This paper discusses the considerations for optimum maintenance of critical ore handling infrastructure in order to minimise the cost to the business of maintenance periods. As maintenance periods are a direct interruption to production, time is of the essence and careful management of shutdown periods is essential._x000D_
The ore pass systems currently in use at Xstrata Copper - Mount Isa Copper Operations are up to 30 years old and have had significant wear over the years. The maintenance of these passes and their brows and chutes in a production situation is a challenge as it can potentially expose personnel to high risk situations in addition to the production interruptions._x000D_
Some alternatives for mitigating the risk of working in ore passes including plugging and ballooning are described. Criteria are included for selecting a method for the safe entry into a given ore pass. Experience in adapting the method of ore pass plugs and some lessons learnt in the process are also discussed._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Carr, C J and Krause, L E, 2005. Ore pass and chute maintenance at Xstrata Copper - Mount Isa Copper Operations, in Proceedings Ninth Underground Operators' Conference 2005, pp 235-244 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).