Jet bore mining: Difference between revisions
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Jet bore mining is an underground mining method that uses high pressure water to enlarge caverns and cut material (usually ore) into transportable pieces. Jet bore mining is an in situ, remote controlled process, meaning that the personnel generally stay above ground, decreasing the costs of removing overburden and increases the safety of the operation.[1] This process is also referred to as borehole mining, hydraulic or water jet borehole mining, water jet mining, underground or subsurface hydraulic mining, or jet reaming.[2]
In this process, a borehole is dug using a conventional drill. Tools are then lowered into the borehole. A high pressure hydraulic jet is used to carve or cut out the desired area or cavern. The loose material is then removed from the cavern, either as dry material or as part of a slurry (a mix of the loose material and water) to make it easier to pump out.[1]
Applications
Jet bore mining is used in variety of applications, including ore mining (most commonly uranium, diamonds, tin, gold, and coal); enlarging flow pathways for water or oil and gas wells; and environmental reclamation. It is particularly useful for areas of deep contamination where underground soils must be removed but the overlying layers are uncontaminated.[1]
The jet bore mining process used for uranium extraction differs somewhat from that used for other materials. Initially, extremely cold brine is circulated underground to freeze the uranium ore and surrounding rocks, creating a stable and safe environment for mining. A shaft below the ore deposit is dug, encased in concrete to provide secure mining. A drill digs a hole into the deposit above through which a high pressured water nozzle is inserted. As the nozzle rotates, it directs powerful jets of water against the ore, breaking it loose so that it falls into collection vehicles positioned below. These vehicles transport the ore to an underground processing facility, where it is mixed with water to form a slurry before being pumped to the surface for further processing.[3] See uranium mining for other methods of attaining uranium.
The video below (from Cameco, a uranium mining company) shows how jet bore mining is used for uranium extraction.
For Further Reading
- Mining
- Uranium
- Ore
- Hydrocarbon
- Or explore a random page
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 RCS group of companies. (2018). Jet Boring/Borehole Mining Accessed Nov.1, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://rcsenergy.ca/jet-boring-borehole-mining/
- ↑ Kinley Exploration. (2018). What is Jet Mining? Accessed Nov.1, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://www.hydraulicboreholemining.com/what-is-jet-mining/
- ↑ Cameco. (June 16 2015). Obtaining the Ore [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/