HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OF ORE BODIES

摘要

The specification discloses a method of mining that makes use of hydraulic fracturing. The method comprises fracturing an ore body hydraulically by introducing fluid rapidly into a bore or fissure in the ore body such that pressure in the bore or fissure builds up rapidly and it fractures. This enables the ore body to cave into a suitable space such as an undercut from which the ore can then be recovered. The method is particularly useful in block caving as a replacement for explosives.