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Simultaneous caving and surface restoration system for oil shale mining

Journal Article · · Colo. Sch. Min. Q.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5466671
A modified caving method is introduced for mining oil shale and simultaneous restoration of the land surface by return of spent shale onto the subsided area. Other methods have been designed to mine the relatively thin richer beds occurring near outcrops in the Piceance Creek Basin of NW. Colorado. Since the discovery of the much thicker beds in the N.-central part of the basin, some attention has focused on in situ and open-pit methods of recovery. Although caving has been recognized as a possible means of mining shale, most people have been skeptical of its success. This stems from the unknown and salient factors of cavability and size of broken rock with caving. Wisdom would seem to dictate that serious evaluation of the caving method be made along with the other methods.
Research Organization:
Bureau Mines
OSTI ID:
5466671
Journal Information:
Colo. Sch. Min. Q.; (United States), Journal Name: Colo. Sch. Min. Q.; (United States) Vol. 63:4; ISSN CSMQD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English