Critical evaluation of industrial mineral mining methods in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka is rich in industrial minerals, including graphite, apatite, ilmenite, rutile, quartz, feldspar, kaolin, apatite, garnet sand, mica, calcite, and dolomite. Even though lots of mining methods are used to extract such minerals, only limited studies have been carried out in Sri Lanka to evaluate mining methods by means of main mining principles, such as safety, economy, and efficiency. This study focuses on the Bogala graphite mine, a narrow vein medium depth underground mine, and Aruwakkalu limestone open pit mine. To evaluate the overhand cut and fill mining method in Bogala mine, Equivalent Linear Overbreak or Slough (ELOS), which is a useful measurement for quantifying the unplanned dilution in narrow vein mining, is used. The favourability of the underground mining method is evaluated for a particular mine site using Key Deposit Indicators (KDIs), and it provides the best suited underground mine based on characteristics of the ore body. The fracture system presence in the Bogala mine requires a good support system to ensure the safety of underground workers. The efficiency of the loading and hauling equipment in the Aruwakkalu mine site is evaluated by Match Factor (MF).