Method for reclaiming highwalls at mining sites with partially mined ore veins

Patent · Tue Jan 13 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6176847

Nitzberg, L R

A method of reclaiming a highwall or sharp cliff like exposure mining site. The method includes the steps of placing a first series of directional charges at preselected locations in each of the auger, longwall or deep mine entry holes proximate the opening of the hole on the face of the highwall. Directional charges are positioned on the floor of the holes and pointed upward, obviating the need to drill charge placement holes. Such solid placement maximizes the explosive impact on the overburden above the charges thereby creating rubble from the overburden and tearing out sections of the in-situ material separating the holes. In one embodiment, a further series of charges is detonated at a preselected interval in time and depth from the detonation of the first series of directional charges to provide a synergistic explosive effect to accomplish the reclamation process.

• Assignee: Reclamite Ltd
• Patent Number(s): US 4244624
• OSTI ID: 6176847
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
012000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
510500 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIONS
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
COAL MINES
EXPLOSIONS
EXPLOSIVES
LAND RECLAMATION
MINES
MINING
SURFACE MINING