Notes

In the diagram to the right a visual representation of how an open pit mine works is provided. In order to extract the goal of 108,000 tons of carbon each day, heavy machinery and human resources are required. (Sebastian Coronado Espitia “Las Huellas del Cerrejón - 2017). The process consist of four parts, drilling, blasting, excavation, and haulage. The first step is eliminate the topsoil using an industrial drills. Subsequently the soil is moved with a drag line to a soil banks for future reconstruction of the areas. In El Cerrejon mine ANFO explosives are placed in the soil and weak rock in the blasting stage. Finally the work on the coal extraction can start, which is done with a power shell. In image to the right the machinery needed for each step of the cycle of operation is displayed.
Lastley the tractors pile up the coal and it is loaded onto 190-tonne trucks. The coal is taken to a crushing plants and piled in accordance with its quality and value. The plant crushes the coal, separates it from any remaining residue and soil. Then the 120 wagon train filled with coal travels 150 kilometres to Puerto Bolívar It is later sent to the final destination through coal ships. In the image to the left you can see the entire planning and map of all the elements involved in El cerrejon mine, these being the railroad, the open pit mine, and the port to export the mine. (Sebastian Coronado Espitia “Las Huellas del Cerrejón - 2017).