Operational SMU Definition of a Brazilian Copper Operation

Abstract

Achieving estimated mining recoverable grade and tonnage curves is a common challenge in mining operations. One of the most impacting parameters in the estimation process of these curves is the selective mining unit (SMU) size, defined as the smallest volume of material that can be selectively extracted as ore or waste. Such an important parameter as SMU is often defined by general practical and theoretical rules based on sampling grid without taking into account aspects such as local geology, mining configuration, and production rates. This paper presents a short-term and production reconciliation application study for defining block support size at a Brazilian copper and gold mining operation. Realistic mining recoverable curve is expected as a result of an operational SMU definition. The resulting operational SMU application demonstrates how more accurate estimates are to the actual mining recoverable curves at given cutoffs compared to the ones obtained using traditional SMU definition, commonly applied by the mining industry.