Incisive solutions for Mining
The so-called incisive cutting technology, a mining and forcing process in mining is one of the key processes in international hard coal and potash mining due to the numerous advantages. These include i.a. continuous mode of operation, the rock mass friendly fragmenting and low staff costs. This method has been used in the USA in hard coal mining for a long time and in potash mining incisive fragmentation is used in driving, jigging and mining. However, incisive cutting is hardly established at all in German potash mining; due to the special conditions involved, mining is most efficient in terms of business using drilling and blasting work.
The Institute of Mining Engineering I (BBK I) of the Division of Mineral Resources and Raw Materials Engineering is currently examining the use of incisive cutting under the special conditions of potash mining in Germany commissioned by the K+S Group. This study includes detailed process analyses of current excavation processes in selected potash plants of K+S GmbH. These analyses comprise mine planning (excavation process, infrastructure, organization) as well as business aspects. In addition, a worldwide comparable analysis benchmarking) of incisive fragmentation in potash mining is being prepared which comprises i.a. mine planning and machine-related equipment. The technical outline conditions for incisive fragmentation of potash mining are also being examined.
Based on the results, detailed concepts for possible excavation processes with incisive fragmentation are to be developed. Feasible solutions are to be drawn up for excavation processes along the mining process chain (mining, loading, transporting) and for accompanying processes (jig, material supply, ventilation engineering, expansion etc.) The conditions of the storage facility, for example its strength, its course of flow and the inclination (flat and semi-sloped storage) as well as rock features and barren zones are also examined. The aim of scientific examinations is to draw up a feasibility study for the use of incisive fragmentation in mining as well as excavation and jigging in German potash mining. The study includes the development of adapted excavation processes and forcing concepts for the respective project mines and closes with recommendations for future use of incision methods in German potash mining.
Contact:
Dr.-Ing. Ludger Rattmann
+49 241 80-956 78