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Economic evaluation of borehole and conventional mining systems in phosphate deposits.

Hrabik JA; Godesky DJ

Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, IC 8929, 1983 Jan; :1-34

10002925

The Bureau of Mines compared the feasibility of mining deep phosphate deposits by a borehole mining system with mining by proven conventional techniques. An economic comparison of the borehole mining system with conventional dragline and bucket wheel excavator mining systems was completed at various mining depths and production rates. Hypothetical phosphate deposits, with various overburden thicknesses and reserve tonnages, were defined. Geologic conditions necessary for the application of the borehole system were identified. Borehole mining was found to be more economical where overburden thickness was 150 ft or greater; however, at 50- and 100- ft thicknesses, conventional surface mining was more economical. Overburden thickness has a great effect on the economic feasibility of the conventional mining systems but less effect on the economics of borehole mining.

Mining-industry; Phosphate-deposits; Boreholes; Surface-mining; Mining-equipment; Beneficiation; Capitalized-costs; Operating-costs; Cash-flow

19830101

IH; Information Circular

1983

PB83-239137

A03

IC-8929

EFOC

Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, IC 8929

PA