An alternative mining method at the Kvannevann Mine, northern Norway

Authors: Nævermo Sand, S Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1002_17_NaevermoSand

Cite As:
Nævermo Sand, S 2010, 'An alternative mining method at the Kvannevann Mine, northern Norway', in Y Potvin (ed.), Caving 2010: Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Block and Sublevel Caving, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 267-277, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1002_17_NaevermoSand



Abstract:
After more than 30 years of open pit mining, in 2000 Rana Gruber AS started underground mining using the sublevel open stoping method at the Kvannevann Mine, located in northern Norway. The mining has been continuously improved and further developed to suit the difficult rock conditions in the area and to reduce operating costs. A combination of low grade iron ore (with on average 33% iron (Fe)) and significant rock mechanics challenges (large horizontal stresses) has made mining in the Kvannevann Mine extraordinary. Because of the last year’s increase of production due to the demand for iron ore, Rana Gruber AS investigated methods to increase the mining capacity and resources. This resulted in an evaluation of alternative mining methods. The investigation resulted in the decision to change over from sublevel open stoping to sublevel caving. Key arguments were: a) mineable reserves; b) cost and benefit with respect to investment; c) extraction values show an optimistic and satisfactory result; and d) estimations and field tests indicating a satisfactory caving of the deposit.