Underground mining methods via boreholes and multilateral blast-holes
US12098636B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21F15/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for underground mining in a rock body include drilling one or more service boreholes from at least one surface location into a subsurface rock body. A plurality of multilateral blast holes is drilled, branching from at least one of the one or more service boreholes into the subsurface rock body. The plurality of multilateral blast holes are each loaded with one or more explosive charges and one or more detonators. The one or more explosive charges and the one or more detonators are inserted from surface. The one or more explosive charges is detonated wirelessly to fragment the subsurface ore body. Fragmented rock is extracted via the one or more service boreholes, to surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.