From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 6 - Mining Pit Development

With exploration, drilling and planning complete, it’s time to start mining.

First, surveyors stake out the boundary of the area to be mined. A clearing permit verifies that the area to be mined is within the active lease, has
been cleared by the local Land Council, and has the correct government permit to be mined. Now the pit development can begin.

To get our large machinery to the site, trees and vegetation must be cleared. As part of this process, a wildlife expert carefully assesses the area for habitats and attempts to relocate any wildlife or nests that are present. Even after the initial relocation of wildlife, the wildlife expert remains onsite to continue monitoring for animals while the trees and scrub are removed.


With a clear area now available, scrapers remove topsoil and subsoil from the mining area. QMAG’s preference is to return topsoil and subsoil directly to areas previously mined to maximise rehabilitation success. When this is not possible, topsoil is stockpiled next to the pit so it can easily be recovered and spread once mining is complete and the void refilled. Subsoil is sometimes used to create levees around the pit to protect the excavations from flooding.


In the final step of our mining pit development, dozers, scrapers or excavators remove overburden and low-grade magnesite. With one eye always on rehabilitation and sustainability, this material is immediately placed directly into a prior excavation whenever possible. When this is not possible, the overburden is stockpiled temporarily until it can be used to fill in a nearby mining void.

From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 3 - Mine Planning

With the geological models from drilling and sampling, we create the Kunwarara mine plan. This plan identifies the most suitable, quality magnesite available in sufficient quantities to feed the beneficiation plant.

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From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 2 - Drilling and Sampling

Drilling campaigns are designed to meet the requirements of the mining schedule.

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From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 1 - Exploration and Geology

Our Kunwarara – Yaamba deposit extends for around 30km, as one of the world’s largest deposits of cryptocrystalline magnesite.

 

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Careers Expo

Last week, QMAG had the opportunity to be a part of the Capricorn MEGA Careers Expo held at CQUniversity.

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QMAG Milestones

Last week QMAG eagerly celebrated the milestones that our fellow team members achieved at our mining operations in Kunwarara.

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QMAG and CQU collaboration

We are thrilled to announce, on Friday 5th April, Queensland Magnesia & CQ University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on future research, education & training opportunities.

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Any remaining questions?

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as soon as we can.