Optimum Rate of Working Mineral Deposits

BOTH physical and economic factors are concerned in determining the optimum rate of depletion of a mineral deposit. The physical limitations are, in a large measure fixed by nature. Economic influences on the other hand, are man-made and subject to wide changes. Analyses of the interrelations of these two groups of factors are of major importance in selecting the optimum rate of production of petroleum and mining properties and in their valuation. Physical Influences PRIMARY limitations on the rate of mining are the rate of shaft sinking and underground development, the rate of hoisting, and the rate of sloping. These rates are largely determined by the physical features of a property. Technical methods which may be employed, and consequently the length of time required, are governed by the dimensions of the deposit, its attitude, depth, regularity, the unit value and character of the ore, the nature of the wall rocks, and similar factors.