Three Methods of Iron Ore Mining

The primary methods of iron ore extraction comprise open-pit mining, underground mining, and hydraulic mining. Deposits near the surface or at shallow depths are typically mined via open-pit techniques; deeper deposits necessitate underground mining, leading many mining operations to transition underground after reaching certain open-pit limits. Hydraulic mining is suitable for sand deposits or shallow weathered ores with ample water sources, primarily employed for surface ores and iron sands.

Open-Pit Iron Ore Mining

Within open-pit operations, trenching, overburden removal, and ore extraction constitute the three most critical processes. These must maintain a certain spatial and temporal lead relationship to ensure continuous, normal production. Throughout the production cycle, whether stripping overburden or extracting ore, the workflow typically involves drilling, blasting, loading, haulage, and waste rock disposal.

Underground Iron Ore Mining

Underground mining primarily encompasses three processes: development, cutting (including access and cutting work), and extraction. Production typically involves rock drilling, blasting, ventilation, loading, support, and haulage/hoisting. Underground mining methods are categorised into three main types: natural support mining, artificial support mining, and caving mining. For manganese ore extraction, some mines also employ the backfilling method.

Iron Ore Open-Pit Hydraulic Mining

Though falling under open-pit mining, hydraulic mining exhibits significant distinctions. Its fundamental process characteristics involve utilising head pressure and a single water flow to sequentially accomplish continuous production operations: dredging, transportation, washing, and tailings disposal. Consequently, it is only applicable to weathered manganese deposits with ample water sources. Certain deposits employ pre-loosening methods involving blasting and weathering, encompassing steps such as drilling, blasting, and hydraulic extraction.