Iron Ore Mining
WA Surface Mining has been involved in the mining of various types of Iron ore since June 2006. We have completed operational trials on a variety of ore types for Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Fortescue Metals Group, with production rates of between 600 and 1800 tonnes per hour depending on machine size and the hardness of the ore. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we are leaders in the field of iron ore surface mining.
Surface miners have the ability to mine ore bodies to various depths ranging from 0 to 600mm. They can be set for a percentage of cross-fall for water management when mining close to or below the water table. Alternatively, levels can be controlled by laser to produce a perfectly level floor.
An added benefit inherent in the surface mining process of iron ore is the small material size produced. This product is ideally suited to be transported via conveyors and the need for primary crushing is now negated. In fact, a large percentage of the mined ore will be of a size already suitable for processing and will thereby be able to bypass any further crushing.
Another major proven benefit is that surface miners creates fewer fines compared to drilling and blasting. Because of this, for any given m3 or tonne of iron ore mined and transported out of the pit, more of the more valuable lump product is obtained.
In 2008 WA Surface Mining expanded it's operations overseas to Guinea in West Africa. WASM mined iron ore for Rio Tinto and trained the locals in the operation of the surface miner, allowing them to benefit from their resource rich land.