Hybrid narrow tabular
Hybrid mining methods are generally similar to the conventional narrow tabular methods in-stope, but could include some mechanisation on rock handling. Mechanisation of the out-of-stope bulk material handling system is the basis of differentiation relative to the conventional method.
The increased level of mechanisation is mostly focused on the transportation of blasted material from the face and onto the main strike development. The same main on-strike ore transport methodologies apply as with narrow tabular mining methods. Due to the size of equipment and operational constraints, the layout and the operational constraints thereof, the layout varies relative to the conventional narrow tabular stoping layout.
The method requires increased ventilation and engineering services, but with relatively lower personnel requirements. Run of mine production rates could be higher and in some cases at a lower unit cost per run of mine tonne, but generally at lower grades due to the dilution associated with the mechanised on-reef in-stope development.