Technical characteristics of zeolite utilisation – Nikos Lygeros
Technical characteristics of zeolite utilisation – Nikos Lygeros | Zeolife.gr
Technical characteristics of zeolite utilisation – Nikos Lygeros
To avoid any comparison with any other mining operation, it is useful to be aware of the technical characteristics of zeolite mining in Thrace, as it is now widely recognised that all stakeholders are aware that the project must go ahead, and indeed with vigour. The operation of the zeolite quarry will, of course, be open-cast, as access is direct and will be carried out using the method of straight, successive open-cut benches, which is the most widely recognised. The rock is extracted using a backhoe loader. For the entire system to operate efficiently, three clear areas are required so that the machinery can work unhindered. This layout also allows for the control of material at the excavation faces. The loader plays an essential role in removing material from the excavation faces via a lorry. This process requires only a backhoe loader, a loader and a lorry, as no explosives are used in the extraction of the material. As for the rocky terrain, the road used to access the zeolite quarry is in very good condition. At the start of the operation, a 6-metre-wide, 50-centimetre-deep dirt track will be constructed across the quarry and will be used as an internal access road, so that extraction can commence from the elevation of the highest first bench. The quarry area will be cleared in stages using the conventional method, which follows the progress of the mining benches. As there are no barren materials from other formations in the study area, apart from a thin layer of soil, no stripping work will be carried out. When the quarry is fully developed, a total of seven benches will be created in the north-western section and eight benches in the south-western section of the quarry. The highest bench will have a floor elevation of 280 metres, followed by the next eight benches with a decreasing elevation difference of 8 metres between each. Thus, the net geometric characteristics of the benches are 8 metres in height, a 45˚ angle and a width of 12 metres during the operational phase and 6 metres in the final configuration. The technical analysis of this approach offers the following benefits in summary: greater productivity, increased recoverability of the deposit, reduction or elimination of secondary crushing operations, better monitoring of the deposit, better control over the quality of the extracted raw material, better working conditions for staff, safety due to the non-use of explosives and, of course, lower costs. Finally, it should be noted that there are no archaeological sites, protected areas, tourist areas or public utility projects in the vicinity of the quarry site.
Source: Nikos Lygeros