Method and apparatus for reclamation by reducing highwalls to gradable rubble at augered or longwalled mining sites

Patent · Tue Jun 11 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:6420650

Nitzberg, L R

A method of reducing a highwall or sharp cliff-like exposure at a mining site to gradable rubble for the purpose of reclamation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a series of non-directional explosive charges at specific preselected locations on the floor of cavities created by mining, such cavities being auger holes, longwall mine areas or the like. The charges then detonated within the cavities to create rubble. Preferably, each cavity is sealed proximate its opening on the highwall with stemming to maintain pressure within the associated cavity during the blast and to alternate the expulsion of air blast emissions. The charges are detonated to attenuate the horizontal force vectors, and to enhance the vertical force vectors such that the major effect of the blasts is exerted on the overburden to assure breakage. An improved charge for carrying out the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

• Assignee: EDB-86-013657
• Patent Number(s): US 4522448
• OSTI ID: 6420650
• 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
AUGER MINING
BLAST EFFECTS
CAVITIES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
COAL MINING
COMMINUTION
DETONATIONS
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
EXPLOSIVES
FRACTURING
LAND RECLAMATION
LONGWALL MINING
MINING
OVERBURDEN
UNDERGROUND MINING