Surgical MiningTM

Small footprint, low CAPEX, turnkey solution.

Our unique technology integrates into conventional drilling equipment, making them able to pinpoint, map, navigate and extract high-value vein deposits without the need for costly infrastructure.

Low CAPEX
Turnkey Solution
Faster Permitting
Shorter time to Production

Fast, Targeted and Flexible Mining Method

Novamera’s Smart Drilling and Guidance Technology allow for precise extraction at up to 300m depth, reducing dilution and maximizing economics.

  • Steeply Dipping Narrow Vein Deposits
  • Greenfield and Brownfield Projects
  • Periphery Deposits
  • Bulk Samples
  • Pit Extensions
  • Crown Pillars

Dynamic Surgical Mining™ Planning Software

Novamera’s proprietary simulation software takes a client’s geological model and runs thousands of drill plans to determine and optimize project economics.

During production, data is continuously ingested into the platform to inform and update the drill plan. This provides real-time visibility and flexibility to the operator, throughout the life of the project.

Accurate Orebody Geometry

High-definition orebody knowledge is essential for narrow vein deposits to avoid ore loss.

Novamera’s Guidance Technology captures 4900% more data than conventional cross-cutting holes allowing miners to know the true orebody shape and geometry during the production process. This allows for real-time adjustment of drill holes to reduce dilution and maximize project returns.

Guidance vs. Conventional Orderbody Model

Optimized Recovery

Novamera’s Smart Drilling System includes a Positioning Control System and Course Correction Device that work with a Large Diameter Drill. These play a critical role in maintaining the optimal trajectory to optimize recovery and reduce dilution.

  • Cutting-head diameter can vary throughout the project depending on the width of the vein.
  • Positioning Control System collars the hole and can adjust drill angle by 0° to 30° (from vertical) or 90° to 60° (from horizontal)
  • Cuttings are ready for the mill- can bi-pass primary crushing. (<10mm)

Surgical vs. Underground Mining

See how Surgical Mining™ stacks up against conventional underground mining costs and timelines.

Sustainable Mining Method

Surgical Mining™ provides a more attractive alternative for communities and addresses many of the challenges around permitting.

95%
LESS WASTE

Targeted extraction minimizes dilution and tailings production.

MINIMAL WATER DISCHARGE

A closed loop system, recycles water and minimizes discharge into the environment.

NO BLASTING

Minimal dust and noise using drilling equipment, resulting in improved social license with host communities.

CONTINUOUS RECLAMATION

Waste is used to backfill holes during production to add stability and reduce environmental impact.

Are you a Junior Miner?

Discover our turnkey solution

Learn how Novamera’s technologies and network of financial and operating partners can provide new option to generate value quickly from your deposit.

FAQ

Typically, 1 -3-metre vein width (can manage pinching and swelling.)​
Depending on the deposit, our software can calculate a ‘honeycomb’ pattern to optimize extraction.
Novamera’s technologies are commodity agnostic.
As a general rule-of-thumb, pile-top-drill rigs can operate within a 60-90°dip angle range; shallower deposits may require additional evaluation.
For a surface application, a standard pile-top-drill rig is used with reverse circulation, air-lift assist supplemented by Novamera’s smart drilling technologies.
Surgical mining can be performed underground by employing different types of large diameter drills modified for the application such as raise boring machines or micro-tunnellers.​
Production hole size is determined with an economic and engineering analysis. Given the expected widths of the vein deposits, a cutting head will generally have a diameter of 1.5m – 3.0m.
Large diameter drilling productivity rates depend on rock strength, pre-fracturing and other geotechnical considerations. For example, in competent 180 – 200MPa quartz, we demonstrated a rate of penetration of ~ 0.8 m/hr with a 75% rig availability. However, Novamera will provide custom estimates during the planning/engineering process.
Daily production depends on cutting head size, rate of penetration and number of drills deployed. As an example, four large diameter drills with cutting head diameters between 2.0m and 2.5m drilling at 0.8m/hr (75% availability) will generate approximately 450 – 700 tonnes per day.​
The size varies based on the strength of the rock and the design of the cutting tools. A typical project can expect most cuttings in the range of 1 – 15mm in size.

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