Developing novel techniques for sustainable and continuous mining operations

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This research program to address and apply some of the innovative technologies that is needed for mine of the future. For Canada to maintain its global competitiveness, mining industry continuously needs to innovate and automate in an environment of high risk. To achieve this major international mining companies in the past several years have assembled international experts from Industry, academia (applicant was invited in some) and government in forums in Europe, Brazil, and Sudbury to discuss potential game changer technologies and techniques needed for the mine of the future for both deep underground and surface mines. The conclusion in general is that the automated and continuous mining operations and new mining techniques require a long-term investment in technology, talented Highly Qualified Personnel to develop, operate, maintain, and manage safe, competitive and sustainable mining operations. The fact that fewer world class mineral deposits are being found requires advances in mining and exploration technologies that will enable deeper sustainable mining excavations. The most severe challenges to safe and competitive mining, however, relate to high rockmass stresses, energy constraints, ventilation, and refrigeration, as well as increased environmental requirements. The proposed research program follows the applicant's prior Discovery grant focus on sustainable deep mining technologies. It aims to contribute and address technical challenges that the Canadian mining industry is facing in future mining operations that will need to extend to depths beyond current norms. Emphasis will continue to be given to innovation, generation of HQP and the economic and social significance of sustainable development of the Canadian mining industry. Four research priorities will be extended further and will be develop and apply in the proposed research program through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, as follows: 1-Rock pre-conditioning for optimizing mechanical breakage of strong rocks; 2-Mine backfill technology 3-Application of renewable energy in mining operations. 4-Drill bit wear monitoring and failure prediction To guarantee the success of the proposed research program, research activities should be conducted in parallel in accordance with the four research themes/ priorities mentioned above. Accordingly, the same format is followed throughout the present proposal.