2 bt sylv. resource possible by new drilling , page-12

Grag,

Yes, it is very shallow for underground mining of high grade thick sylviniye mineralization (horizons).

240-280m depth is maybe the best shallow depth for underground potash mining. If it was more shallow than this the deposit might not be minable economically.

ELM's deposits are sedimentary basin type. They should be compared with Sansatchewan/Canadian deposits which are the same. The resource depth in Canada starts from 1000m at least. Making two shaft (one for production and one for service) costs around $400m. And you have to make those shafts to reach the deposits by underground mining which has the lower Opex mining cost than solution mining.

You'll see how big is a headframe (shaft) and expensive to build it here; Building a Headframe (Shaft) at new PotashCorp Mine - Click here.

Underground mining wouldn't be an option for more shallow depths as the mine roof most probably wouldn't be able to support the room and pillar mining method in this wet area. (Saskatchewan area is also a very wet area under lakes). There is very good sedimentary deposit in Thailand (this is one of the best in the World) but it can't be mined because of this reason.

Also open cut mine would't be an option either as KCL is highly soluable with water. Heavy rains would damaged the whole mine.

In our case, ELM will only make single or twin decline tunnel(s) to reach the deposits as the deposits are at shallow depth. Making a tunnel is simple and not very costly. Its cost would be around $20m-$25m (maybe less in Congo conditions) which is nothing when compared to project cost). Then you have reached to the sylvinite horizons.

Cheers.

A decline tunnel is being opened


Decline tunnel in service ;