Eco-efficient mining
The concept of an invisible, zero-impact mine requires a refined underground technique that selectively extracts the minerals and therefore reduces waste production. To this end, fully integrated underground technologies for diagnosis, extraction and in-situ processing are required. Communication, health and safety aspects are also critical for successfully developing the concept. The EU-funded project 'Innovative technologies and concepts for the intelligent deep mine of the future' (I2Mine) is developing a set of innovative methods and equipment for efficient mineral exploitation and waste treatment in Europe. Both will take place underground at depths greater than 1 500 m. The core of the project will be to develop breakthrough technologies for autonomous, highly selective, continuous mineral extraction processes and machinery. This is based on new sensor technologies, face front separation as well as innovative concepts for mass flow management and transportation integrating state-of-the-art technologies. Project partners have already developed integrated monitoring and numerical modelling tools for detecting and predicting rock stress fields and seismic activities induced by deep mining operations. Afterwards, they have developed a planning procedure for safe deep underground mining applicable to different kinds of mines. The development of a new cutting head able to continuously cut very hard rock, which can today only be exploited by drilling and blasting, has already been finalised. Work toward constructing a new spraying robot for concrete liners has started, improving safety and efficiency. Scientists have also started constructing efficient and autonomous machinery for extraction and transportation in deep underground mines. This equipment should also include a collision avoidance system and a multi-sensor system for detecting the geological boundary layers. I2MINE is expected to improve the European extractive sector competitiveness with better equipment design, manufacture and supply.
Keywords
Mineral extraction, underground, sensor, modelling, deep mining, spraying robot, autonomous machinery, collision avoidance system
