Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has marked a major milestone with the commissioning and deployment of its first-ever reverse circulation (RC) drill rig.
The new rig, introduced by OTML’s mine geology and grade control team in collaboration with the mine technical services department, is set to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of geological data collection at the site.
This is expected to significantly strengthen both short-term and long-term mine planning, providing more strategic decision-making in ore extraction.
“The RC drill rig will play a vital role with our mine geology and grade control team in optimising our mining processes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations,” Ok Tedi manager mine technical services James Bu said.
“The idea of engaging a RC drill to close gaps in the resource model and to enable a high confidence planning output for short-term and long-term planning commenced in 2017.
“There wasn’t much traction over the years until 2023 when Ok Tedi’s executive leadership team recognised the value that such program can add to the business and made the commitment to purchase the RC drill rig and revive the RC drill program.”
Bu said the existing widely spaced resource drillings of 50m x 50m have struggled to fully capture variations in ore quality, particularly in smaller, high-grade ore types.
“Monthly reconciliation data has consistently shown a plus 10 per cent variance in ore tonnes and copper and gold feed grades between the resource model and the grade control model,” he said.
“In order to close this gap, RC drilling program will be carried out in the targeted areas with less than 10 per cent variance, with closely spaced drilling of 20m x 20m, and will also provide data for three benches at a time.
“The data will be used to create an interim model or used to update the grade control model for the planning team to use for planning and budgeting purposes.”
The first samples were produced on May 14, with the initial hole yielding a 7kg sample.
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