Extraction & Production Phase
Extract and process the ore to recover valuable minerals.
The Extraction and Production phase is the operational core of a mining project. It involves the actual removal of ore from the ground and its transformation into a marketable product through a series of mechanical and chemical processes. Efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility are critical at this stage to ensure long-term profitability and regulatory compliance.
Activities
This phase results in the production of a saleable mineral concentrate or refined metal, which is then sold to smelters, refiners, or end-users. It marks the point where the mine begins generating revenue and must maintain optimal performance, safety standards, and environmental compliance.
In hard rock mining, controlled drilling and blasting are used to fragment the ore and waste rock for easier excavation.
Use of heavy machinery—such as excavators, loaders, and haul trucks—to remove ore and transport it from the mine (open-pit or underground) to processing areas
Moving the raw ore from the mine face to the processing plant using conveyor belts, trucks, or rail, depending on the scale and layout of the operation.
Reducing the size of the ore through crushers and mills to liberate valuable minerals from the surrounding waste material.
Using physical and/or chemical separation techniques (e.g., flotation, gravity separation, leaching) to concentrate the valuable components and remove waste material.
Processed minerals are stored on-site in silos, stockpiles, or containers and then transported to customers via rail, truck, or ship.