Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Fifth International Mining Geology Conference

Conference Proceedings

Fifth International Mining Geology Conference

PDF Add to cart

Drill Blast Versus Reverse Circulation Grade Control Sampling - A Case Study From the Mt Muro Gold Silver Mine, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Mt Muro was a gold and silver mine in Central Kalimantan on the Island of Borneo, Indonesia. Aurora Gold through its Indonesian subsidiary Indo Muro Kencana owned the project. Processing commenced in November 1994, and ceased in June 2002. Mining, including prestripping, commenced in March 1994, and ceased in May 2002. Nominal throughput was 1.5 Mtpa, at average grades of 3.80 g/t Au and 99 g/t Ag. From the start of prestripping until the end of 1996, Drill Blast sampling was the main grade control method. After several studies into the viability of Reverse Circulation, including an assessment of costs and benefits, the switch from Drill Blast to Reverse Circulation was made in late-1996. From 1997 until the end of the project Reverse Circulation was the main grade control method. The mine-to-mill call factors - the reconciliation between predicted and actual tonnes and grades delivered to the mill - for the period from commencement of processing to December 1996 were 1.069 for tonnes, 0.949 for gold, and 0.969 for silver. The mine-to-mill call factors between January 1997 and June 2002 (excluding a period of significant illegal mining) are 1.086 for tonnes, 0.977 for gold and 1.025 for silver. At face value this indicates a 2.8 per cent absolute improvement for gold, and 5.6 per cent for silver. Using average grades for the project, an additional 5112 oz of gold, and 267 173 oz of silver were delivered annually to the mill using Reverse Circulation sampling instead of Drill Blast sampling. The additional recovered metal value is estimated at $US 2.87 M annually, significantly exceeding the cost of Reverse Circulation drilling. This paper discusses a number of issues that may affect the estimated benefits.
Return to parent product
  • Drill Blast Versus Reverse Circulation Grade Control Sampling - A Case Study From the Mt Muro Gold Silver Mine, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Drill Blast Versus Reverse Circulation Grade Control Sampling - A Case Study From the Mt Muro Gold Silver Mine, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2003
  • PDF Size: 0.337 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P200308030

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.