This is only for the proof of concept: Using a binary backup of controlfile to recover the database.

Here is what I have done:

1. The database is healthy, up and running.
2. alter database backup controlfile to '/export/home/oracle/bkp.ctl';
3. shutdown abort
4. rm /u01/oradata/control01.ctl (This is the only ctl file.)
5. cp /export/home/oracle/bkp.ctl /u01/oradata/control01.ctl
6. Startup mount;

Then:

SQL> alter database open;
alter database open
*
ERROR at line 1:
ORA-01589: must use RESETLOGS or NORESETLOGS option for database open

SQL> recover database using backup controlfile until cancel;
ORA-00279: change 478967119 generated at 04/30/2002 16:32:36 needed for thread
1
ORA-00289: suggestion : /export/home/u03/arch/noya/arch_1_635.arc
ORA-00280: change 478967119 for thread 1 is in sequence #635


Specify log: {=suggested | filename | AUTO | CANCEL}
CANCEL
ORA-01547: warning: RECOVER succeeded but OPEN RESETLOGS would get error below
ORA-01194: file 1 needs more recovery to be consistent
ORA-01110: data file 1: '/export/home/u01/oradata/noya/system01.dbf'


ORA-01112: media recovery not started


SQL> alter database open resetlogs;
alter database open resetlogs
*
ERROR at line 1:
ORA-01194: file 1 needs more recovery to be consistent
ORA-01110: data file 1: '/export/home/u01/oradata/noya/system01.dbf'

Could you please advise which step go wrong?