Novel technologies for deep sustainable mining

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This proposal follows the applicant’s previous Discovery Grant in aiming to address technical challenges that the Canadian mining industry is facing in future mining at depth. Emphasis will continue to be given to innovation, generation of HQP and the economic and social significance of sustainable development. In order for the Canadian mining industry to maintain its global competitiveness, it continuously needs to innovate and automate .The conclusion made by a number of forums, held by major mining stake holders was that there is a need for “game changer technologies for mines of the future”. This proposal focuses on research fundamental to the development of automated, continuous mining systems for sustainable deep mining, termed “Bore and Fill” mining. This research program addresses three integrated and interdisciplinary key research priorities, as follows: Theme1) Rock pre-conditioning for optimizing continuous mechanical breakage of hard rocks: This focuses on weakening the rock (or lowering its strength) prior to attack by rock cutting discs. This, in the absence of efficient and wear resistant disc cutting material, will increase production rates and reduce bit replacement costs. The application of microwave energy (capable of inducing micro cracks through differential heating and therefore expansion) is a technology with potentially significant application not only to newly developed continuous mining excavators but also for full face tunneling application. Theme2) Mine backfill technology: This aims at the development of a Super-Strength Mine Fill (SSMF) for “Bore and Fill” mining. This SSMF will be placed into and fill the bored rock space for stability of the surrounding rock mass. Furthermore, it will address the issue of self-heating in backfills with high of sulphide mineral content, particularly pyrrhotite, which can oxidise rapidly and cause self-heating. As self-heating can lead to dangerous situations underground with the potential for mine closure, this research theme will continue to address its processes and its mitigation methods. Theme3) Application of renewable energy in mining operations: This focuses on the development of novel techniques for extraction of geothermal energy from underground bored and filled stopes. This will be optimized by a novel simulation code, physical modelling, as well as pilot underground field trials at Vale Sudbury mine sites. This concept in underground mines can sustainably produce considerable amounts of geothermal energy during the mine life and after its eventual closure. This renewable and inexpensive heat recovery will develop new local businesses for the sustainability of the local mine communities. In the long term, the proposed three inter-related research themes are intended to pave the way for breakthrough technologies which will improve the sustainability and competitiveness of the Canadian mining industry.