Iron ore is typically mined from large, open pits using a progressive extraction method. This involves creating steps or benches to access deeper ore deposits as the upper layers are removed.
The Iron Mining Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The process of mining iron ore can be summarized as follows:
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Site Preparation: The area is prepared by clearing the soil and any overlying rock (also known as overburden).
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Drilling and Blasting: The iron ore is then drilled and blasted to break it into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Reference: "The ore is mined from large open pits by progressive extraction along steps or benches. The benches provide access to progressively deeper ore, as upper-level ore is removed. After the soil and overlying rock are cleared, the ore is drilled and blasted."
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Extraction along Benches: Mining progresses along steps, or benches, that allow for increasingly deeper extraction.
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Transportation: The extracted ore is loaded onto trucks or conveyors and transported for further processing.
Benefits of the Bench Method
Using benches in open-pit iron mining offers several advantages:
- Accessibility: Provides access to deeper ore deposits.
- Efficiency: Facilitates the systematic removal of ore.
- Safety: Allows for safer operation compared to steeper, unstable slopes.
In essence, iron mining is a systematic process of removing overburden, blasting the ore, and extracting it in stages to access deeper deposits.
