KIMBERLITE DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY USING A SCRAPER EQUIPPED WITH COMBINED EQUIPMENT

Abstract

Preliminary softening of the massif with natural brine leads to a decrease in the strength of kimberlites by 30-40 %, which allows not only to increase the productivity of loosening, but also to provide a damping effect on the mineral complex of kimberlites to increase the safety of jewelry grade crystals. The article proposes a technology using a scraper with combined equipment. The preparation of the kimberlite array for excavation is carried out when the scraper moves at idle speed by loosening the upper layer with simultaneous supply of natural brine through the teeth of the ripper into the underlying layer for its subsequent softening. After the scraper is turned, the loosened rock mass is excavated with an elongated bucket and transported to the transfer point.