6. Mining methods

There are two scenarios to consider, depending on whether the deposit is a small one with high molybdenum grades or a large one with disseminated mineralization and low grades.

In the first case, the mines are very often underground, and selective mining methods are used to avoid diluting the high-grade ore.

In the second case, which mainly involves porphyry, mining is carried out in open-pit operations (quarries or open pits). However, when climatic and topographical conditions are unfavorable, mining is conducted underground.

The first stage of exploration mining involves stripping the mineralized sections by removing the waste rock. The stripping process continues throughout the mining operation as the pit deepens, requiring ongoing exploration of the deposit through drilling to determine not only the grades but...