Managing mining dilution and enhancing overall efficiency
The amount of mining dilution can vary considerably depending on factors like the extraction method, size and shape of the ore zone. This results in dilution monitoring becoming an important process in keeping a mining operation running efficiently. When operations extract material with grades lower than the cut-off, it is time to move onto the next zone to ensure the project continues to run effectively.
Material data collection
MICROMINE’s fleet management and mine control solution, Pitram, records data related to materials, providing an overall view of the current status of the mine and therefore enabling improved control over operations.
Pitram enables mining dilution monitoring via the drill and blast module. The module provides the tools needed to better manage operations onsite with information related to material dilution provided throughout the drilling and blasting phase.
Customising your software to better manage mining dilution
Geologists are able to use one of two methods to better manage mining dilution using Pitram. The first is in an underground scenario when the geologist needs to manage over or under break at the source. Pitram allows adjustments to be allocated user-defined dilution types. The adjustments affect the weight and the grade of available material.
The second method is typical in an open pit mine when a single blast will create a number of material sources. Once the design weight for the source is exceeded, Pitram provides the geologist with an opportunity to allocate a grade, different from designed, to the excess movements. This helps geologists identify when mining dilution occurs during blasting.
Why is mining dilution software so important?
Monitoring mining dilution provides mining operations greater control over their operation. Greater control over material monitoring allows sites to increase their productivity and reduce costs over the life of mine.
Further reading
>Learn more about Pitram’s solutions for mining dilution.
