Authors: E.V. Loginov, S.S. Masalskiy

Title of the article: Technical and economic research on cut-off grade influence on open-pit boundary

Year: 2026, Issue: 3, Pages: 154-166

Branch of knowledge: 2.8.8 Geotechnology, mining machines

Index UDK: 622.271

DOI: 10.26730/1999-4125-2026-3-154-166

Abstract: When developing ore mineral deposits, a special role plays cut-off grade which influences boundaries and parameters of minable shapes. During a period of the mineral deposit development the cut-off grade can be changed due to the mineral’s price on global market and the cost of its production. Recently, the gold price has been gradually increasing what has a direct impact on the gold deposits cut-off grade value. At the same time, scientific literature of last years on this topic has been limited and only a few studies have considered comprehensive models of gold deposits. As part of the scientific research, mathematical modeling methods were used to create block models of the deposit for the further block models implication as initial data for technical and economic calculations. Mining geological and informational systems (MGIS) were used for work with block models. Economic calculations were made with the use of up-to-date programs. The aim of the current research is justification of optimal final pit boundary based on net present value for different gold cut-off grade, for this the calculations for the beginning, middle and end of 2025 year were made. During the study optimization of minable shapes was also held, the change of ore volume was calculated, investment projects were studied. As a result of the study, data was obtained that characterizes the potential increase in both the probable reserves of gold deposits and the profitability of developing similar deposits. The research results can be further used when it is necessary to make additional investments in the development of gold ore open pits in conditions of high market volatility.

Key words: open-pit mining quarry gold on-board maintenance volatility quarry boundaries excavation block

Receiving date: 10.01.2026

Approval date: 15.06.2026

Publication date: 27.08.2026

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