General discussion, page-10230

Most of WA1's decent results are deeper depths which you are well aware of,
The average would be something like 125 metres and that's being nice.

So the calculation for Overburden that has to be removed before hitting Paydirt would go something like:
Lets say it was a 1.5km strike, 150 metres wide at 125 meter average depth:

That would be:
1500metres x 150 metres by 125 metres = 28 125 000 M3

So that's at least 28 Million Tonnes of Overburden that would need to be moved,
Before WA1 could even Mine.

But we know you can't dig an open Pit mine with Vertical Sides,
It would collapse,
And the Trucks would have no way to get out.

So the Reality is at least 50% more than that to give the taper required,
Which would be 42 187 500 Tonnes of Overburden.

48.187+ Million Tonnes of Overburden !!!!

The cost would be Astronomical !!!!

Then there is More,
They would need to Build a Refinery and
They would need to Build a Dam,
If not two Dams.
For the water before and after use in the refinery to be kept as not to spoil the local waterways.

That would likely be a similar amount again,
At least.

Then there's clearing of vegetation for building the required Access Roads,
Clearing the Mine Site,
Clearing the site for and Building the Workers Accommodation and Offices,
Clearing and Building the Site for the Refinery,
Etc.

Which is many many more Tonnes of material to be moved,
Before Mining can begin !!!!

And much much more !!!!....