Abstract
A block cave mine operation was investigated in terms of ore grade heterogeneity and the potential of bulk ore sorting application. The grade heterogeneity within the caved material was measured for different draw points and mining zones, in terms of Distribution Heterogeneity and Fractal Dimension. The potential of bulk ore sorting was assessed by comparing the Net Smelter Return before and after a hypothetical bulk ore sorting system was implemented. Results showed that the potential of applying bulk ore sorting was influenced greatly by the heterogeneity within the mined material. A certain level of heterogeneity was necessary in considering the mine production as ‘sortable’. The sortability would also vary for different mining areas depending on heterogeneity level of the production. Peripheral zones of the orebody were considered with the highest level of heterogeneity and the most significant potential of bulk ore sorting application.
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