A method for mining ore from an ore body
The method employs a mining assembly with electro-pulses and a slurry removal system to efficiently drill at angles of 45° or less, addressing the inefficiencies and safety risks of conventional methods by targeting ore-rich zones and reducing waste.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AB
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure SE2025050038_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A METHOD FOR MINING ORE FROM AN ORE BODY
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a mining assembly and a method for mining ore from an ore body. The disclosure further relates to a mining head assembly and a method for controlling a mining head during operation of the mining ore from an ore body.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] An ore body is a mass of rock that contains ore and from which a commodity of value may be extracted. Today, various mining methods are employed in order to extract such a commodity. One such method involves using a raise-boring machine, which can drill a hole between two levels of a mine, or between a ground surface and a level below the ground surface, without necessarily needing the use of explosives. This method typically starts by drilling a pilot hole from an upper level to a lower level below the upper level. Once the pilot hole is complete, a drilling head is attached to a drill string and pulled back upwards to enlarge the hole to a desired diameter. The cuttings produced during the process fall to the lower level and must be collected and transported from the lower level, which usually requires operators to go to the lower level to carry out the task. Additionally, ground preparation and setup are essential for the raise-boring machine to function effectively. For instance, a solid foundation must be constructed to support the raise-boring machine. Moreover, raise-boring machines require substantial mechanical energy to drill through rock, leading to high operational costs.
[0006] In view of the above, it is desired to obtain a mining method which does not have the above limitations or which at least provides a useful alternative.
[0007] SUMMARY
[0008] A primary object of the present disclosure is to achieve an, in at least some aspect, improved method for mining ore from an ore body. In particular, it is an object to achieve such a mining method and a mining assembly that may ensure a safe and efficient drilling operation.According to a first aspect of the disclosure, at least the primary object is achieved by the method for mining ore from an ore body defined in claim 1. The ore body extends in at least a global vertical direction. The method uses a mining assembly comprising a liquid supply arrangement, a slurry removal arrangement, and a mining head comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes. The method comprises employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole extending at least partially through the ore body along a mining hole direction forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction, the mining hole terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom as seen along the mining hole direction. The elongating procedure comprises:
[0009] - arranging the mining head such that the plurality of mining head electrodes face the temporary mining hole bottom;
[0010] - using the liquid supply arrangement for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole extending from the temporary mining hole bottom to the mining head electrodes along the mining hole direction is filled with liquid;
[0011] - operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments;
[0012] - using the slurry removal arrangement for removing a slurry comprising the liquid and the fragments to thereby obtain a new temporary mining hole bottom replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom; and
[0013] - lowering the mining head in the mining hole direction.
[0014] Herein an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction may refer to any angle between 0- 45°. When the angle is equal to the global vertical direction, the mining direction may be straight downwards in the global direction. Alternatively, when the angle is less than 45°, the mining direction may still extend primarily downwards with a slight inclination. By elongating the mining hole in such a direction, the elongation of the mining hole may follow the ore body's extension. In this way, it may ensure that the mining process targets ore-rich zones more accurately, and reduce the amount of waste material removed. As a result, mining efficiency may be effectively enhanced. Moreover, by having the mining direction primarily extend downwards, the mining head may be lowered at least partly with the help of gravity, which may eliminate a need of complicated guiding means. Additionally, by using a slurry removal arrangement to remove the slurry, it may eliminate the need for an operator to descend to the lower level to collect and transport the cuttings. This may not only improve mining efficiency but may also significantly increase safety.Herein the temporary mining hole bottom may be understood as a provisional lowest surface of the mining hole that is constantly shifting as the elongating procedure progresses along the mining direction. When the slurry is removed, a new temporary mining hole bottom is obtained, which is lower than the previous temporary mining hole bottom and will replace the previous one.
[0015] Optionally, the mining assembly further comprises a power source being connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes. The feature of operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the mining hole bottom into fragments further comprises:
[0016] - controlling the power source to generate an electric pulse and passing the electric pulse from a first set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes through the ore body so as to break the portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments.
[0017] Herein the mining head electrodes may be understood as an electro pulse boring tool that utilizes electrical pulses to fracture the ore body. Unlike conventional drilling tools, which require substantial mechanical energy to penetrate and drill through the ore, the electropulse boring tool may employ electro-pulses to break the rock, which is relatively simple, as it does not require any extensive ground preparation and setup that is typically necessary for conventional mechanical drilling equipment, such as raise-boring machines, to function effectively. By using such a boring tool, a more efficient mining method may be achieved.
[0018] Optionally, the features of arranging the mining head such that the plurality of mining head electrodes face the mining hole bottom further comprises:
[0019] - positioning the mining head so that the mining head is at a predetermined distance from the mining hole bottom in the global vertical direction; and / or - orienting the mining head relative to the temporary mining hole bottom such that the mining hole direction is obtained.
[0020] Preferably, the predetermined distance may be set to a value which enables a good electrical contact between the mining head electrodes and a surface of the ore body. More preferably, the distance may be set to a value which not only enables the good electricalcontact between the mining head electrodes and a surface of the ore body, but also prevents ejection of rock fragments or debris toward the mining head.
[0021] Preferably, the ore body is scanned and mapped before the elongation procedure begins. This may allow for the determination of a desired mining hole direction, which can be based, for example, on the extension and orientation of the ore body.
[0022] Optionally, the method further comprises repeating a plurality of times the features of the elongating. In this way, an elongated mining hole extending at least partially through the ore body may be obtained.
[0023] Optionally, the plurality of mining head electrodes of the mining head is arranged such that a cross-section of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional shape which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes. The predetermined cross-sectional shape may be regular or irregular. Regardless of whether the shape is regular or irregular, the shape may ensure that the mining holes can be positioned next to each other seamlessly with no presence of unmined material left in between.
[0024] Optionally, the predetermined cross-sectional shape is one of the following: hexagonal, square, rectangular. In some other examples, the cross-sectional may also have a circular shape.
[0025] Optionally, the feature of operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the mining hole bottom into fragments further comprises:
[0026] - selecting a first group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a first portion of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments, and a second group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a second portion of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments,
[0027] - wherein the second group of mining head electrodes is arranged to be activated sequentially after the first group of the mining head electrodes.By activating the mining head electrodes in a sequential order, it may allow the ore body to break in a more structured manner. For instance, it may ensure that the second portion of the mining hole remains intact while the first portion is being broken down, helping to maintain the stability of the surrounding area.
[0028] Optionally, the mining head comprises a position adjuster for adjusting positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes, and the mining head comprises a plurality of predetermined locations to which the electric pulse is delivered. The method further comprises:
[0029] - adjusting the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes such that the first group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations,
[0030] - in response to determining that a predetermined time has lapsed, adjusting the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes such that the second group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations.
[0031] Herein the predetermined locations may be understood as ‘active positions’ where the electric pulse is delivered, activating the mining head electrodes. It shall be noted that when the second group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations, the first group of the mining head electrodes may be switched to ‘inactive positions’.
[0032] Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0033] - controlling the power source to generate and deliver the electric pulse to the first group of mining head electrodes, and
[0034] - in response to determining that a predetermined time has lapsed, controlling the power source to deliver the electric pulse to the second group of mining head electrodes.
[0035] Optionally, the feature of using the liquid supply arrangement for ensuring that a portion of the mining hole extending from the mining hole bottom to the mining head electrodes along the mining hole direction is filled with liquid comprises ensuring that the mining head is fully submerged in the liquid. The liquid may function as an insulating fluid, and by fully submerging the mining head, a risk of a direct discharge between the mining head electrodes or between any electric components in the mining head may be reduced. As a result, safety levels may be further enhanced.Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0036] - in response to determining that a concentration of ore material in the fragments in the slurry is below a concentration threshold, terminating the elongating procedure, preferably also issuing a signal indicating that the mining hole bottom has reached an end of the ore body.
[0037] In this way, the elongating procedure may terminate at an appropriate instance, reducing a risk of extracting non-ore material and improving overall mining efficiency. Accordingly, the mining hole bottom is no longer a temporary mining hole bottom but, rather, a permanent mining hole bottom, at least until a decision is taken to recommence an elongating procedure.
[0038] Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0039] - in response to determining that an extension of the elongated mining hole the mining hole direction has reached a predetermined value, terminating the procedure of elongating the mining hole, preferably also issuing a signal indicating that the mining hole bottom has reached an end of the ore body.
[0040] In this way, the elongating procedure may terminate at an appropriate instance, reducing a risk of extracting non-ore material and improving overall mining efficiency.
[0041] Optionally, the method further comprises generating a plurality of mining holes adjacent to each other, each mining hole being generated by at least employing the elongating procedure and being delimited by one or more side walls extending at least partially through the ore body along the mining hole direction.
[0042] Optionally, the cross-sections of two adjacent holes are at least partially overlapping. In this way, essentially no material remains between side walls of the adjacent mining holes. As a result, material waste may be reduced.
[0043] Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0044] collecting the slurry removed by the slurry removal arrangement; and - separating ore fragments from the collected slurry.Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0045] - delivering the remaining materials in the slurry to one of the plurality of the elongated mining holes.
[0046] In this way, the mining holes may be refilled with the slurry, which may help maintain a structural integrity of the mine by preventing collapses or subsidence that could occur if the holes were left empty.
[0047] Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0048] - Initiating the mining hole at a target position of the ore body; and
[0049] - performing the elongating procedure.
[0050] Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0051] - in response to determining that the target position is below, in the global vertical direction, a ground level at which the mining head is presently located, removing material located between the ground level and the target position such that the target position is accessible from the ground level.
[0052] Optionally, the mining assembly further comprises a hoist system, the hoist system comprising a hoist cable connected to the mining head. At least one of the feature of arranging the mining head such that the mining head electrodes face the temporary mining hole bottom and the feature of lowering the mining head in the mining hole direction is performed using the hoist system. The hoist system may facilitate the vertical movement of the mining head within the mining hole. By lowering the head into the hole and raising the mining head when necessary, it may allow for efficient control of the mining depth and operational adjustments. Moreover, it may eliminate the need for a conventional drilling string or pipe, which is a relatively complex assembly.
[0053] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a mining assembly for mining ore from an ore body is provided. The mining assembly comprises a mining head comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes, a slurry removal arrangement, and a liquid supply arrangement. The mining assembly further comprises a control unit configured to control the mining assembly to perform a method for mining ore from an ore body. The method comprises employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole extending at least partially through the ore body along a mining hole direction forming an angle equal to or less than45° to the global vertical direction, the mining hole terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom as seen along the mining hole direction. The control unit is further configured to:
[0054] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head to face the temporary mining hole bottom;
[0055] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the liquid supply arrangement for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole extending from the temporary mining hole bottom to the mining head electrodes along the mining hole direction is filled with liquid;
[0056] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments;
[0057] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the slurry removal arrangement for removing a slurry comprising the liquid and the fragments to thereby obtain a new temporary mining hole bottom replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom; and
[0058] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head to be lowered in the mining hole direction.
[0059] The control unit may issue the control data to any suitable entities for performing the corresponding actions. For instance, the control data may be sent to a position control device, such as the hoist system, to control the mining head to face the temporary mining hole bottom or to be lowered in the mining hole direction.
[0060] The method or the elongating procedure may be embodied by any of the above-described embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure. Thus, advantages and advantageous features of the mining assembly appear from the above description of the mining method.
[0061] Optionally, the mining assembly further comprises a hoist system which in turn comprises a hoist cable connected to the mining head.
[0062] Optionally, the mining assembly further comprises a separation arrangement arranged to separate ore fragments from a removed slurry.
[0063] Optionally, the mining assembly further comprises a slurry delivery arrangement arranged to deliver a remaining material in the slurry to a target location.Optionally, the plurality of mining head electrodes of the mining head is configured to be arranged such that a cross-section of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional shape which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
[0064] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, a method for controlling a mining head during operation of mining ore from an ore body is provided. The ore body extends in at least a global vertical direction, the operation of mining ore comprising employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole extending at least partially through the ore body along a mining hole direction forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction, the mining hole terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom as seen along the mining hole direction. The method comprises:
[0065] - arranging the mining head such that the plurality of mining head electrodes face the temporary mining hole bottom;
[0066] - operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments;
[0067] - when a new temporary mining hole bottom is formed replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom, lowering the mining head in the mining hole direction.
[0068] The elongating procedure during the operation of mining ore from an ore body may be embodied by any of the above-described embodiments of the first aspect. Thus, advantages and advantageous features of the method for controlling a mining head during operation of mining ore from an ore body appear from the above description of the mining method.
[0069] Optionally, the feature of arranging the mining head such that the plurality of mining head electrodes face the temporary mining hole bottom comprises:
[0070] - orienting the mining head relative to the temporary mining hole bottom such that the mining hole direction is obtained, and / or
[0071] - positioning the mining head so that the mining head is at a predetermined distance from the temporary mining hole bottom in the global vertical direction.Optionally, the mining head further comprises a power source being connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes. The feature of operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the mining hole bottom into fragments further comprises:
[0072] - controlling the power source to generate an electric pulse and passing the electric pulse from a first set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes through the ore body so as to break the portions of the mining hole bottom into fragments.
[0073] Optionally, the method further comprises arranging the plurality of mining head electrodes of the mining head such that a cross-section of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
[0074] Optionally, the feature of operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments further comprises:
[0075] - selecting a first group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a first portion of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments, and a second group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a second portion of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments,
[0076] - wherein the second group of mining head electrodes is arranged to be activated sequentially after the first group of the mining head electrodes,
[0077] Optionally, the mining head comprises a position adjuster for adjusting positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes, and wherein the mining head comprises a plurality of activation locations to which the electric pulse is delivered. The method further comprises:
[0078] - adjusting the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes such that the first group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations; and
[0079] - in response to a predetermined time has lapsed, adjusting the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes such that the second group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations.Optionally, the method further comprises:
[0080] - controlling the power source to generate and deliver the electric pulse to the first group of mining head electrodes, and
[0081] - in response to a predetermined time has lapsed, controlling the power source to deliver the electric pulse to the second group of mining head electrodes.
[0082] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, a mining head assembly is provided. The mining head assembly comprises a plurality of mining head electrodes, and processing circuitry to perform the method according to the third aspect of the disclosure.
[0083] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0084] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure cited as examples.
[0085] In the drawings:
[0086] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a mining assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0087] Fig. 2a shows a cross-sectional shape of a mining hole.
[0088] Figs. 2b -2c schematically illustrate mining heads according to two embodiments of the disclosure.
[0089] Fig. 3 is a flow-chart illustrating actions of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure
[0090] Figs. 4a -4b schematically illustrates an elongating procedure performed by a mining assembly.
[0091] Fig. 5 is another flow-chart illustrating actions of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Fig. 6 is another flow-chart illustrating actions of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0092] Fig. 7 is yet another flow-chart illustrating actions of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0093] Fig. 8 is yet another flow-chart illustrating actions of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0094] The drawings show diagrammatic, exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description, unless expressed otherwise.
[0095] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0096] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
[0097] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a mining assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The mining assembly 1 comprises a mining head 100 which in turns comprises a plurality of mining head electrodes 101a, 101b. The mining head 100 may have a central axis and may extend between a rear end 104 and a front end 105 along the central axis. In the shown example, the plurality of mining head electrodes 101a, 101b is arranged at the front end 105, which is positioned near or at a temporary mining hole bottom 201a. The mining assembly 1 further comprises a power source 106 that is connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes 101a, 101b. Purely by way of example, the power source 106 may comprise a pulsed power generator 110 configured for generating an electric pulse, preferably a high voltage current pulse, and passing the electric pulse from a first set ofmining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes 101a to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes 101b through an ore body 200 so as to break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom 201a into fragments. The connection between the power source 106 and the plurality of mining head electrodes 101a, 101b may be selectively enabled and disabled by any suitable switches (not shown).
[0098] The mining head electrodes 101a, 101b may be arranged in a predetermined pattern at the front end 105, and depending on this pattern, different cross-sectional shapes of the mining hole may be obtained. Fig. 2a shows an example of a cross-sectional shape of a mining hole, resulting from the arrangement of the mining head electrodes 101a and 101b depicted in Figure 2b, where the mining head electrodes 101a and 101b, represented by dots in the figure, are arranged in a hexagonal pattern. Figure 2c presents another example of arrangement of the mining head electrodes 101a and 101b, where the mining head electrodes 101a and 101b are arranged in a square pattern It may be envisaged that a mining hole with a square cross-sectional shape may be obtained when using the Figure 2c mining head. Although a hexagonal pattern and a square pattern are presented as examples, the mining head electrodes 101a and 101b may be arranged in any suitable pattern, and the cross-sectional shape may be of any shape, such as rectangular or circular. In some examples, the cross-sectional shape may even be an irregular shape. Moreover, in some examples, the mining head 100 may comprise a position adjuster (not shown) for adjusting positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes 101a, 101b. The mining head 100 may comprise a plurality of predetermined locations to which the electric pulse is delivered, which may be understood as ‘active positions’ where the electric pulse is delivered, activating the mining head electrodes. The position adjuster may selectively adjust the positions of a first group of the plurality of the mining head electrodes to the ‘active positions’, followed by the second group of electrodes, in a sequential order. Purely by way of examples, the position adjuster may comprise a gear mechanism, arranged to rotate or the selected mining electrodes 101a, 101b into the active positions.
[0099] Reverting to Fig. 1, the mining assembly 1 further comprises a slurry removal arrangement 102 and a liquid supply arrangement 103. The liquid supply arrangement 103 is configured for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole 201 extending from the temporary mining hole bottom 201a to the mining head electrodes 101a, 101b is filled with liquid, for instance, water, and preferably for ensuring that the mining head 100 is fully submerged in the liquid, while the slurry removal arrangement 102 is configured for removing a slurrycomprising the liquid and the fragments from the mining hole 201. Purely by way of example, the slurry removal arrangement 102 may comprise a slurry pump connected to the mining head 100 and configured to pump the slurry to a preferred location. Moreover, the mining assembly 1 may comprise a separation arrangement 302 arranged to separate ore fragments from a slurry removed by the slurry removal arrangement 102. Purely by way of example, the separation arrangement 302 may be a mechanical screening arrangement, such as a screening arrangement comprising a sieve, configured to separate the ore fragments based on size.
[0100] The mining assembly 1 may further comprise a slurry delivery arrangement 303 arranged to deliver a remaining material in the slurry to a target location. In this example, the remaining material is delivered to a previously created mining hole 203 so as to refill the mining hole 203, which may help maintain a structural integrity of the mine by preventing collapses or subsidence that could occur if the holes were left empty. Moreover, the mining assembly 1 may further comprise a hoist system 300 comprising a hoist cable 301 connected to the mining head 100. The hoist system 300 may facilitate a vertical movement of the mining head 100 within the mining hole 201, by lowering the mining head 100 into the mining hole 201 and raising the mining head 100 when necessary.
[0101] Moreover, the mining assembly 1 may comprise a control unit 400, preferably an electronic control unit, configured to control the mining assembly 100 to perform a method for mining ore from an ore body. The control unit 400 in some examples may be a computer system comprising processing circuit and may issue control signals to various entities of the mining assembly 100 to perform the method.
[0102] Fig. 3 illustrates actions of a method for mining ore from an ore body 200 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The method may be performed using a mining assembly 1, such as the Fig. 1 mining assembly 1. Moreover, the ore body 200 extends in at least a global vertical direction Z, as presented in Fig. 1. The method comprises employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole 201, 202, 203, 204 extending at least partially through the ore body 200 along a mining hole direction D forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction Z, the mining hole 201 terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom 201a as seen along the mining hole direction D. The elongating procedure comprises:S1: arranging the mining head such that the plurality of mining head electrodes 101a, 101b face the temporary mining hole bottom;
[0103] S2: using the liquid supply arrangement for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole extending from the temporary mining hole bottom to the mining head electrodes along the mining hole direction is filled with liquid;
[0104] S3: operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments;
[0105] S4: using the slurry removal arrangement for removing a slurry comprising the liquid and the fragments to thereby obtain a new temporary mining hole bottom replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom ; and
[0106] S5: lowering the mining head in the mining hole direction.
[0107] By elongating the mining hole 201 in such a direction, the mining hole 201 may follow the ore body's extension. In this way, it may ensure that the mining process targets the ore-rich zones more accurately, and reduces the amount of waste material removed. As a result, mining efficiency may be effectively enhanced. For instance, in the Fig. 1 example, the ore body 200 extends in the global vertical direction Z, while the mining hole direction D forms an angle equal to the global vertical direction Z, meaning that the mining hole direction precisely aligns with the extension of the ore body 200.
[0108] The temporary mining hole bottom may be a provisional lowest surface of the mining hole that is constantly shifting as the elongating procedure progresses along the mining direction. When the slurry is removed, a new temporary mining hole bottom 201b is obtained, which is lower than the previous temporary mining hole bottom 201 a and will replace the previous one 201a. Fig 4a and Fig. 4b schematically illustrate this procedure, showing that during the elongation procedure, a new temporary mining hole bottom, 201b is obtained replacing the previous one 201a.
[0109] Preferably, the feature S2 of using the liquid supply arrangement for ensuring that a portion of the mining hole extending from the mining hole bottom to the mining head electrodes along the mining hole direction is filled with liquid comprises ensuring that the mining headis fully submerged in the liquid. The liquid may function as an insulating fluid, and by fully submerging the mining head, a risk of a direct discharge between the mining head electrodes or between any electric components in the mining head may be reduced.
[0110] Preferably, at least one of the features of arranging the mining head such that the mining head electrodes face the temporary mining hole bottom and the feature S5 of lowering the mining head in the mining hole direction is performed using the hoist system.
[0111] Moreover, in some examples, the features of arranging the mining head such that the plurality of mining head electrodes face the temporary mining hole bottom comprises the following actions, as presented in Fig. 5:
[0112] S6: positioning the mining head so that the mining head is at a predetermined distance from the temporary mining hole bottom in the global vertical direction; and / or
[0113] S7: orienting the mining head relative to the temporary mining hole bottom such that the mining hole direction is obtained.
[0114] Preferably, the predetermined distance may be set to a value which enables a good electrical contact between the mining head electrodes 101a, 101b and a surface of the ore body 200. More preferably, the distance may be set to a value which not only enables the good electrical contact between the mining head electrodes and a surface of the ore body, but also prevents ejection of rock fragments or debris toward the mining head 100.
[0115] Preferably, the ore body 200 is scanned and mapped before the elongation procedure begins. This may allow for the determination of a desired mining hole direction, which can be based, for example, on the extension and orientation of the ore body 200.
[0116] In some examples, the feature of operating the mining head such that the mining head electrodes break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments comprises the following actions, as presented in Fig. 7:
[0117] S3a: controlling the power source to generate an electric pulse and passing the electric pulse from a first set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes through the ore body so as to break the portions of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments.Preferably, the feature may further comprise:
[0118] S3-1: selecting a first group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a first portion of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments, and a second group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a second portion of the temporary mining hole bottom into fragments.
[0119] The second group of mining head electrodes is arranged to be activated sequentially after the first group of the mining head electrodes.
[0120] S3-2: adjusting the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes such that the first group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations.
[0121] S3-3: in response to determining that a predetermined time has lapsed, adjusting the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes such that the second group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations.
[0122] When the second group of mining head electrodes is adjusted to the predetermined locations, the first group of the mining head electrodes may be switched to ‘inactive positions’.
[0123] S3-4: controlling the power source to generate and deliver the electric pulse to the first group of mining head electrodes.
[0124] S3-5: in response to determining that a predetermined time has lapsed, controlling the power source to deliver the electric pulse to the second group of mining head electrodes.
[0125] Reverting to Fig. 3, the method may further comprise:
[0126] S8: repeating a plurality of times the features of the elongating procedure. In this way, an elongated mining hole extending at least partially through the ore body is obtained.
[0127] S9a: in response to determining that a concentration of ore material in the fragments in the slurry is below a concentration threshold, terminating the elongating procedure, preferablyalso issuing a signal indicating that the mining hole bottom has reached an end of the ore body.
[0128] Or alternatively:
[0129] S9b: in response to determining that an extension of the elongated mining hole in the mining hole direction has reached a predetermined value, terminating the procedure of elongating the mining hole, preferably also issuing a signal indicating that the mining hole bottom has reached an end of the ore body.
[0130] In this way, the elongating procedure may terminate at an appropriate instance, reducing a risk of extracting non-ore material and improving overall mining efficiency.
[0131] In some examples, the method may further comprise the following actions, as presented in Fig. 6:
[0132] S11 : generating a plurality of mining holes adjacent to each other, each mining hole being generated by at least employing the elongating procedure of the above disclosure and being delimited by one or more side walls extending at least partially through the ore body along the mining hole direction.
[0133] Preferably, the cross-sections of two adjacent holes 201, 202 are at least partially overlapping. For instance, as illustrated by Fig.1 and Fig. 2a, the plurality of the mining holes has a hexagonal shape, and they are positioned next to each other so that the crosssections of two adjacent holes 201, 202 are at least partially overlapping. In this way, material waste may be reduced.
[0134] S12: collecting the slurry removed by the slurry removal arrangement.
[0135] S13: separating ore fragments from the collected slurry.
[0136] S14: delivering the remaining materials in the slurry to one of the plurality of the elongated mining holes 203.In some examples, the method may further comprise the following actions, as presented in Fig. 8:
[0137] S15: in response to determining that the target position is below, in the global vertical direction , a ground level at which the mining head is presently located, removing material located between the ground level and the target position such that the target position is accessible from the ground level.
[0138] S16: initiating the mining hole at a target position of the ore body.
[0139] S17: performing the elongating procedure.
[0140] It should be noted that the above presentation of the mining assembly 1 and the method for mining ore from an ore body 200 should also be regarded as disclosing a mining head assembly and a method for controlling the mining head assembly during operation of mining ore from an ore body 200.
[0141] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.
[0142] Moreover, the present disclosure may be exemplified by any one of the below examples and combination of examples.
[0143] Example 1: A method for mining ore from an ore body (200) using a mining assembly (1), the ore body (200) extending in at least a global vertical direction (Z), the mining assembly (1) comprising: a liquid supply arrangement (103), a slurry removal arrangement (102), and a mining head (100) comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), the method comprising employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along a mining hole direction (D) forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction (Z), the mining hole (201) terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom (201a) as seen along the mining hole direction (D), the elongating procedure comprising:
[0144] arranging (S1) the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) face the temporary mining hole bottom (201a);using (S2) the liquid supply arrangement (103) for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole (201) extending from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) to the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) along the mining hole direction (D) is filled with liquid;
[0145] operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments;
[0146] using (S4) the slurry removal arrangement (102) for removing a slurry comprising the liquid and the fragments to thereby obtain a new temporary mining hole bottom (201b) replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom (201a); and
[0147] lowering (S5) the mining head in the mining hole direction (D).
[0148] Example 2: The method according to Example 1, wherein the mining assembly (1) further comprises a power source (106) being connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), wherein the feature of operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:
[0149] - controlling (S3a) the power source (106) to generate an electric pulse and passing the electric pulse from a first set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a) to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101b) through the ore body (200) so as to break the portions of the mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments.
[0150] Example 3: The method according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the features of arranging (S1) the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) face the mining hole bottom further comprises:
[0151] - positioning (S6) the mining head (100) so that the mining head (100) is at a predetermined distance from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) in the global vertical direction (Z); and / or
[0152] - orienting (S7) the mining head (100) relative to the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) such that the mining hole direction (D) is obtained.Example 4: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, comprising repeating (S8) a plurality of times the features of the elongating procedure of any one of the preceding Examples.
[0153] Example 5: The method according to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) of the mining head (100) is arranged such that a crosssection of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional shape which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
[0154] Example 6: The method according to Example 5, wherein the predetermined cross-sectional shape is one of the following: hexagonal, square, rectangular.
[0155] Example 7: The method according to Example any one of Examples 2-6, wherein the feature of operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:
[0156] - selecting (S3-1) a first group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a first portion of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments, and a second group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a second portion of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments,
[0157] - wherein the second group of mining head electrodes is arranged to be activated sequentially after the first group of the mining head electrodes.
[0158] Example 8: The method according to Example 7, wherein the mining head (100) comprises a position adjuster for adjusting positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), and wherein the mining head (100) comprises a plurality of predetermined locations to which the electric pulse is delivered, wherein the feature of operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:
[0159] - adjusting (S3-2) the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) such that the first group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations,
[0160] - in response to determining that a predetermined time has lapsed, adjusting (S3- 3) the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) suchthat the second group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations.
[0161] Example 9: The method according to Example 7, wherein the feature of operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:
[0162] controlling (S3-4) the power source (106) to generate and deliver the electric pulse to the first group of mining head electrodes, and
[0163] in response to determining that a predetermined time has lapsed, controlling (S3-5) the power source (106) to deliver the electric pulse to the second group of mining head electrodes.
[0164] Example 10: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the feature of using (S2) the liquid supply arrangement (103) for ensuring that a portion of the mining hole (201) extending from the mining hole bottom (201a) to the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) along the mining hole direction (D) is filled with liquid comprises ensuring that the mining head (100) is fully submerged in the liquid.
[0165] Example 11: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising:
[0166] - in response to determining that a concentration of ore material in the fragments in the slurry is below a concentration threshold, terminating (S9a) the elongating procedure, preferably also issuing a signal indicating that the mining hole bottom has reached an end (200b) of the ore body (200).
[0167] Example 12: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising:
[0168] - in response to determining that an extension of the elongated mining hole (201 , 202, 203, 204) the mining hole direction (D) has reached a predetermined value, terminating (S9b) the procedure of elongating the mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204), preferably also issuing a signal indicating that the mining hole bottom has reached an end (200b) of the ore body (200).
[0169] Example 13: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising generating (S11) a plurality of mining holes (201,202, 203, 204) adjacent toeach other, each mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204) being generated by at least employing the elongating procedure of any one of the preceding Examples and being delimited by one or more side walls (201c, 202d, 202c, 202d) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along the mining hole direction (D).
[0170] Example 14: The method according to Example 13, wherein the cross-sections of two adjacent holes (201 , 202) are at least partially overlapping.
[0171] Example 15: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising:
[0172] collecting (S12) the slurry removed by the slurry removal arrangement (102); and
[0173] - separating (S13) ore fragments from the collected slurry.
[0174] Example 16: The method according to Example 15, when dependent on any one of Examples 13-14, further comprising:
[0175] - delivering (S14) the remaining materials in the slurry to one of the plurality of the elongated mining holes (203).
[0176] Example 17: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising:
[0177] - initiating (S16) the mining hole at a target position of the ore body; and
[0178] - performing (S17) the elongating procedure according to any one of the preceding Examples.
[0179] Example 18: The method according to Example 17, further comprising:
[0180] - in response to determining that the target position is below, in the global vertical direction (Z), a ground level at which the mining head (100) is presently located, removing (S15) material located between the ground level and the target position such that the target position is accessible from the ground level.
[0181] Example 19: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the mining assembly (1) further comprises a hoist system (300), the hoist system comprising a hoist cable (301) connected to the mining head (100), wherein at least one of the features of arranging (S1) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b)face the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) and the feature of lowering (S5) the mining head in the mining hole direction (D) is preformed using the hoist system (300).
[0182] Example 20: A mining assembly (1) for mining ore from an ore body (200), the mining assembly (1) comprising:
[0183] - a mining head (100) comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b),
[0184] - a slurry removal arrangement (102),
[0185] - a liquid supply arrangement (103), and
[0186] - a control unit configured to control the mining assembly (100) to perform a method for mining ore from an ore body, the method comprising employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along a mining hole direction (D) forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction (Z), the mining hole (201) terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom (201a) as seen along the mining hole direction (D), the control unit being further configured to:
[0187] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head (101) to face a temporary mining hole bottom (201a);
[0188] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the liquid supply arrangement (103) for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole (201) extending from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) to the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) along the mining hole direction (D) is filled with liquid;
[0189] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments;
[0190] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the slurry removal arrangement (102) for removing a slurry comprising the liquid and the fragments to thereby obtain a new temporary mining hole bottom (201b) replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom (201a); and
[0191] - control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head to be lowered in the mining hole direction (D).Example 21: The mining assembly (1) according to Example 20, further comprising a hoist system (300), the hoist system (300) comprising a hoist cable (301) connected to the mining head (100).
[0192] Example 22: The mining assembly (1) according to any one of Examples 20-21, further comprising a separation arrangement (302) arranged to separate ore fragments from a removed slurry.
[0193] Example 23: The mining assembly (1) according to Example 22, further comprising a slurry delivery arrangement (303) arranged to deliver a remaining material in the slurry to a target location.
[0194] Example 24: The mining assembly (1) according to any one of Examples 20-23, wherein the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) of the mining head (100) is configured to be arranged such that a cross-section of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional shape which ensures that, when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
[0195] Example 25: The mining assembly (1) according to any one of Examples 20-24, further comprising a power source (106) being connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b).
[0196] Example 26: A method for controlling a mining head (100) during operation of mining ore from an ore body (200), the ore body (200) extending in at least a global vertical direction (Z), the operation of mining ore comprising employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along a mining hole direction (D) forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction (Z), the mining hole (201) terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom (201a) as seen along the mining hole direction (D), the method comprising:
[0197] arranging the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) face a mining hole bottom (201a);
[0198] operating (S21) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments;when a new temporary mining hole bottom (201b) is formed replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom (201a), lowering (S22) the mining head in the mining hole direction (D).
[0199] Example 27: The method according to Example 26, wherein the feature of arranging (S20) the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) face the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) comprises:
[0200] orienting the mining head (100) relative to a temporary mining hole bottom (201a) such that the mining hole direction (D) is obtained, and / or positioning the mining head (100) so that the mining head (100) is at a predetermined distance from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) in the global vertical direction (Z)
[0201] Example 28: The method according to any one of Examples 26-27, the mining head (100) further comprising a power source (106) being connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), wherein the feature of operating (S22) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:
[0202] - controlling the power source (106) to generate an electric pulse and passing the electric pulse from a first set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a) to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101b) through the ore body (200) so as to break the portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments.
[0203] Example 29: The method according to any one of Examples 26-28, further comprising arranging the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) of the mining head (100) such that a cross-section of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional shape which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
[0204] Example 30: The method according to Example any one of Examples 26-29, further comprising:
[0205] - selecting a first group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes to break a first portion of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments, and a second group of mining head electrodes from the pluralityof mining head electrodes to break a second portion of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments,
[0206] - wherein the second group of mining head electrodes is arranged to be activated sequentially after the first group of the mining head electrodes,
[0207] Example 31: The method according to Example 30, wherein the mining head (100) comprises a position adjuster for adjusting positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), and wherein the mining head (100) comprises a plurality of activation locations to which the electric pulse is delivered, wherein the method further comprises:
[0208] - adjusting the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) such that the first group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations; and
[0209] - in response to a predetermined time has lapsed, adjusting (S29) the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) such that the second group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations.
[0210] Example 32: The method according to Example 31, further comprising:
[0211] controlling the power source (106) to generate and deliver the electric pulse to the first group of mining head electrodes, and
[0212] in response to a predetermined time has lapsed, controlling (S31) the power source to deliver the electric pulse to the second group of mining head electrodes.
[0213] Example 33: A mining head (100) assembly comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), and processing circuitry to perform the method according to any one of Examples 25-32.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A method for mining ore from an ore body (200) using a mining assembly (1), the ore body (200) extending in at least a global vertical direction (Z), the mining assembly (1) comprising: a liquid supply arrangement (103), a slurry removal arrangement (102), and a mining head (100) comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), the method comprising employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along a mining hole direction (D) forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction (Z), the mining hole (201) terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom (201a) as seen along the mining hole direction (D), the elongating procedure comprising:- arranging (S1) the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) face the temporary mining hole bottom (201a);- using (S2) the liquid supply arrangement (103) for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole (201) extending from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) to the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) along the mining hole direction (D) is filled with liquid;- operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments;- using (S4) the slurry removal arrangement (102) for removing a slurry comprising the liquid and the fragments to thereby obtain a new temporary mining hole bottom (201b) replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom (201a); and- lowering (S5) the mining head in the mining hole direction (D).
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the mining assembly (1) further comprises a power source (106) being connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), wherein the feature of operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:- controlling (S3a) the power source (106) to generate an electric pulse and passing the electric pulse from a first set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a) to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101b) through the ore body(200) so as to break the portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments.
3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the feature of arranging (S1) the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) face the mining hole bottom further comprises:- positioning (S6) the mining head (100) so that the mining head (100) is at a predetermined distance from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) in the global vertical direction (Z); and / or- orienting (S7) the mining head (100) relative to the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) such that the mining hole direction (D) is obtained.
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising repeating (S8) a plurality of times the features of the elongating procedure of any one of the preceding claims.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) of the mining head (100) is arranged such that a cross-section of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional shape which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined cross-sectional shape is one of the following: hexagonal, square, rectangular.
7. The method according to claim any one of claims 2-6, wherein the feature of operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:- selecting (S3-1) a first group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) to break a first portion of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments, and a second group of mining head electrodes from the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) to break a second portion of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments, - wherein the second group of mining head electrodes is arranged to be activated sequentially after the first group of the mining head electrodes.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the mining head (100) comprises a position adjuster for adjusting positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), and wherein the mining head (100) comprises a plurality of predetermined locations to which the electric pulse is delivered, wherein the feature of operating (S3) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:- adjusting (S3-2) the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) such that the first group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations,- in response to determining that a predetermined time has lapsed, adjusting (S3- 3) the positions of the plurality of the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) such that the second group of mining head electrodes is located at the predetermined locations.
9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:- in response to determining that a concentration of ore material in the fragments in the slurry is below a concentration threshold, terminating (S9a) the elongating procedure, preferably also issuing a signal indicating that the mining hole bottom has reached an end (200b) of the ore body (200).
10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising generating (S11) a plurality of mining holes (201,202, 203, 204) adjacent to each other, each mining hole (201 , 202, 203, 204) being generated by at least employing the elongating procedure of any one of the preceding claims and being delimited by one or more side walls (201c, 202d, 202c, 202d) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along the mining hole direction (D).
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the cross-sections of two adjacent holes (201, 202) are at least partially overlapping.
12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:collecting (S12) the slurry removed by the slurry removal arrangement (102); and- separating (S13) ore fragments from the collected slurry.
13. The method according to claim 12, when dependent on any one of claims 10-11, further comprising:- delivering (S14) the remaining materials in the slurry to one of the plurality of the elongated mining holes (203).
14. A mining assembly (1) for mining ore from an ore body (200), the mining assembly (1) comprising:- a mining head (100) comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b),- a slurry removal arrangement (102),- a liquid supply arrangement (103), and- a control unit configured to control the mining assembly (100) to perform a method for mining ore from an ore body, the method comprising employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along a mining hole direction (D) forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction (Z), the mining hole (201) terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom (201a) as seen along the mining hole direction (D), the control unit being further configured to:- control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head (101) to face the temporary mining hole bottom (201a);- control, preferably by issuing control data, the liquid supply arrangement (103) for ensuring that at least a portion of the mining hole (201) extending from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) to the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) along the mining hole direction (D) is filled with liquid;- control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments;- control, preferably by issuing control data, the slurry removal arrangement (102) for removing a slurry comprising the liquid and the fragments to thereby obtain a new temporary mining hole bottom (201b) replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom (201a); and- control, preferably by issuing control data, the mining head to be lowered in the mining hole direction (D).
15. The mining assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) of the mining head (100) is configured to be arranged such that a cross-section of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional, which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
16. A method for controlling a mining head (100) during operation of mining ore from an ore body (200), the ore body (200) extending in at least a global vertical direction (Z), the operation of mining ore comprising employing an elongating procedure for elongating a mining hole (201, 202, 203, 204) extending at least partially through the ore body (200) along a mining hole direction (D) forming an angle equal to or less than 45° to the global vertical direction (Z), the mining hole (201) terminating at a temporary mining hole bottom (201a) as seen along the mining hole direction (D), the method comprises:- arranging the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) face the temporary mining hole bottom (201a);- operating (S21) the mining head (100) such that the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments;- when a new temporary mining hole bottom (201b) is formed replacing the previous temporary mining hole bottom (201a), lowering (S22) the mining head in the mining hole direction (D).
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the feature of arranging (S20) the mining head (100) such that the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) faces the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) comprises:- orienting the mining head (100) relative to the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) such that the mining hole direction (D) is obtained, and / or- positioning the mining head (100) so that the mining head (100) is at a predetermined distance from the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) in the global vertical direction (Z).
18. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, wherein the mining head (100) further comprises a power source (106) being connectable to the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b), wherein the feature of operating (S22) the mining head (100) suchthat the mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) break portions of the mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments further comprises:- controlling the power source (106) to generate an electric pulse and passing the electric pulse from a first set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a) to a second set of mining head electrodes in the plurality of mining head electrodes (101b) through the ore body (200) so as to break the portions of the temporary mining hole bottom (201a) into fragments.
19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, further comprising arranging the plurality of mining head electrodes (101a, 101b) of the mining head (100) such that a crosssection of the mining hole assumes a predetermined cross-sectional shape which ensures that when a plurality of mining holes is generated adjacent to each other, essentially no material remains between side walls of adjacent mining holes.
20. A mining head (100) assembly comprising a plurality of mining head electrodes (101 a, 101b), and processing circuitry to perform the method according to any one of claims 16-19.