Abstract:
The underground mining of narrow veins is mostly associated with dilution. Dilution is the
contamination of ore by non-ore material, which consequently increases tonnage and
reduces grade. Excessive dilution is an often-cited challenge that has a direct and significant
influence on the cost, and ultimately on the profitability of a mining project. SCORT-COOP
CA (SSC) is a small-scale mining company located in Moronou, Ivory Coast, which
employs square-set method in its mining process. Drilling and blasting practices at SSC
were reviewed from March 2020 to December 2020. Using statistical data analysis, the old
blast design recorded average dilution of 34% whereas the modified blast design reduced
the average dilution to 24.68%. The new blast design contributes to the economic stability
of the mine with a net profit of CFA 100 million. However, SSC mine will not be a viable
project when the dilution level exceeds 46%. Stope performance review should be
conducted periodically to improve on the blast design. Also, planning and technical service
team can organize dilution awareness campaigns to inform personnel about the implications
of ore dilution levels on viability of SSC project.
