Iron ore production is carried out based on short‑, medium‑, and long‑term mine plans developed using parameters such as reserve quantity and quality, as well as customer demand. Resource evaluation, planning, and excavation sequencing are performed through computerized mine‑planning systems.

Ferrominera Orinoco operates using open‑pit mining methods, including:

Open Pit (Deep Pit): extraction at significant depths requiring the development of descending benches.

Side‑Hill Pit: applied to deposits located on slopes, where the bench system remains exposed along the hillside. The currently active mines include San Isidro, Los Barrancos, Las Pailas, Altamira, and Cerro Bolívar.

Processes involved in mining operations:

Exploration
This is the initial stage of the process, conducted through surface geology and exploratory drilling. These studies provide the information required to build geological models that allow the calculation of in‑situ reserves. The data obtained include physical, chemical, mineralogical, and lithological characteristics of the orebody, forming the basis for the development and exploitation of the deposits.

Drilling
This operation is performed using four diesel drills and one electric drill, equipped with 12¼” (311 mm) and 9⅞” (251 mm) drill bits to create blast holes with depths of 17.5 m and 14.5 m. Drilling patterns of 10 × 6 m and 8 × 6 m (burden × spacing) are used, enabling effective bench heights of 12 m and 15 m.

Blasting
Bulk ANFO, heavy ANFO, and non‑electric blasting accessories are used for this stage. Bulk ANFO consists of 94% ammonium nitrate prills and 6% diesel fuel. Heavy ANFO is produced by mixing bulk ANFO with Fortis Extra emulsion using MMU (Mobile Manufacturing Unit) trucks. This product is specifically designed for blasting applications in open‑pit hard‑rock mining.

Excavation
Once the ore has been fragmented by blasting, it is removed from the production fronts using electric and hydraulic shovels. In the San Isidro Ferriferous Quadrilateral, three electric shovels and one hydraulic shovel operate with bucket capacities of 14 yd³, 16 yd³, and 33 yd³. In the Altamira Mine, a hydraulic shovel with a 25–30 yd³ bucket is used.

Hauling
Eighteen 180‑ton haul trucks and thirteen 100‑ton units are used to transport the ore to loading stations, fill gondola wagons and hoppers, and supply the Los Barrancos crushing plants.