A low energy rock fragmentation technique for in-situ leaching

Abstract

Because over 60% of the total energy consumed in conventional mining consists of excavating, hauling, and liberating processes, the energy consumption in conventional methods of mining has increased exponentially with the decline in global ore-grades. In-situ leaching (ISL) is an alternative mining technology, which eliminates these processes. However, ISL is currently limited to porous rock. Expansion of ISL to impervious mineral bearing rocks requires controlled, artificial fracture stimulation and the current practice of hydraulic fracturing is not compatible due to the associated environmental impacts and uncontrolled fracture propagation. Therefore, to extend the application of ISL to i..