
Typically, more than one mining method could be appropriate for a single orebody, which may result in multiple feasible mining solutions for that orebody. Simply adopting the same mining method from a neighbouring mine or changing to a different mining method without logical and experienced judgement of the uniqueness of the orebody may prove disastrous for the mining operation. Assume an example orebody has two feasible mining solutions: the first being a hybrid mining method utilising conventional stoping methods, and the second a fully mechanised bord-and-pillar mining method. Both methods are feasible mining options, but which method is the most profitable? Industry data will prove that if focussed on mining cost alone, typically the higher volume method will result in the lower unit cost per mined tonne. This could be used as a selection criterion, but an experienced engineer should consider all the other available data and also express the expected dilution as a unit cost. Dilution is all low or zero grade (waste) material mined during the course of the mining operations; simply, the difference between the mining width and the reef channel width is defined as waste dilution. This consideration
will incorporate the geometry of the orebody in an analysis. As an example, the following hypothetical options will be compared for an orebody ranging between 0.2 m and 3.0 m reef widths.

If the engineer only uses the mining cost as the selection criterion, this orebody will be mined using a mechanised bord-and-pillar mining method. Let us now consider dilution and the effect on the cost per reef tonne produced to test the initial selection. The dilution for both mining methods is illustrated below.

Conclusion
Selecting a mining method requires a well-defined and logical analysis to ensure the method selected will indeed maximise profits.
There are significant value opportunities if selection of the mining is investigated in sufficient detail and supplemented with some experience and engineering judgement.

