The split mining process involves dividing a large mining area or ore body into smaller, more manageable sections, typically to optimize resource extraction, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency.
The process includes the following steps:
1. Site Assessment & Planning
A thorough analysis of the geological conditions is performed, including ore body structure, rock stability, and mineral content.
Engineers create a plan to divide the mining area into smaller sections, known as "splits." Each section is designed for efficient resource extraction and safety.
2. Ore Body Division
The mining area is physically split into smaller segments, often using lines or grids, based on the geological data and ore distribution.
These segments are designed to allow selective mining and safe operations, focusing on high-grade ore and minimizing the extraction of waste material.
3. Sequential Mining
Mining begins in one segment or split, where drilling and blasting (or other extraction techniques) are used to break the ore.
After completing a split, mining shifts to the adjacent or next split, continuing the extraction process in a controlled and systematic manner.
This approach can follow methods like room-and-pillar, cut-and-fill, or longwall mining, depending on the ore body and rock stability.
4. Stabilization & Support
Once a split is mined, rock bolts, mesh, or other forms of ground support are installed to stabilize the surrounding rock formations.
This step helps to ensure the safety of miners as operations move to the next split.
5. Ore Transportation
The extracted ore is transported to the surface for processing, while waste material is left behind in many cases or removed if necessary.
Split mining often reduces the amount of waste material transported, as only the targeted high-grade ore is extracted.
6. Ventilation & Environmental Control
As each split is mined, ventilation systems are adjusted to ensure proper airflow in the underground environment, which reduces exposure to dust, gases, and heat.
Split mining allows for better control of localized ventilation, improving the working conditions for miners.
7. Reinforcement and Closing
Once all the splits are mined, the remaining mined-out areas may be backfilled or reinforced to further stabilize the underground structure.
In some cases, the area is rehabilitated, and any environmental impact is mitigated.
Key Benefits of the Process:
Increased safety: Miners work in smaller, more controlled environments.
Efficient ore recovery: High-grade ore can be targeted and extracted more efficiently.
Flexibility: The process can be adapted based on changing geological conditions or market demands.
Reduced dilution: Less waste rock is extracted, improving ore quality.
Applications:
Split mining is often used in challenging geological conditions or where ore body size and shape require selective extraction techniques. It is commonly applied in underground mining of valuable minerals like gold, silver, copper, and certain coal seams.
