Effects of Increasing Costs on the Future Relation between Open Pit and Underground Mining. Volume 1

摘要

The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy consumption in some open pit and underground mines and to show the optimal proportion between open pit and underground mining for different types of commodities. The results of the study show the future relation between open pit and underground mining of different types of deposits, the future competitiveness between large-scale mining of low-grade ore and small-scale mining of high-grade ore, actual power consumption figures for different mining activities, and guidelines for a more energy efficient mining industry. The study provides a base for forecasting mine production of different commodities and for decisions about how to spend research money and organize education in the field of mining engineering.