Blasting as an AML Reclamation Method. Volume 1

摘要

In 1986 a research contract was awarded by the Office of Surface Mining to Bauer, Calder and Workman, Inc., to investigate the technical and cost feasibility of blasting as an AML reclamation method. Blasting work was performed at a 10-acre site near Beulah, North Dakota. The objective of blasting for AML work is the collapse of underground development from surface. A second approach is the use of blasting to fill existing sinkholes. Successful blasting minimizes the chance of additional subsidence after reclamation, which enhances the long term safety and utility of the site. In this type of blast application the only free face for material movement is vertically downwards into the abandoned development. Blast design was based on crater theory and the use of spherical charges. The report briefly describes the application of crater theory to AML blast design. Field methodology and the results of the test blast program are discussed. Conclusions are made regarding the technical and cost feasibility of the method. The sensitivity of the cost of AML blasting to site and operating parameters is examined.