From GME's website. I cannot provide an analysis as such but it may shed some light on the discussion overall.
" The NiWest resources are of typical geometry found with nickel laterite deposits which are generally shallow, flat lying zones of mineralised lateritic clays. All of the mineralisation is located between surface and 60 metres. The assumed mining method is via standard open pit methods, and to be mostly free digging with conventional excavators and rigid haul trucks to deliver ore to surface.
The mine schedule used in the study assumes higher strip ratios in the first five years, averaging 9:1 as higher grade ore is sourced preferentially. The average strip ratio for life of mine reduces to 6.9:1 whereby mined lower grade stockpiled ore is utilised in the later stages of the project"
