Abstract: In developing an underground mine a mine shaft 80 is formed by excavating earth and removing excavated material from the shaft 80 by a material transport system comprising skips 36 movable up and down on skip guides within the shaft. Tunnels 82 are launched from a bottom part of shaft 80 by excavating a cavern 81 in which a tunnel boring machine is assembled and operated to bore the tunnels 82. Material from the tunnel excavation is transported from the tunnels via conveyor 87 to the material transport system established within the shaft during formation of the shaft which is operated to transport that material to an earth surface region.

Abstract: A method useful in the continuous ore extraction in underground works intended for the permanent production of extraction from draw points or trenches, comprising the construction of reduced size drifts (4) wherein through the center defined by a group of drifts crosses a drift (2) which is intended for ore haulage, such drift crosses successively all drift groups defined at the exploitation face,—such extraction points (11) are arranged to form a regular layout [m4] at certain distances which are compatible with an interactive gravitational flow; once such drifts, trenches and haulage drifts are constructed the pre-conditioning, caving and extraction stages are carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position and/or situation of installation components of a mineral mining installation which has as installation components at least one face conveyor for removing mined material, one shield-type support for keeping a face open, pushing devices for pushing the face conveyor and the shield-type support in active operation, an extracting machine which can be moved along the face conveyor, and a drift conveyor, the position and situation of at least one installation component being determined by a measuring system having a detection unit with measurement sensor and the detection unit decoupled from the movement of the extracting machine, can be or is moved to and fro between two points of the guiding system along at least one installation component at the face such as, e.g. the face conveyor, by a separate guiding system 21; a mining installation relating to the same.

Abstract: A method of increasing a dwell time of a slurry facility at a given ore processing location by using a mobile oil sands mining system. The method involves coordinating the operation of at least two mining conveyors to facilitate mining at least one arc-shaped sector of ore that otherwise would not be within operational reach of the slurry facility at the ore processing location. The method increases the slurry facility's operational time at the ore processing location before relocation thereof is required to keep the slurry facility within operational reach of at least one receding mine face.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for pit mining with waste dumping is disclosed, in which material is extracted from an open pit and some of that material is sent to waste. The method optimises a joint extraction and waste refill schedule.

Abstract: A conveyor segment for use in a train of such conveyor segments in high wall mining is provided with at least one hook located and at least one coupling element, wherein the hook and the coupling element are suited for coupling, wherein the hook is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the conveyor segment is provided with locking means for securing the hook in a closed position. An assembly includes at least two such conveyor segments. A method of coupling of such conveyor segments includes bringing the hook of a first conveyor segment in contact with a coupling element of second conveyor segment. A method of releasing such conveyor segments includes urging two coupled conveyor segments together while moving the hook from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A concrete or asphalt profiling apparatus which operates without the use of a wetting agent includes a housing that encloses a plurality of diamond-tipped blades mounted to an arbor and adapted for high-speed rotation, and a suction device in communication with an area enclosed by the housing and configured to generate a suction force so to remove non-wetted dust generated during a profiling operation. During the profiling operation, a mixture of non-wetted dust and air can be drawn from the housing through a conduit and into a container by means of the suction device. An internally supported filter membrane extending into the container separates the concrete dust from the air in the mixture such that a portion of the concrete dust falls into a lower chamber and a portion of the concrete dust cakes on the filter membrane. The apparatus further includes a compressed air port that is adapted to selectively expel compressed air toward the filter membrane to dislodge concrete dust caked thereon.

Abstract: A surface miner operates in a first direction to remove material from a mining face with its rotational axis of the cutting drums oriented substantially perpendicular to the mining face. Upon reaching an end of the mining face, the surface miner turns such that the axis is oriented substantially parallel to the mining face. The surface miner then operates in a second direction to cut a first channel from the mining face. To withdraw the cutters from the first channel, the surface miner reverses. The surface miner repositions to cut a second channel from the mining face in the second direction. The first and second channels together define a cut out. The surface miner is positioned in the cut out with the axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the mining face facing in a direction substantially opposite the first direction. The surface miner then continues to remove material in that direction.

Abstract: A process line for excavating and processing oil sands ore near a mine face. A mobile excavator excavates ore along the length of a mobile mining conveyor. A mobile comminutor receives and comminutes the excavated ore and transfers the comminuted ore to the mobile mining conveyor. The mobile mining conveyor conveys the comminuted ore to a transfer conveyor that conveys the comminuted ore to a mobile slurry facility. The mobile slurry facility combines the comminuted ore with process water to produce a slurry and pumps and conditions the slurry through a hydro-transport pipeline to a mobile extraction facility as a slurry feed. The mobile extraction facility receives the slurry feed and directs the slurry feed and a water stream as inputs to a three stage countercurrent cyclone separator. The cyclone separator produces a bitumen rich stream and a tailings stream.

Abstract: A method of mining ore in a mine pit (3) and a mine are disclosed. The method comprises mining ore from a floor (5) of a mine pit and/or collecting ore on the floor using at least one mobile excavation machine (11) and transporting ore within the mine pit on at least one mobile flexible conveyor (13). The method also comprises transporting ore that has been transported along the flexible conveyor from within the pit to outside the pit on at least one ladder conveyor (23) that extends up the wall of the pit.

Abstract: A method for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like with a driving device (1; 2; 15), including: that a cutting head (4) rotating around a general axis of rotation (R) and having cutting elements directed essentially radially outwardly is applied against a rock surface to be worked. The rock cutting elements (13), are formed on cutting rolls (7) are brought to roll against the rock side during pressing against the rock and rotation of the cutting head (4), and the rock cutting elements during rolling are brought to cut sidewardly arranged grooves in the rock surface at a distance from each other. The invention also concerns a rotatable cutting head and a device and a rig for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like.

Abstract: A method of mining ore in a mine pit (3) and a mine are disclosed. The method comprises drilling and blasting ore in a bench (19) of ore within the mine pit and collecting ore blasted from the bench from a floor (5) of the mine pit using at least one mobile excavation machine (11). The method also comprises delivering ore that has been collected by the mobile excavation machine to at least one mobile-in-pit crusher (41), and transporting crushed ore to outside the pit on at least one ladder conveyor (23) that extends up the wall of the pit.

Abstract: In a haulage device for the continuous removal of material excavated below ground, which can be continuously slaved between a mining machine (8) and a continuous road haulage means (2) over a defined path and narrow curve radii of the mining machine (8) while continuously hauling without interruption, the haulage device is configured as a closed-belt conveyor (9) which is movable on a suspended rail system (3), whose receiving end adjacent the mining machine (8) is coupled with a movable transfer conveyor (7) and whose end facing away from the mining machine (8) and adjacent the continuous road haulage means (2) is connected with a clamping device exerting a defined tensile stress over a defined displacement path of the transfer end of the closed-belt conveyor (8) in a displaceable transfer position onto the continuous road haulage means (2).

Abstract: A device and system for removing structures embedded in surrounding material is disclosed. Embodiments include a powered, expandable clamp attached to a rotating cutting tool for removing manholes from roadways. Select embodiments include anchoring a clamp to a manhole and using the manhole itself as leverage to move a cutting device through the surrounding material. Alternate embodiments allow an operator, working alone from a control station, to secure the manhole remover to the manhole, cut through the surrounding roadway, remove the manhole, and deposit the manhole at another location without requiring the operator to leave the control station. Further embodiments optionally include a depth gauge indicating the penetration depth of the cutting tool, an indicator reflecting the expanded state of the clamp, a pendulum mount allowing the clamp and drum to vertically orient using gravity, and/or the ability to attach to a host machine, such as a skid-steer loader.

Abstract: In a method for milling an opencast mining surface or for milling off layers of an asphalt or concrete traffic surface with a milling machine removing the ground surface, by milling the ground surface along a predetermined milling track having a predetermined length, by transporting the milled material via a conveying device to at least one container of a truck that travels along next to the milling machine, said truck having a predetermined maximum loading volume per load, and by replacing a fully loaded truck with an unloaded truck when the maximum loading volume of a truck load has been reached, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: calculation of the maximum total loading volume resulting over the length of the current milling track as a function of the current effective working width and a milling depth that has been optimized in relation to a predetermined, preferably maximum milling power, calculation of the number of truck loads required for the maximum total loading volume of a mi

Abstract: A trip hazard removing apparatus includes a saw head and blade connected to guide rail(s), which are connected to a support structure, which is connected to lift arm(s) of a vehicle. The vehicle moves the trip hazard removing apparatus between trip hazards occurring between upper and lower slabs of a sidewalk, placing it on the lower slab adjacent to and in contact with a trip hazard, and lifting it after removing the trip hazard. A trip hazard engaging mechanism automatically locates the saw blade's position and angle relative to and above the upper slab to create appropriate transition surface(s) between the upper and lower slabs as it cuts off the trip hazard. The guide rail(s) allow placing the saw blade's facing the sidewalk's side surface. The saw head and blade are moved along the guide rail(s) across the upper slab and through the side surfaces to remove the trip hazard.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for mining a material in an underground environment. The method comprises positioning a structure in an underground roadway and locating the structure so that the structure provides a reactive force when a cutting head is pushed against the material via a series of members coupled to the structure. The roadway is suitable for passage of people and transportation of machinery and removed material. The method also comprises coupling the cutting head to at least one of the members of the series of members and the series of members to the structure. Further, the method comprises forming a plurality of branch tunnel portions projecting from the roadway into the material using the cutting head and the series of members coupled to the structure, comprising repositioning the cutting head and the series of members between formation of the branch tunnel portions. At least one of the formed branch tunnel portions has a length of more than 50 m.

Abstract: A hauling system and hauling car for hauling mined materials includes a body defining a storage area for receiving the mined materials, a conveyor positioned in a bottom portion of the storage area, and a motor coupled with the conveyor and driving the conveyor. The motor is controllably operable via a remote control system, and the body includes at least one connector connectable to a winch system that controllably advances and retrieves the hauling car. The use of a winch system for advancing and retrieving the hauling car provides for increased volumetric capacity. Additionally, the structure enables transport of evenly distributed loads and more efficient dumping.

Abstract: This description is directed to a method and system for integrating an in-situ bitumen recovery operation with a bitumen mining operation for improved efficiencies and synergies therebetween. The method comprises obtaining a production fluid from the in-situ bitumen recovery operation, directing the production fluid to the bitumen mining operation, and incorporating the production fluid into the bitumen mining operation. The basic integrated system comprises a production well for recovering production fluid from the in-situ bitumen recovery operation, a bitumen mining and extraction facility, and a transporter for directing the production fluid from the production well to the bitumen mining and extraction facility for incorporation into the mining and extraction operation. The in-situ recovery operation may be a thermal operation, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: In a mining machine (1) for the processing of a ground (3), in particular surface miner, with a machine frame (2), a cutting drum (4) mounted in the machine frame (2), a first transport device (6), which accepts mining material from the cutting drum (4), a second transport device (12), which accepts the mining material from the first transport device (6) at a point of acceptance (18) that is arranged at the lower end (14) of the second transport device (12) and is located below the upper end (22) of the first transport device (6), a conveyor suspension device (10) for the second transport device (12), which is mounted at the machine frame (2) to slew about a vertical slewing axis (8), where the second transport device (12) is pivotable about a first horizontal pivoting axis (24) that runs transverse to the longitudinal direction of the second transport device (12) and is mounted in the conveyor suspension device (10), and where the vertical slewing axis (8) of the conveyor suspension device (10) runs essentia

Abstract: A loading arm assembly for directing material removed by a mining machining having a cutting head and a conveyor assembly includes one or more wear resistant plate assemblies at a terminal end of the loading arm. The wear resistant plate assembly includes a wear resistant plate arranged on a surface of arms of the loading arm assembly designed for directing the material to the conveyor. The assembly also has wear resistant inserts along a bottom surface of at least the arm end to protect the bottom surface of the arm from wear as well as the attachment of the wear resistant plate to the arm end.

Abstract: An arrangement for extracting extraction products in caving in which the extraction product is extracted downwards through an extraction funnel into an extraction path and from this is transferred onto an extraction conveyor arranged in a conveyor path, in which arrangement the extraction path extends transversely between the conveyor path and an auxiliary path parallel to this, a loading ramp is arranged in the extraction path which forms a ramp surface orientated transversely to the conveying direction of the extraction conveyor and inclined towards it. The extraction path is provided with a rail guidance attached to the bottom and extending in the area between the auxiliary path and the conveying path, on which the loading ramp is guided and along which it can be moved by a displacement drive (20) in the direction of the conveyor path and in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A dragline bucket includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity. The sidewalls each have a large downward taper of at least about 7 degrees in at least its forward area. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls each have an upward taper in its rearward area which alleviates the need for a spreader bar. The dragline bucket collects earthen material with minimal disruption of the material.

Abstract: A shoveling apparatus including a low profile vehicle, a boom assembly, and a shovel assembly for use in underground mining operations, and particularly useful in clearing coal and rock debris from a belt line corridor. The low profile vehicle includes an advanceable support that supports the boom assembly and laterally advances the boom assembly from the cab portion of the vehicle. The boom assembly includes a support structure, a rotary actuator and a linear actuator, to control lateral and vertical rotation of the support structure (and thus the shovel assembly) with respect to a ground surface. The shovel assembly includes a rotary actuator and a shovel, and in some embodiments a tilting mechanism, to control the lateral and in some cases vertical, rotation of the shovel with respect to the boom assembly.

Abstract: A bench mining method, particularly useful for open pit bench mining, which employs a combination of bulldozers and transversely movable apron feeders to provide the primary mechanism for removal of overburden.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining, comprising: conveyor means for transporting mined material from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments (1), and a transmission for transmitting power from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments. The invention further relates to driving means (31). Moreover, the invention relates to an assembly of a conveyor segment and driving means, and to a train of conveyor segments. Further, the invention relates to a launching platform (30), and to a method for high wall mining.

Abstract: A method of mining comprising: using a vehicle fitted with scanning module to scan a bench face of a mine bench for both geometric and geological information; making ore grade assessments of material at the bench face from the information provided by the bench face scan; removing material from the bench; and transporting removed material for processing. At least one of said removing, transporting, and processing is performed at least partially dependent on the ore grade assessments.

Abstract: Oil sands and like host materials are leached with a selected leachant to render pumpable the oil (including heavy oil, bitumen or kerogen and asphaltenes) as leachate. In a preferred embodiment, natural deposits are in situ leached and the leachate recovered and removed for treatment. The leachant is separated and recycled. The leachant is selected to be biodegradable and to not precipate asphaltenes, and to comprise monoterpenes of the formula C10H16. The overall process allows environmentally acceptable resource development and contaminated site remediation.

Abstract: A method and process line apparatus for processing a sized ore feed excavated from an ore deposit is disclosed. The method involves disposing a processing apparatus in a processing apparatus position relative to the ore deposit, and disposing a first mobile conveyor to receive a sized ore feed at a receiving location located along a length of the first mobile conveyor. The first mobile conveyor is operable to convey the sized ore from the receiving location to a discharge end of the first mobile conveyor. The method also involves disposing a second mobile conveyor to receive the sized ore from the discharge end of the first mobile conveyor at a transfer location along a length of the second mobile conveyor and to convey the sized ore from the transfer location to the processing apparatus. The first and second mobile conveyors are oriented at an operational angle between a length of the first mobile conveyor and a length of the second mobile conveyor.

Abstract: Arrangements are for use with interconnected conveyor sections, such as push beams, commonly found in mining applications. In one embodiment a mechanism includes an elongated dog-bone shaped coupler having a first and second end for insertion between the conveyor sections. A first end of the coupler is secured to a first conveyor section, while a second end of the coupler is received in a recess formed in a second conveyor section. A pivotally mounted cam includes a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by a free end of the coupler to allow it to pass and then pivots to capture it in place, thereby simply establishing a secure manner of connection. In another, the ends of the conveyor sections are specially adapted to form an articulating joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide frame for use in high wall mining to be located between a launching apparatus and the entrance of a shaft (3) in a high wall (22) and adapted to guide conveyor segments (4) between the launch unit and the shaft, comprising a substantial horizontal supporting guide (5) for supporting the conveyor segments (4). The invention also relates to a method for high wall mining comprising the steps: arranging a launch unit opposite a location of a high wall wherein a shaft is to be excavated, excavating the shaft by a cutter head; and inserting conveyor segments as the cutter head progresses into the high wall.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for pit mining with waste dumping is disclosed, in which material is extracted from an open pit and some of that material is sent to waste. The method optimises a joint extraction and waste refill schedule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highwall mining system comprising: a cutterhead (2), a train of conveyor segments (6) connecting to the cutterhead (2), a base structure (5), and a gas guide (P1-P4) running from the base structure (5) to the cutterhead (2) for guiding inert gas to the environment of the cutterhead (2). The invention also relates to a conveyor segment (6) for use in a such a highwall mining system, and to a method for providing this highwall mining system.

Abstract: A relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system is provided for preparing an aqueous oil sand slurry amenable to pipeline conveyance while producing minimum overall rejects, comprising (a) a relocatable rotary digester for slurrying oil sand and water and digesting oil sand lumps to form a pumpable slurry, the rotary digester having a feed end for receiving oil sand and water, a slurrying chamber comprising a plurality of lifters for slurrying the oil sand and water, and a trommel screen end for screening out oversize rejects from the oil sand slurry which falls through the trommel screen; and (b) a relocatable rejects recirculation unit operably associated with the rotary digester for receiving oversize rejects and delivering the rejects back to the rotary digester for further digestion. In a preferred body, relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system further comprises a rejects crusher for crushing oversize rejects prior to delivering rejects back to the rotary digester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining, comprising: conveyor means for transporting mined material from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments (1), and a transmission for transmitting power from and to opposite adjacent conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments. The invention further relates to driving means (31). Moreover, the invention relates to an assembly of a conveyor segment and driving means, and to a train of conveyor segments. Further, the invention relates to a launching platform (30), and to a method for high wall mining.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention and the arrangement or according to the invention for extracting extraction products in underground mining operations using the caving method, the extraction products (20) collapsing in an upper gate area (10) are extracted via at least one extraction funnel (13) or the like into an extraction path (14) driven below the gate and are transported away therein by means of an extraction conveyor (15). According to the invention the extraction funnels (13) are arranged laterally beside the extraction conveyor (15) and lead at their lower end into a ramp surface (17) inclined towards the extraction conveyor, the extraction products extracted from the gate through the extraction funnels being transported slidingly over the inclined ramp surface to the extraction conveyor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an excavation method is provided that includes the steps of: (a) contacting a rotating powered cutting head 440 of an excavator 400 with an excavation face 452, wherein, at any one time, a first set of the cutting elements is in contact with the excavation face and a second set of the cutting elements is not in contact with the excavation face, the cutting head excavating the excavation face in at least a first direction; and (b) during the contacting step, using an elongated support member 404 extending from the excavator 400 to a powered device 118 to apply a force to the excavator 400 in at least the first direction to provide at least a portion of the cutting force. The powered device 118 is located at a distance from the excavator 400.

Abstract: Mobile conveyor modules are used for transporting aggregate over a long distance, or for transferring the aggregate to other modules, and for stacking the aggregate either linearly or radially. These modules may be used in various combinations by themselves or in combination with existing conveyor systems and bridge stackers to stack aggregate on and off multi-lift leach pads and on multi-lift dump sites. Multiple stacking methods may be used with mobile conveyor modules either separately, or at the same time, advance and retreat stacking, the stacking of a berm, or the filling in or a corridor, may be accomplished on a variety of terrain.

Abstract: A method of constructing underground galleries using a pneumatic transfer system and a stratum disposal method are provided, wherein in constructing a disposal gallery of a stratum disposal site and tunnels such as mountain tunnels or in performing stratum disposal of waste matter, the carrying-out of excavation chips or the like, the carrying-in of materials and equipment or the like and the carrying-in and positioning of waste matter may be effected safely, quickly and reliably at low cost, and the buffer material quality for waste matter may be secured. In construction, an air carrying pipeline (10) is used while extending the air carrying pipeline (10) downward as desired during excavation of a vertical shaft (2) so as to carry out vertical shaft excavation chips (a) to the ground and carry in materials and equipment including vertical shaft spray concrete (b) to the underground site.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting mineral from a point of mining to a remote location, the apparatus including a mobile mineral breaker rig (MBR) having a mineral outlet, the rig including a fluid inlet pipe for receiving conveying fluid, a mineral inlet for introducing mineral from said mineral outlet into said fluid pipe and a fluid outlet pipe for conveying said fluid mixed with mineral received from said mineral outlet, an extensible pipeline assembly (EPA) connected at one end to said inlet and outlet pipes and being adapted for connection at its opposite end to one end of a static pipeline communicating with said remote location, said extensible pipeline assembly being expandable to enable said mobile rig to move away from said one end of the static pipeline whilst maintaining fluid communication therewith, said extensible pipeline assembly comprising a series of elongate pipe assemblies (90a, 90b, 90c) which are articulated at adjacent ends to one another in a zig-zag manner via an articulated joint, each elo

Abstract: The method of demolishing a building includes self-propelling a demolition machine into the building, operating the demolition machine so as to form a movement hole at a floor part of an upper story, moving the demolition machine to the upper floor via the movement hole; moving the demolition machine to the highest floor by repeating the aforementioned operation; discharging the demolition waste downwardly through the movement holes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, inter alia, to devices and methods for excavating valuable materials, particularly soft ores such as oil sands, oil shales, and the like, that use one or more of a number of features, including backfilling for ground support, a small trailing access tunnel, processing of the valuable material in the excavation with the tailings optionally being used as backfill and the valuable material being transported to the surface, a plurality of movable shields for ground support, and/or a movable tail shield to provide interim support to the backfill while additional liner sections are installed and/or formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mining of material from a seam includes a mining apparatus and a self-propelled conveyor capable of advancing or retreating in the seam on its own power and an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against roof falls. The power input for the self-propelled conveyor is provided by continuous drive shafts powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor. Alternately, a unique reciprocating conveyor mechanically powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for extracting mineral deposits is provided. First, a predetermined surface is contour mined to expose a portion of a mineral seam and provide an insertion highwall between a pair of endwalls. Successive mining passes are made through the mineral seam to extract the mineral deposits by moving from one endwall to the other endwall. Advancement of the mining operation occurs in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion highwall.

Abstract: A method for extracting mineral deposits in a mineral reserve, a portion being accessible from a sloping surface and the remaining portion being inaccessible, is disclosed. The sloping surface is mined to create a bench and highwall for providing access to the mineral reserve around the accessible portion. Then, a surface is formed in the highwall to create an insertion highwall between an endwall extending from the insertion highwall and the inaccessible portion of the mineral reserve. A starter entry is created for cutting into the mineral reserve across the entire length of the insertion highwall from the endwall to the inaccessible portion of the mineral reserve. Roof supports are advanced into the starter entry with spoil added to form a starter passage from the endwall to the inaccessible portion of the mineral reserve. Shortwall or longwall mining techniques are then used to mine the mineral reserve along the starter passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, inter alia, to devices and methods for excavating valuable materials, particularly soft ores such as oil sands, oil shales, and the like, that use one or more of a number of features, including backfilling for ground support, a small trailing access tunnel, processing of the valuable material in the excavation with the tailings optionally being used as backfill and the valuable material being transported to the surface, a plurality of movable shields for ground support, and/or a movable tail shield to provide interim support to the backfill while additional liner sections are installed and/or formed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mining method for steeply dipping orebodies. In the method, an excavator 152 is tethered to a deployment system 120 by one or more cables/umbilicals 144. The excavator 152 excavates slices 172a-h of the orebody 100 by moving generally up-dip, down-dip or a combination thereof. The excavator can be automated.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting mineral from a point of mining to a remote location, the apparatus including a mobile mineral breaker rig (MBR) having a mineral outlet, the rig including a fluid inlet pipe for receiving conveying fluid, a mineral inlet for introducing mineral from said mineral outlet into said fluid pipe and a fluid outlet pipe for conveying said fluid mixed with mineral received from said mineral outlet, an extensible pipeline assembly (EPA) connected at one end to said inlet and outlet pipes and being adapted for connection at its opposite end to one end of a static pipeline communicating with said remote location, said extensible pipeline assembly being expandable to enable said mobile rig to move away from said one end of the static pipeline whilst maintaining fluid communication therewith, said extensible pipeline assembly comprising a series of elongate pipe assemblies (90a, 90b, 90c) which are articulated at adjacent ends to one another in a zig-zag manner via an articulated joint, each elo

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mining of material from a seam includes a mining apparatus and a self-propelled conveyor capable of advancing or retreating in the seam on its own power and an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against roof falls. The power input for the self-propelled conveyor is provided by continuous drive shafts powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor. Alternately, a unique reciprocating conveyor mechanically powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mining of material from a seam includes a mining apparatus and a self-propelled conveyor capable of advancing or retreating in the seam on its own power and an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against roof falls. The power input for the self-propelled conveyor is provided by continuous drive shafts powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor. Alternately, a unique reciprocating conveyor mechanically powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.