Improved Ore Recovery from Phosphate Open-Pits in the Phosphoria Formation

摘要

To initiate this project a critical evaluation of the present phosphate mining industry in the Western phosphate field was conducted. Mines were visited, mine operators were interviewed, and pertinent literature studied. Three phosphate mining enterprises were reviewed and mining cost estimates prepared. The report discusses the present state of phosphate processing, rock alteration, and location. New ideas and concepts are proposed to improve the recovery of phosphate rock from the Phosphoria Formation. The report evaluates two variations to the present phosphate open pit mining methods, which were developed to improve the economics of mining phosphate and to better accomplish necessary reclamation and accelerate the time for environmental recovery. A materials handling system using conveyor haulage will eliminate the need for trucks. Terrace haulback utilizes safety benches to haul and dispose of waste in the mined-out pit. Ore will be removed from the pit by an inclined, cable-supported mobile conveyor.