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Generic Design Manual for in Situ Copper Mining.

Ahlness JK

Engineering Foundation Conf Santa Barbara California 1987 Oct; :159-163

10008237

In order for copper mining to remain a viable domestic industry into the 21st century, new mining technology needs to be developed to allow production from the low-grade deposits remaining in the United States. To meet this need, the U.S. Bureau of Mines is conducting a research program on true in situ mining of copper oxide deposits. The overall goal of this program is to maximize the probability of domestic copper production by true in situ mining methods. To achieve this goal, the Bureau intends to provide industry with the means to design the best (in terms of economics) in situ mining operation for any specific copper oxide deposit. The first step in this program has been to develop a "Draft Generic in situ Copper Mine Design Manual." This draft manual will be verified through the design and conduct of a true in situ copper mining field experiment. Preliminary field experimental designs have been developed, and a geologic and hydrologic test site characterization program plan is being developed. This paper provides a brief description of the "Draft Generic in situ Copper Mine Design Manual" and the capabilities of the accompanying computer program.

19891001

OP;

1990

OP 171-90

TCRC;

Engineering Foundation Conf., Santa Barbara, California, Oct. 25-30, 1987; Eng. Foundation, PP. 159-163

CA;