Mining and Processing Methods

The Atalaya mine will use open pit mining methods to extract diabase for the production of high-quality construction aggregates. The mining process will involve conventional drilling, blasting, and loading on 15m benches, which are flat surfaces where mining activities take place. The benches will be gradually excavated to access the mineralized rock and extract it from the open pit.

Once the diabase rock is extracted from the open pit, it will be transported to the processing plant located on-site. The processing plant will use crushers and screening equipment to separate the aggregates into various sizes, including crushed stones, gravel, and sand. The crushed stones, gravel, and sand will then be sold as construction aggregates to customers throughout Europe.

In the case of ornamental black granite, which is considerably more expensive, the large blocks of diabase rock will be cut with saws at the mining location to produce black granite slabs. These slabs will then be sold to customers who use them for construction and decorative purposes.

The open pit mining method with conventional drilling, blasting, and loading on 15m benches is a common and efficient method for extracting mineral. The on-site processing of the aggregates will also help to minimize transportation costs and reduce the environmental impact of the project. The use of saws to cut black granite will ensure that the company can produce high-quality products for customers who are willing to pay a premium price.