Avoca Mining

What is Avoca Mining Sequence?

Often referred to as Avoca mining, is a mining method used primarily in underground mining operations, particularly in hard rock mining, such as gold and base metal mining. This method is characterised by its suitability for extracting ore from steeply dipping ore bodies or veins.

The following outlines the key features and principles of the Avoca Mining Sequence:

Selective Mining: Avoca mining is a selective mining method. It is employed when the ore body has a steep dip, meaning that the ore is inclined at a significant angle from the horizontal. Traditional methods may not be efficient or safe in such conditions, and Avoca mining is chosen for its ability to selectively extract valuable ore while leaving surrounding waste rock in place.

Extraction Process: The Avoca mining process involves dividing the ore body into horizontal slices or levels. Miners typically begin at the top and work their way downwards. They extract ore from one level at a time, leaving the remaining ore and waste rock in place.

Stope Design: The mining areas, known as stopes, are designed to follow the shape and orientation of the ore body. Stopes can vary in shape and size, depending on the specific characteristics of the deposit.

Staged Approach: The mining process is usually conducted in a staged manner, with each level being mined and emptied before moving on to the next lower level. This sequential approach allows for the safe and efficient extraction of ore from steeply dipping deposits.

Access and Infrastructure: Infrastructure such as ramps, shafts, or declines is typically developed to provide access to the various mining levels. These access points are crucial for transporting miners, equipment, and ore.

Safety Considerations: Safety is a significant concern in Avoca mining, given the steep angles involved. Miners need to be well-trained and equipped to work in such conditions, and ground support systems may be required to ensure the stability of the surrounding rock.

Efficiency and Ore Recovery: Avoca mining aims to maximise ore recovery while minimising the amount of waste rock that needs to be removed. This makes it a suitable method for ore bodies with a high angle of dip, where traditional methods might result in excessive waste removal.

The Avoca Mining Sequence is chosen when traditional mining methods, such as cut and fill or room and pillar, are not well-suited to the geological and structural characteristics of the deposit. It allows for efficient extraction of valuable ore from steeply dipping ore bodies, contributing to the economic viability of mining operations in such conditions. However, it also presents unique technical and safety challenges that need to be carefully addressed during planning and execution.

The Avoca Mining Sequence is the method employed by our client Aeris Resources at their Cracow Gold Mine operations. Exact Civil Construction delivered the Tailings Storage Facility Stage 2 (Downstream Embankment Raise) Construction and Ancillary Works Project.‍‍

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