The mining of high-grade, narrow vein deposits is an important field of activity in the precious
metal mining sector. The principle factor that has undermined the profitability and effectiveness
of mining such ore zones is the substantial dilution that occurs when blasting with explosives
during extraction.
In order to minimise dilution, the Thermal Fragmentation Mining Method enables the operator
to extract a narrow mineralised corridor, 50 cm to 1 metre wide (according to the width of the
vein), between two sub-level drifts. By inserting a strong burner powered by diesel fuel and
compressed air into a pilot hole previously drilled directly into the vein, a thermal reaction is
created, spalling the rock and enlarging the hole to 80 cm in diameter. The remaining ore
between the thermal holes is broken loose using low powered explosives, leaving the waste
walls intact. This patented method produces highly concentrated ore, resulting in 400% - 500%
less dilution when compared to conventional mining methods.
The mining method reduces the environmental affects of mining operations since much smaller
quantities of rock are displaced, stockpiled, and treated using chemical agents. The fully
mechanised equipment operated by a 2-person team (1 thermal fragmentation operator, 1
drilling operator) maximises the effectiveness of skilled personnel, and increases productivity
and safety.
The Thermal Fragmentation is currently employed in 3 mining operations in North America.
The mining of high-grade, narrow vein deposits is an important field of activity in the precious
metal mining sector. The principle factor that has undermined the profitability and effectiveness
of mining such ore zones is the substantial dilution that occurs when blasting with explosives
during extraction.
In order to minimise dilution, the Thermal Fragmentation Mining Method enables the operator
to extract a narrow mineralised corridor, 50 cm to 1 metre wide (according to the width of the
vein), between two sub-level drifts. By inserting a strong burner powered by diesel fuel and
compressed air into a pilot hole previously drilled directly into the vein, a thermal reaction is
created, spalling the rock and enlarging the hole to 80 cm in diameter. The remaining ore
between the thermal holes is broken loose using low powered explosives, leaving the waste
walls intact. This patented method produces highly concentrated ore, resulting in 400% - 500%
less dilution when compared to conventional mining methods.
The mining method reduces the environmental affects of mining operations since much smaller
quantities of rock are displaced, stockpiled, and treated using chemical agents. The fully
mechanised equipment operated by a 2-person team (1 thermal fragmentation operator, 1
drilling operator) maximises the effectiveness of skilled personnel, and increases productivity
and safety.
The Thermal Fragmentation is currently employed in 3 mining operations in North America.
For more information contact the authors or go to: http://www.nippondragon.com