Mining Life Cycle

Chapter 1 of the Mining Essentials Short Course. This video describes the mining life sequence or cycle from exploration to mine closure. It also outlines typical timelines and costs/revenue associated with each step in the life cycle. The Mining Essentials Short Course can be found here: miningcourses....

[@chibesamumba9310]

Nicely explained, this is good.

[@Cataculture]

What is the rough timeline for the processing and refining process?

[@mining-essentials]

Hi Fraser - thanks for your question. For metal mines processing is ongoing along with mine production. From the time ore is brought to the process plant to the final product is around 12-36 hours (or more) depending on the specific operation, production rate and equipment used. Refining will normally be a separate process that is undertaken off the mine site. For example gold dore bars (commonly around 80-85% gold and 15-20% silver) will be sent to a refinery for purification to pure gold and silver. I am not sure of the exact time involved in that process, but likely a few hours to a day.