IC 8174 Mining Methods And Costs, Deep Creek Zinc-Lead Mine, Goldfield Consolidated Mines Co., Stevens County, Wash. (fe7dea8b-47e3-46b7-bdd5-870727dc7898)

The Deep Creek zinc and lead mine afforded an excellent example of a relatively small underground mine operation that approached the low mining costs of large, highly mechanized mines. An open stope mining method incorporating sublevel benches and vertical long holes was used (fig. 1). Detailed descriptions are given on the exploration program, stope development, stoping procedures, and pillar removal. Pressure grouting was used to check the inflow of water and thus prolong the life of the mine. Statistics on mining costs and on electric power consumption, haulage from mine to mill, and milling costs are included.