How is molybdenum ore mined underground?

Molybdenum and copper-molybdenum porphyry deposits are extracted using both open-pit and underground mining methods. When underground techniques are employed, the specific method selected depends on factors such as the size, shape, and orientation of the ore body, the strength of the surrounding rock, and the depth of the deposit.12

For massive ore bodies, a common underground approach is block caving. This method involves creating a horizontal slot beneath the ore body by blasting, which removes support and causes the rock to cave under its own weight. The broken ore is then collected at production levels through drawbells and transported to ore passes using machinery.3

In general underground mining, the process consists of two primary stages:
* Development: Preparing the ore blocks for extraction, which is typically the most expensive phase.2
* Production (Stoping): The actual extraction of the ore from the openings, known as stopes.2

Once the ore is brought to the surface, it undergoes crushing, grinding, and flotation to separate the molybdenum minerals from the gangue.1