered by a low level of over-burden ( top soil), Coal, Bauxite, lignite, are good examples where this technique is used
Strip mining vs open-pit mining
In open-pit mining operations, there are huge excavations to varying depths that are created essentially by the use of explosives and then set to processing units using heavy machinery like drag-lines and excavators and haul trucks. Strip mining, removes the surface to expose the underlying ore in trenches and then removed by machinery.
In Australia a large percentage of coal and bauxite are recovered using strip mining
Open-cut mining can cost a lot mainly due to the need to excavate large and sometimes complicated terrain and the subsequent removal of the overburden. The formation of tailings dams and end-of-mine -life restoration cost are cost that can accumulate and effect the potential profitability of the mine. Long term economic and environmental effects that are experienced by people in the area result in complicated and increasingly environmental, health and economic regulations that are to be borne by the company responsible for the tenements
Cost that affects open cut mining in Australia:
- Overburden removal:
A large component of costs in open-cut mining can be attributed to the excavation of rock and soil that sits over the ore to be extracted
- Water management:
The control of water in and out of a mine site are regulated the ensure that tailings dams and safe water supplies are not affected by pollutants and water management complies with country health, parks and wild life as well as mine water management legislation with significant penalties for violation.
- Rehabilitation costs:
At the start of any mining project there are costs to be managed to restore and guarantee the rehabilitation of the area being mined to a habitable state
- Cost to the Community
In many instances people homes can be displaced and extensively damaged by mining operations that are normally around the clock and generate large amounts of dust and increased noise from mining operations
- Regulatory compliance:
Mining an area requires many permits, licences and pre-mining environmental studies’ There are many country and state regulations over land, water and air that must be complied with to ensure ongoing safety to the area including generations to come
- Climate change considerations:
Weather can and will affect on-going mining operations
Specific examples of cost implications:
- Cost associated with mining Projects
To establish any mining operations needs large investments to cover plant and process equipment. Set up of adequate facilities to attract workers, the initial cost to access the ore body whether they are under-ground or in open-pits
What Is Underground Mining?
Underground mining is employed when mineral deposits are located deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Unlike open-cut mining, this method requires creating tunnels or shafts to access and extract the resources. Advanced mining safety equipment ensures worker safety in these confined spaces.
Key Types:
- Room and Pillar Mining: Involves carving out large rooms supported by rock pillars.
- Longwall Mining: Utilises mechanised systems to extract continuous blocks of ore mainly Coal
- Block Caving: A cost-effective technique for large-scale ore bodies first trialled at Rio Tinto’s, North Parkes Mine
Common Minerals Extracted:
Australia’s underground mining operations primarily extract:
- Gold: Found in deep deposits, especially in Western Australia.
- Copper: Central to electrical and industrial applications.
- Nickel: Essential for battery production and stainless steel
- Coal –metalogical and thermal used globally in the production of energy and the manufacture of steel
The Process of Underground Mining
- Tunnel Creation:Shafts and tunnels are drilled into the Earth to reach the deposits.
- Extraction: Advanced mining equipment in Australia, including drills and loaders, are used for mineral recovery.
- Ventilation Systems: Ensure proper airflow and reduce the risk of hazardous gas build-up.
Comparing Open-Cut and Underground Mining
- Cost Implications
- Open-Cut Mining: Lower initial costs due to the accessibility of surface resources but higher land rehabilitation expenses.
- Underground Mining:Higher upfront investment for tunnel creation but potentially lower environmental remediation costs.
- Environmental Impact
- Open-Cut Mining: Significant land degradation, loss of vegetation, and alteration of ecosystems.
- Underground Mining: Minimal surface disruption but risks subsurface water contamination and structural instability.
- Safety Considerations
- Open-Cut Mining: Exposed operations reduce the risk of hazardous gas exposure, but landslides and equipment accidents are concerns.
- Underground Mining: Confined spaces increase the danger of cave-ins, gas explosions, and ventilation issues. Mining safety equipment, such as ceramic wear platesand pipe repair wraps, is critical in mitigating risks.
- Efficiency and Yield
- Open-Cut Mining: Allows for bulk extraction, making it suitable for large-scale operations.
- Underground Mining: Offers targeted extraction, reducing waste but often resulting in lower yields than open-cut methods.
Technological Innovations in Mining
The Australian mining industry continues to pioneer automation, improving efficiency and safety. Cutting-edge mining equipment in Australia, such as automated trucks and drills, ensures precise operations while reducing human error.
Safety remains a top priority in underground mining. Innovations like real-time monitoring systems, advanced ventilation controls, and protective equipment, including ceramic wear plates, motorised pulleys, vibrators, significantly reduce risks of potential equipment failure and human injuries and fatalities
Tools like trommel screens also enhance material processing efficiency, while pipe repair wraps ensure the integrity of essential infrastructure. These advancements, provided by leading mining equipment suppliers, enable the industry to maintain high productivity and safety standards.
Advances in fine screen media, instant Leak sealing of potential and existing fissures from corrosion, high temperature resistant liners, Chromium Carbide Overlay Liners, ceramic lining and Magnetic Wear Patch that are used to instantly arrest and prolong the change out of liners so as not to disrupt production. Items like motorised pulleys not only reduce installation costs but consume less power, are safer and their inherent internal construction increase efficiencies
Conclusion
Both open-cut and underground mining play crucial roles in meeting Australia’s resource demands. While open-cut mining excels in large-scale, shallow extractions, underground mining is indispensable for accessing deep-seated minerals. The success of these operations heavily relies on advanced Australian mining equipment, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
By leveraging innovative technologies and adhering to stringent safety protocols, the mining sector continues to evolve, supporting Australia’s position as a global leader in resource extraction. Whether through trommel screens for efficient sorting or ceramic wear plates for protection, the mining equipment suppliers in Australia remain vital partners in this ever-evolving industry.
If you’re looking for high-quality, reliable and affordable mining equipment in Australia, contact us at 1300 241 620 for a free quote.