Ore Stockpiles & Blending

What this topic covers

Use inventories to buffer mine variability and provide more consistent plant feed.

Core mine-to-refinery ideas

Stockpiles can separate ore by grade, mineralogy or processing behavior.

Blending can reduce sudden feed changes that destabilize the processing plant.

Inventory estimates need reliable survey and density information.

Important tradeoffs

Ore control, dilution and mining recovery affect the grade and tonnes reaching the plant.

Measurement and accounting

Mine haulage and development can dominate energy, infrastructure and operating requirements.

Lifecycle perspective

Blasting, ground support, equipment operation and underground procedures are intentionally excluded.