Etoile Mine

Etoile is an uncomplicated surface mine that is relatively easy to operate. The upper ore body is oxide, there is a mid section of mixed ores and the lower levels are suphides.

The oxide and mixed levels are readily and cost effectively available for surface mining by conventional truck and shovel operation. Extraction of the sulphides could be by surface mining or more likely by underground methods such as sub level caving. The decision on mining of sulphides does not need to be made until surface mining has developed further.

Although Chemaf operates its own fleet of mining equipment, it has proved more cost effective to allow contractors to mine the site. Chemaf still retains the ability to deploy its own mining fleet.