And here is what actually happens - the mines go on skeleton operations for 2-3 shifts (XMas Eve night shift, XMas Day day shift, XMas Day night shift.
In the lead up, mine production planning focuses on ore mining in the weeks leading up so there is a substantial stockpile both on the ROM Pad and in the Fine Ore stockpile. These are then run down over the 3 shifts. A skeleton crew keeps the mill operating on these ore stocks. The mill doesn't stop.
Dunno if Mt Cattlin is doing this, but it is reasonably standard across the industry. The variations from this model are the many mines they just keep rolling through non-stop.
Add to My Watchlist
What is My Watchlist?