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Jet bore mining: Difference between revisions

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<onlyinclude>'''Jet bore mining''' is an underground mining method that uses high [[pressure]] [[water]] to enlarge caverns and cut material (usually ore) into transportable pieces.</onlyinclude> 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.<ref name=RCS>RCS group of companies. (2018). ''Jet Boring/Borehole Mining'' Accessed Nov.1, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://rcsenergy.ca/jet-boring-borehole-mining/</ref> 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.<ref name=Kin>Kinley Exploration. (2018). ''What is Jet Mining?'' Accessed Nov.1, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://www.hydraulicboreholemining.com/what-is-jet-mining/</ref>
<onlyinclude>'''Jet bore mining''' is an underground mining method that uses high [[pressure]] [[water]] to enlarge caverns and cut material (usually ore) into transportable pieces.</onlyinclude> 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.<ref name=RCS>RCS group of companies. (2018). ''Jet Boring/Borehole Mining'' Accessed Nov.1, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://rcsenergy.ca/jet-boring-borehole-mining/</ref> 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.<ref name=Kin>Kinley Exploration. (2018). ''What is Jet Mining?'' Accessed Nov.1, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://www.hydraulicboreholemining.com/what-is-jet-mining/</ref>


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==Applications==
==Applications==
Jet bore mining is used for a few different applications that include: ore mining ([[uranium]], diamonds, tin, gold, and [[coal]] being the most common); enlarging flow ways for water or [[oil]] and [[gas]] wells; and environmental reclamation, particularly areas of deep contamination where underground soils need to be removed but the overlying layers are uncontaminated.<ref name=RCS/>
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.<ref name=RCS/>


The initial steps of the jet bore mining process for uranium is a bit different than for other materials. A very cold brine is circulated under ground in order to freeze the ore and surrounding rocks in order to provide safe operation. A shaft below the ore deposit is dug, encased in concrete to provide secure mining. A drill digs a hole into the deposit above, in which a high pressured [[water]] nozzle is input, which rotates through the deposit spraying it with water. The water cuts loose the ore, allowing it to fall into collecting vehicles below. The vehicles take it to underground processing, where the ore is mixed into a slurry and pumped to the surface.<ref name=cam>Cameco. (June 16 2015). ''Obtaining the Ore'' [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/</ref> See [[uranium mining]] for other methods of attaining uranium.  
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.<ref name=cam>Cameco. (June 16 2015). ''Obtaining the Ore'' [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/</ref> 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.
The video below (from Cameco, a uranium mining company) shows how jet bore mining is used for uranium extraction.

Latest revision as of 20:43, 4 August 2026

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

References

  1. ↑ 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/
  2. ↑ Kinley Exploration. (2018). What is Jet Mining? Accessed Nov.1, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://www.hydraulicboreholemining.com/what-is-jet-mining/
  3. ↑ Cameco. (June 16 2015). Obtaining the Ore [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/
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