A REVIEW OF EXPLOSIVE-FREE ROCK BREAKAGE (EFRB) TECHNOLOGIES IN MINING INDUSTRY

A REVIEW OF EXPLOSIVE-FREE ROCK BREAKAGE (EFRB) TECHNOLOGIES IN MINING INDUSTRY Abstract There are strategic drivers within the mining industry which are making explosive-free rock breakage approaches an option that is being reconsidered for the excavation of rock masses. A comprehensive review of the performance and related aspects of explosive-free rock breaking (EFRB) technologies is necessary to assess and demonstrate their applicability in the mining industry, particularly in continuous operations and autonomous mining. Additionally, it would facilitate a clear path of research and development.  A comprehensive review of rock breakage technologies and expert projects would also provide sufficient understanding from available information and expert opinions of the advantages, limitations, and broad performance specifications of existing and promising EFRB methods for open pit and underground mining applications. The main EFRB technologies include mechanical cutting, microwave, laser, fluid, thermal and electrical applications. Finally, the application of microwave irradiation of rocks has been conducted successfully in the laboratory as a high potential concept. The approach can be expanded to full-scale field implementation as a pre-conditioning tool to facilitate the mechanical breakdown of rock in a continuous fashion as well as possible destressing of rock under high stress. A reduction in mechanical strength of rocks as a result of microwave irradiation could improve the performance of rock excavation equipment such as a tunnel boring machine. This will be increasing the rate of penetration and reducing operation time. Keywords: Mining, Rock breakage, Fragmentation, Explosive-free, Excavation