Stillwater Mining Company is transforming its mine operations from mechanized bulk mining methods to less mechanized but more selective mining methods. Sub-level mining is being de-emphasized over time at both mines. At the Stillwater Mine up to 35 percent of ore will be mined by various captive cut and fill mining methods and 65 percent of ore will be mined by mechanized ramp cut and fill mining methods. At the East Boulder Mine up to 100 percent of ore will be mined by various captive cut and fill mining methods. This transitioning of mining methods emphasizes margin and sustainability.
Selective Mining methods are important to Stillwater Mining Company because of:
• Increased opportunity to mine with less dilution, thus increasing the ore grade to the mill
• Increased recovery of the in place mineral deposit
• Decreased amount of primary and secondary development per ounce of production, reducing operating costs
• Decreased reliance on mobile equipment reducing capital expenditures and mining support costs
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