Underground mining methofs and applications / Методы и области применения подземной добычи полезных ископаемых

Ore is an economic concept. It is defined as a concentration of minerals that can be exploited and turned into a saleable product to generate a financially acceptable profit under existing economic conditions. The definition of ore calls for afterthoughts. Ore does not properly exist until it has been labeled as such. To name a mineral prospect an ore body requires more information than needed to establish metal grades. Sufficient knowledge of the mineral deposit, mining technology, processing methods, and costs is needed for undertaking a feasibility study and proving the prospect worthy of being developed into a mine.
The expression “existing economic conditions” deserves an explanation. “Run-of-mine” ore is a mix of valuable minerals and worthless rock in which each ingredient is priced separately. Run-of-mine ore is treated in the dressing plant and processed into different concentrates. Where the ore contains more than one metal of value, separate concentrates of, for example, copper, zinc, and lead are produced. The value of in situ ore can be calculated by applying market prices to metal content and deducting costs for treatment and transportation of concentrates and smelter fees. The balance must cover direct mining costs and leave a margin for the mine operator. <...>