The Resolution Project
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[edit] Brief overview
The Resolution Project is located in the historic Pioneer Mining District three miles east of Superior, Arizona. Exploration from 2001 to 2003 indicates that a large, world-class copper resource exists more than 7,000 feet below surface. We expect this resource to yield up to 600,000 tonnes of copper a year, for at least 40 years. Extracting this natural resource from deep within our earth in a manner that is clean, safe and causes minimum impact to the surrounding lands is an immense technological challenge. We'll be meeting that challenge with the combined expertise of the project's partners, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.[1]
[edit] Ownership
Resolution Copper is a part of the Rio Tinto Group and is a partnership between two of the world’s leading international mining companies, Rio Tinto (RT) and BHP Billiton (BHP).The project is owned 55 percent by Rio Tinto and 45 percent by BHP Billiton.[2]
[edit] Location
The Resolution Project is located in the historic Pioneer Mining District three miles east of Superior, Arizona.[3]
[edit] Deposit size
Resource Category Tonnes(Mt) Cu Grade (%) Mo Grade (%) Interpolated Inferred 1,109 1.52 0.04 Extrapolated Inferred 232 1.47 0.044 Total Inferred 1,341 1.51 0.04
Within nominal +1% Cu envelope at 0% cutoff.[4]
[edit] Production start date
Production will commence in 2020.[5]
[edit] Production per annum
Resource Category Tonnes(Mt) Cu Grade (%) Mo Grade (%) Interpolated Inferred 1,109 1.52 0.04 Extrapolated Inferred 232 1.47 0.044 Total Inferred 1,341 1.51 0.04 .[6]
[edit] Process Involved
[edit] Exploration
2002-2006 Identify where the ore body is located and assess potential mining approach.
[edit] Pre-feasibility
2007-2011 Set the stage for a viable project. Major fact-finding fieldwork and investigative work. Evaluate mining approach alternatives and related challenges. Estimate cost/resource required to proceed.
[edit] Feasibility
2012 Basis upon which project is approved. Determine single best approach to project. Complete sufficient design and engineering to finalize cost estimates, financial analysis and risk assessment. Rio Tinto Investment committee decides whether to commit capital.
[edit] Construction Development
2013-2016 Implementation begins with a clear scope of work and ends with a viable business. This stage involves detailed engineering, procurement construction and commissioning of primary mining contractor activities. Recruitment and training also heavily under way.
[edit] Production
2017-2040+ Mining under way.[7]
[edit] Notes
The mine will be deep underground using a method known as block caving. Unlike an open pit mine, which involves extensive removal of the surface waste rock to access the orebody, the block cave method accesses the orebody from underneath through a series of deep shafts and tunnels. These shafts and tunnels generate minimal waste rock. Rock which is generated will be used for reclaiming and restoring the adjacent site of the former Magma mine.[8]
