Green and digital mining method using a system based on a movable automated platform

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Green and digital mining method using a mobile automated platform system.

[0003] Technical Field:

[0004] The invention relates to the field of mining, in particular to medium-depth deposits, even under the constraint of low-power layers.

[0005] More specifically, the invention is a new mining method that addresses the constraints and problems encountered by conventional mining methods. Based on the opening of a reduced-width trench, this new mining method directly attacks the ores without removing or disposing of spoil. It thus made it possible to achieve the best operational performance indicators (KPIs) for a mining operation.

[0006] The invention finds its application in particular in the mining field, in particular medium-depth deposits (from 20 to 100 meters) even if they occur at several ore levels (layers).

[0007] Digitized at all levels (Mine 5.0), responding to all aspects of sustainable development (Sustainability) and thus offering a green mine (zero negative environmental aspects), this mining invention will allow operators in the mining sector to be very competitive on the following main indicators:

[0008] • Production performance

[0009] • Efficiency

[0010] • Operating cost (OPEX)

[0011] • Operating flexibility

[0012] • Energy consumption

[0013] • Rehabilitation of mines after exploitation Technological Background:

[0014] Mining is the process of obtaining geological and precious materials from the earth. Materials acquired through mining include metals, precious stones, coal, phosphate, limestone, clay, gravel, and many others that cannot be produced through agricultural or industrial processes. These materials can only be accessed through suitable and economically viable mining.

[0015] There are three main mining methods by which several different materials are acquired.

[0016] The choice of the exploitation method is based on its economic profitability and its production capacity. These three (3) main methods are as follows:

[0017] > Open Pit Mining:

[0018] It is a mining method that involves removing the soil and overlying rock above the mineral deposit to access the ore (mined product).

[0019] This method is used for deposits whose layers are close to the ground surface (Coal, Phosphate, Limestone, etc.).

[0020] > Underground mining (Under Ground):

[0021] It is a mining method that extracts ore from beneath the earth's surface. The entrance from the earth's surface to the underground mine can be created via a horizontal or vertical tunnel (also known as a gallery, shaft, and ramp).

[0022] Underground mining is used when the ore body is too deep to be mined profitably from the ground surface (Coal, Manganese, Gold, etc.).

[0023] > High wall mining (High wall System):

[0024] This is an evolution of the open-pit mining method. It combines both underground and open-pit methods. It is used mainly in coal mines. It consists of opening a wide trench next to the panel to be mined, then laterally attacking the layers of the panels to be mined via small sections while leaving pillars of layers to ensure ground stability and support to prevent caving.

[0025] There are other specific mining methods such as the sedimentary or placer method which is based on the mixture of water / sand and ore (gold, diamond, copper, etc.) and the so-called in-situ recovery method which was the main mining extraction method for Uranium for several years and which consists of the injection of recirculated fluids to which reagents are added depending on whether they are alkaline, moderately acidic or acidic.

[0026] Each mining method has its strengths and limitations. The choice of a mining method is based primarily on its technical and economic performance.

[0027] The main factor in choosing one method or another is the economic aspect, in particular the cost price of mining "OPEX". Objectives of the invention:

[0028] The main objectives of this invention are summarized as follows:

[0029] > High-performance mining with very low production costs

[0030] > Selective, flexible mining with better quality management

[0031] > Green mining with no negative impacts on the environment

[0032] > Highly efficient, automated and digital mining

[0033] > Mining with very low energy consumption

[0034] The invention will propose a new mining method based on a mechanized blasting system using the longwall device and an invented mobile platform containing a vertical handling device by bucket elevators and belt conveyors. This invented platform system can also contain disc screens allowing the granulometric separation of the ore while recovering only the good quality ore and rejecting the waste rock. The production line of this invention can reach an hourly capacity of 6000 cubic meters.

[0035] This invention will also propose a new compact mining method with a mining division that meets the constraints and geological data of the deposit and with identical custom-made mining panels. Mining production is selective, the mining of different qualities (layers) is automatic and instantaneous, without planning and mobilization of equipment unlike the open pit method.

[0036] The invention will offer a new mining method consisting of systems and equipment powered solely by electrical energy. These production systems and equipment do not generate CO2, do not emit sound waves, and do not degrade the land after mining. With a clean energy source, this new method is considered green.

[0037] The invention aims to propose a digital, automated mining method with remote control while taking advantage of new digitalization technologies (5.0) and artificial intelligence. This mining method works with a very small team ensuring only supervision and control of proper operation.

[0038] The invention also aims to propose a mining method with very low energy consumption. The electricity consumption depends on the hardness of the ores to be extracted and is estimated at around 1 to 2 kWh / m 3 .

[0039] Description of the invention:

[0040] The invention is a new mining method based on mining cutting to optimized panels and opening central trenches with reduced widths. In these trenches located in the centers of the panels, a mobile platform will be integrated which will access the different layers of ore and translate along this central trench. The ore extraction will be done by 2 longwall systems installed to the right and left of the mobile platform which thus ensure the mechanical cutting of the ore over the entire width of the face and will transport it directly to the mobile platform which will handle it on the surface. This handling will be done vertically by bucket elevators integrated into the mobile platform. The main idea of ​​this mining invention is to directly attack the ore layers without removing or evacuating cover backfill or interlayers.

[0041] This invention will allow for continuous, flexible, selective mining with double extraction in 2 attack fronts separated by the mining trench. This double and continuous mining adopted by this invention will be carried out by the following main extraction and handling systems:

[0042] > Longwall type felling systems, each system is composed of 3 pieces of equipment: a double-head shearer, a metal face conveyor (AFC) and hydraulic roof support systems.

[0043] > A mobile platform with a metal structure, which will be installed at the level of the mining trench, will contain functional equipment such as bucket elevators, belt conveyors and ancillary equipment and may also contain screens depending on the type of ore to be mined. This platform will also house electrical power equipment, control and command systems, premises and meeting rooms in its upper part, which is located on the surface.

[0044] All equipment in this new mining method will operate solely on electrical power. This production equipment does not generate CO2, does not emit sound waves, and does not degrade the land after mining. With a clean energy source, this new method is considered green.

[0045] Digital technology will be integrated into all levels of this method. A digital system (APC / AI) installed in the control room will receive and process all data from other control systems and make the relevant decisions, thus ensuring the best performance and efficiency of the equipment with good control of the ore quality and better equipment reliability. Data will be fed back from the field by sensors and analyzers. All production and handling systems will be equipped with control systems based on online sensors and analyzers.

[0046] The command and control of all equipment will therefore be done remotely and in automatic mode. The operational team will be too small and will be installed in the control room and in the offices located at the top of the mobile platform. Operators will only go down underground in case of inspection or for urgent interventions. The descent and ascent of personnel and equipment will be done by a freight elevator integrated into the mobile platform. Brief description of the figures:

[0047] The invention as well as the various advantages and strong points that it presents will be easily understood thanks to the description of the figures and the details which will follow:

[0048] Description of Figure 1: Implementation of the method

[0049] Figure 1 describes the different phases of the implementation of this method from the studies and implementation of the method to the exploitation phase. The implementation of this new mining method therefore goes through 3 phases summarized as follows: Phase 1: Mining cutting and preparation of the panels

[0050] This is the stage of studies and preparation of the ground which consists of making a mining division, defining the overall plan of the exploitation, defining the dimensions of the panels, the widths of the faces as well as the widths of the trenches. It also consists of tracing and opening the trenches. This phase goes through the following steps:

[0051] • Definition of the dimensions of the panels and mine operating face (3D, 3G)

[0052] • Opening of the operating trenches (5), project trenches (7) and edge trenches (6). Phase 2: Project phase and installation of operating equipment

[0053] This is the project phase. It consists of installing the various platform equipment (1) and the longwall mining equipment (2). The longwall equipment (2) will be installed at the project trenches (7) opposite the mining layers. The platform elements will be assembled at the mining trench (5), in particular at the starting point opposite the longwall equipment (2).

[0054] Below are the steps of this phase:

[0055] • Assembly and installation of platform equipment elements and sub-assemblies

[0056] • Assembly and installation of longwall equipment. Phase 3: Start of mining operations

[0057] This phase consists of starting up the longwall operating equipment, the mobile platform and beginning exploitation.

[0058] It goes through 2 stages:

[0059] > Empty and loaded test of platform and longwall equipment.

[0060] > Mining begins on the 1 er panel in 2 attack fronts then we move on to the other panels after revision and mobilization of the equipment Description of figure 2: Principle of the method

[0061] Figure 2 presents an overall description of the method in the exploitation phase. It shows the panels and fronts before exploitation (3D, 3G), the panels after caving (4D, 4G), the exploited and caving-struck panels (8), the panels for future exploitation (9).

[0062] This figure also shows the operating trenches (5) which divide the panels lengthwise, the design trenches (7) which are located in front and behind the panels and the so-called separation trenches (6) which are located at the two edges of the panels.

[0063] This figure 2 also shows the mobile platform system (1) introduced at the level of the mining trench (5) and the two longwall blasting systems (2). It also explains the direction of advancement of the mine, the right mining front (3D) and the left mining front (3G) of the panel.

[0064] Description of Figure 3: Identification of equipment and systems

[0065] Figure 3 shows the details of the systems and equipment of the mobile platform and the longwalls as well as the section of the geology of the deposit with the different layers to be extracted.

[0066] This figure shows that the mobile platform (1) is made up of a metal structure, a translation system (1H) allowing the platform to move forward, bucket elevators (1A), a disc screen (IB), screened ore conveyors (IC) and (II) directly feeding a neighboring mobile conveyor (U), reject conveyors (1D) and (1E) which will feed a neighboring mobile conveyor of waste rock (1K), guide wheels (1F), side shoes (IG) installed on either side of the platform (1) ensuring the stability of the platform.

[0067] This figure 3 also shows that the tongue-cutting systems (2) consist of double-head cutters (2A) allowing continuous cutting, a hoisting mechanism (2D), metal conveyors (2B) and hydraulic supports (2C) allowing the support of the roofs and the advancement of the longwall mechanisms.

[0068] This figure also shows a geological section of the ore which shows the detail of different ore layers (11), the covering waste rock spoil (10) and the interlayers (12) separating the different ore layers. Description of figure 4: Detail of equipment and systems

[0069] Figure 4 gives details of the different compartments of the upper part of the platform which is on the surface and describes the vertical arrangement of the long walls (2) in relation to the platform (1) as well as the details of the auxiliary equipment integrated into the mobile platform (1).

[0070] This figure also shows the synoptic diagram of handling by conveyors cited in figure 3 and the detail of the control room (IN) which contains the main automation and digital systems. These control and digitalization systems are composed of a centralized, very advanced digital system (APC) which is powered by the other systems:

[0071] • Command and control system for the entire method process (DCS)

[0072] • Geological ore stock control and monitoring system (SMS)

[0073] • Conditional maintenance monitoring and control system (CMS)

[0074] • Energy monitoring and control system (PMS)

[0075] This control room also includes automation and digital cabinets, an ergonomic screen display system allowing the display of operational data and performance indicators (KPIs), a meeting room and offices.

[0076] This figure also shows that the mobile platform (1) contains an electrical room comprising an electrical station powered by a cable winder system and composed of electrical transformers, speed variators and electrical panels.

[0077] It also shows that the mobile platform (1) houses auxiliary equipment, utilities, a load lift (IM) and stabilising shoes for the facings and the platform (1K).

[0078] This figure also shows that the longwall systems (2) are arranged vertically on top of each other and that they are made up of shearers (2A), hydraulic supports (2C) and metal conveyors (2B) and that these metal conveyors are aligned with the bucket elevators, thus ensuring their supply with the ore cut.

[0079] Description of Figure 5: Digitalization System

[0080] Figure 5 provides a detailed explanation of the overall architecture of the digitalization and control system for all the mining equipment in this new mining method.

[0081] It presents the overall digitalization scheme from the low field level to the high level which concerns data processing, controls, display of performance indicators and self-improvement of the parameters of the mining production system. This figure shows that digital is integrated into this new mining method on all levels: > Field level (low level): Equipment

[0082] This level of digitalization is hardware-based. It will be installed on functional and auxiliary equipment. It is composed of sensors, junction boxes (JB) and input and output modules (IOM):

[0083] • Sensors:

[0084] All equipment will be equipped with powerful sensors and analyzers that allow the measurement of physical parameters and report relevant information. These sensors can be classified according to the type of data they report: o Ore quality and quantity sensors: installed on the platform walls and on longwall cutters (X-rays, y-rays, etc.) and volume scanners. o Equipment operation sensors: installed on all equipment, such as position controllers, rotations, encoders, GPS, speed sensors, level sensors, etc. o Equipment maintenance and health sensors: installed on all equipment, such as temperature probes and controllers, vibration analyzers, oil analyzers, etc.o Energy sensors: In addition to electricity meters, additional sensors will be installed on all electrical consumers (motors, lighting lamps, etc.) o Safety sensors: installed on all equipment, such as smoke detectors, gas detectors, etc. o Cameras: installed on all critical points of equipment, such as slaughter points, ore dump points, etc.

[0085] • Junction Boxes (JB):

[0086] As shown in the diagram, the sensors will be connected to junction boxes (JB) which provide protection and simplify wiring and ensure cable identification.

[0087] • Input and output modules (RIO):

[0088] These are RI0 (Remote Input Output) input and output modules connected to the BJs, of analog and digital types. They receive input signals and transmit outputs in the form of commands to the various actuators of the equipment.

[0089] > Server Level: Server Room

[0090] This level of digitalization takes place at a level of the server room that hosts the process databases, the control systems (DCS, SMS, CMS, PCS) with a control redundancy, one main and the other secondary (Controller1, Controller 2). This level of control manages and supervises all the operations of all the equipment of this new method.

[0091] > Upper Level (top): Control Room

[0092] This level of digitalization is of the software type. It is made up of 2 levels:

[0093] • A high level that includes a very advanced digital system, APC (Advanced Process Control) and artificial intelligence AI (Artificial Intelligence). This level of digitalization will be based on databases and machine learning algorithms in order to optimize performance and better dynamically supervise the process of this new method. • A higher level of overall operational control of the method's equipment that includes the following four control systems: o SMS: Stock Management System that is connected to the server room. It allows locating, managing and tracking data from the ore layers in terms of quality and quantity. o DCS: Distributed Control System that is connected to the server room. It ensures the control, command and supervision of the different systems and equipment of the mining method.o CMS: Condition Monitoring System which is also connected to the server room. It ensures the monitoring and surveillance of the maintenance and health status of the equipment of this method. o PCS: Power Control System which is also connected to the server room and it allows to monitor and control the energy consumption of the different equipment of this mining method.

[0094] The data processed by the control systems (SMS, DCS, CMS, PCS) are fed back to the advanced system (APC / AI) which ensures dynamic processing of the different mining parameters of this new method in order to: Optimize equipment yields Achieve the best performance indicators (KPIs) Improve the final ore quality by reducing variability and improving flexibility Optimize equipment energy consumption

[0095] Detailed description of the invention:

[0096] The core of this new method is the direct and continuous attack of the ore layers by surface control without evacuation of the overburden and interlayer (waste) through trenches and via mobile extraction and handling systems.

[0097] This new method involves opening trenches to accommodate a mobile platform and access the different layers of ore. Mining in this new method is carried out in two parallel faces by two longwall systems which have proven their reputation and performance in underground mines.

[0098] As shown in the figures, this invention is based on a mobile platform equipped with vertical and horizontal handling systems, a screening system and auxiliary equipment. This platform moves along an exploitation trench, receives the ore extracted from both sides by the longwalls and lifts it to the surface. The systems of the mobile platform and the longwalls will be improved in this new method by the latest digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies so that the control and supervision are automatic, remote and autonomous. In this new method, the exploitation operators only provide supervision in the control room and only descend to the underground levels for control and in case of urgent interventions. The descent of operators and equipment will be done by a hoist integrated into the platform.

[0099] Indeed, after having carried out the geological studies, the application of this new method will involve a geotechnical study and a mining division allowing preparation of the ground.

[0100] After completing these field and preparation studies, studies will be carried out on the sizing of the longwall felling equipment and the sizing of the mining platform and its vertical and horizontal handling equipment.

[0101] Mining cutting and land preparation:

[0102] This section will provide the overall outline of this mining method. Before starting the project to implement the method, a preliminary study will be carried out to optimize the division into several adjacent panels of identical dimensions, separated by trench openings. The objective of this study is to determine the dimensions of the panels, the widths of the mining faces, and the dimensions of the various trenches.

[0103] Panels and operating fronts:

[0104] In this new method, the panel dimensions are determined based on the mean operating time of a longwall machine and the lengths of the felling faces. The two ends of the front and rear panels are the two design trenches that will be used for the assembly and disassembly of the longwall machines, for maintenance or for moving to adjacent panels.

[0105] The average time of good operation (T) is approximately 2 years for the subassemblies of a longwall to be dismantled and overhauled in scheduled maintenance. The widths of the cutting faces (1 / 2) correspond to the lengths of the longwall machines. In the 2 years of operation, the machine will travel on average a distance (L) which is determined according to the nature and hardness of the ore. This length will correspond in our method to the average length of a panel.

[0106] ■ Mean time of good functioning (T) = approximately 2 years

[0107] ■ Panel length (L): Distance traveled during period T.

[0108] ■ Front width (1 / 2) = Long size length.

[0109] The operating panels in this new method are calculated as follows:

[0110] • Length (L) = Distance the machine travels during period T.

[0111] • Panel width = (2 x Front width (1)).

[0112] Generally for large production exceeding an hourly capacity of 5000 cubic meters with long machines (long walls) of approximately 500 meters in length, the panels can be limited to the following dimensions: Panel length L: 5000 meters Panel width 1: (2x500) meters.

[0113] For an average hourly production of 1000 cubic meters, the panels can be limited to the following dimensions:

[0114] ■ Panel length L: 2000 meters

[0115] ■ Panel width 1: (2x100) meters.

[0116] Trenches:

[0117] The dimensions of the open trenches depend on the dimensions of the equipment to be accommodated, the dimensions of the panels, the depth of the last layer and also on the production capacity to be ensured.

[0118] > Exploitation trench (5):

[0119] The dimensions of the exploitation trenches (5) are determined according to the dimensions of the width of the mobile platform (1), the length of the panel and the depth of the last layer to be exploited:

[0120] • Trench width (5) = width of mobile platform (1) + 0.6 meters

[0121] • Length of trench (5) = Length (L) of operating panel

[0122] • Trench depth (5) = Depth of last layer + 5 meters.

[0123] The width of the mobile platform is linked to the production capacity, the nature of the production, with or without screening and the number of lines.

[0124] Generally a width of 12 meters will be sufficient for a platform comprising a single production line with screening: The operating trenches will therefore require minimum widths of 12.6 meters.

[0125] > Project trench (7):

[0126] As explained before, this trench ensures assembly, installation and dismantling to move on to the other fronts. The dimensions of the project trenches (7) are determined according to the dimensions of the sub-assemblies of the longwall machine (2), the width of the panel and the depth of the last layer to be exploited:

[0127] • Trench width (7) = 12.6 meters.

[0128] • Length of trench (7) = Width (1) of the operating panel

[0129] • Trench depth (7) = Depth of the last layer.

[0130] At the end of operation of a panel, this trench (7) which is located at the end of the panel will allow the exit of longwall equipment (2) and the platform (1).

[0131] After mining a panel, the platform will be separated into 12-meter pieces on each side and will be released into the project trench in order to be moved and installed at the next mining trench. > Isolation or edge trench (6):

[0132] Located at the 2 edges of the panel, this trench only ensures the separation of the panel in operation from the other panels in order to ensure controlled and instantaneous caving. The length of the separation trenches (6) corresponds to the length of the panel. The depth of the separation trench (6) corresponds to the depth of the last layer. But the width must be the minimum possible:

[0133] • Length of trench (6) = Width (1) of operating panel

[0134] • Trench depth (6) = Depth of the last layer.

[0135] • Trench width (6) = 0.2 to 0.3 meters

[0136] According to current trenching technology, widths of 0.2 to 0.3 meters are technically possible at medium depths.

[0137] Trench characteristics:

[0138] The tracing and implantation of these trenches must be done by a topographer. The opening of these trenches must be done by special machines such as: trenchers, milling machines, planers or mining surfaces (surface miner).

[0139] The use of explosives or materials that degrade the hardness and stability of ground walls and soils should be avoided in these clearing works.

[0140] After opening the 2 side panels must be characterized by:

[0141] • Surface flatness: ± 200 mm

[0142] • Parallelism of the 2 surfaces: ± 200 mm

[0143] After opening the trenches, if the ground faces are not stable, it is necessary to stabilize these walls using current stabilization techniques.

[0144] The soil at the bottom of the operating trench (5) must have acceptable strength and pressure in order to support the weight of the mobile platform.

[0145] Production systems and main equipment:

[0146] This part of the invention is based on two essential systems: the longwall felling system and the mobile platform system.

[0147] Longwall system:

[0148] The blasting system used by this new method is longwall blasting. This blasting system is widely used in underground mines and particularly in coal mines. It is a blasting system that has proven its performance, low costs and reputation in recent years in coal mines.

[0149] This new method works simultaneously with 2 long faces in parallel on the 2 fronts on either side of the mobile platform.

[0150] Main longwall equipment:

[0151] In this new method, we will use the 3 essential components of a long wall: • A 2-drum shearer

[0152] • A metal front conveyor (AFC)

[0153] • Hydraulic roof supports

[0154] In addition to the technological advances in digital technology installed in these equipments, the shearers installed in this new method will be equipped with online material analyzers and scanners to analyze and transmit ore quality data to the digital system (APC / AI) before mining in order to make a decision on the quality to be produced. All the equipment of this machine will be equipped with latest generation sensors and analyzers.

[0155] Advantages of using long pruning:

[0156] This longwall felling system has been adopted in this new method to benefit from the following advantages:

[0157] • Mobility, remote control and automatic roof support

[0158] • Continuous felling with better performance

[0159] • Reduced granulometry of extracted ore (0 to 90 mm)

[0160] • Use of electrical energy

[0161] Mobile platform system:

[0162] The mobile platform system is the heart of the invention of this new method. Without this mechanism, this method cannot be implemented. This platform is the means that will allow the connection between the underground ore layers and the surface. It will include the following equipment and systems:

[0163] • A metal structure (chassis) called a mobile platform (1) which supports and houses all the operating systems, ancillary and control equipment

[0164] • Two bucket elevators (1 A) integrated into the mobile platform (1)

[0165] • A translation system (1H) ensuring the mobility of the platform (1)

[0166] • An optional rotating disc screening system (IB)

[0167] • Belt conveyors (IC), (IJ), (1D) and (1E)

[0168] • Two freight elevators (IM)

[0169] • Roller guidance systems (1F)

[0170] • Stabilizing shoes (IG)

[0171] • A power station and electrical room (IL)

[0172] • A control and command room including command and control systems (SMS, DCS, CMS and PCS) and an advanced digitalization and intelligence system (PCS / AI)

[0173] As explained above, this mobile platform will contain at least 2 bucket elevators which will allow the ores to be transported vertically to the surface by feeding a screen or a conveyor depending on the option chosen. This mobile platform will be able to work in two options depending on the applications and the type of ore:

[0174] • Option 1: With ore screening

[0175] • Option 2; Without ore screening Option 1 involves a rotating disc screening system (IB) which can be installed on top of the mobile platform (1) and which can be fed directly by the two bucket elevators (IA) thus ensuring the screening of the ore before transport to the plant in order to avoid the transport of waste rock.

[0176] Option 2 involves transporting the ore directly to the processing plant with mobile belt conveyors installed next to the platform.

[0177] Operating mode of the method:

[0178] As explained in the description of the different figures and after start-up, the felling of the mining panel will be done in 2 fronts, one front to the right and one front to the left of the platform.

[0179] In fact, the number of long faces installed is twice the number of ore layers. Opposite each layer, two long faces will be installed (one machine per face). The installed long faces must be arranged vertically on top of each other.

[0180] The two tongue sizes (2) installed at the same level have automated synchronization and must work in parallel, thus allowing the ore to be cut from the same layer in order to ensure the same production quality. These cutting systems (2A) will feed the metal conveyors (2B) which will transport the extracted ore to the bucket elevators (IA) of the mobile platform (1). These elevators will lift the ore to the surface.

[0181] The extraction will be done in a single pass of a long wall pair installed at the same level. The felling will begin with the 1 erlayer level from top to bottom alternating with the different long-size pairs installed.

[0182] Once the 1 er level of ore is cut by an attack pass, the longwall pair of this level stops and the next pair of the 2 eme level will start. The control is done automatically and remotely. These operations are repeated alternately until the last level of the ore layers.

[0183] When cutting by longwalls, the platform is immobilized in translation (in braking mode) but the bucket elevators are in operation allowing the cut ore to be lifted to the surface.

[0184] The mobile mining platform (1) introduced into the mining trench (5), receives the ore transported by the two metal conveyors integrated in the two blasting systems (2) on both sides and lifts it to the surface by bucket elevators feeding a disc screen or a belt conveyor (if the application does not require screening). The ore passing from the screen is conveyed by the belt conveyor (IC) to the feed conveyor (II) which feeds a mobile belt conveyor on tracks (U) allowing the transport of the screened ore to the connecting conveyors thus feeding the stock of screened ore to the processing plant. The screening reject (waste rock) is conveyed to the conveyor (1E) and (1K) allowing the clearance and storage of waste rock behind the platform for trench filling or the mined and blasted area while avoiding its transport.After the last level of ore has been cut, all longwall pairs are stopped, which will allow the platform and systems of all longwall pairs to advance by a step of approximately 200 to 500 mm, which can be improved.

[0185] This one-step advancement of the mobile platform is ensured by the translation system installed at the bottom of the platform. The advancement of all longwall systems will be done by the jack systems installed on the hydraulic supports. The advancement of the longwalls must be done simultaneously and must be synchronized and well controlled.

[0186] The mobility of the overall system is ensured by a cable winder installed on the platform and which must have a cable length autonomy corresponding to the overall advancement stroke of the platform and the longwall machines. This cable winder, which is powered by the medium voltage electrical network, provides power to the platform's electrical room. This electrical room supplies electricity to all the functional and auxiliary equipment of the platform and the longwalls.

[0187] After this advancement of the platform and all the long faces, a new extraction cycle will be triggered and the felling will always start again from 1 er layer level. After each advancement, the right and left shoes of the platform push towards the 2 wall facings allowing the stability and verticality of the platform and the bucket elevators.

[0188] After the displacements, the covering and interlayer spoil located on the roofs will fall into the voids created behind the hydraulic supports. The void created on the surface is filled with waste rock discharged from the disc screening systems.

[0189] These operations will continue automatically until the layers of the current panel are removed.

[0190] After operation of the current panel, the longwall and platform equipment will be mobilized and installed at the adjacent panel after revisions and scheduled maintenance actions with the aim of making this equipment reliable in order to ensure the next round of operation.

[0191] Maintenance of all platform and longwall equipment is scheduled at the end of each panel operation (approximately 2 years of operation). Revisions and maintenance operations must be carried out by specialists (preferably the manufacturers of these machines) through a maintenance contract. Advantages and strengths of the new method:

[0192] Unlike conventional mining methods (open pit, underground, high face, etc.), this new method has several advantages from an operational and sustainable development perspective. These advantages can be summarized as follows:

[0193] • Better efficiency and operational performance (Mining efficiency): o Better production capacities per line (more than 6000 m 3 / h) o Better overall TRG yield (estimated at 90 to 95%) o Operational workforce too small (9 to 12) o OPEX production cost too low (estimated between 60 to 80 MAD / m 3 ) depending on the hardness of the ore and the thickness of the layers. o Energy consumption too low (1 to 2 Kwh / m 3 ).

[0194] • Very good production flexibility of different qualities and with evacuation of rejects (sterile) to the voids created at the mine level (Mining flexibility)

[0195] • No negative environmental impacts (Mining Sustainability): o Zero CO2 emissions o Zero noise pollution linked to the use of explosives o Zero waste from tailings and spoil after mining

[0196] • Integrating the digital aspect at all levels (Mining 5.0)

[0197] NB: These data are estimated and calculated on the basis of medium-hard ore rocks having average mechanical strengths of approximately 10 to 25 Mpa in Young's modulus (Longitudinal modulus of elasticity)

Claims

CLAIMS: Claim 1 Mining method characterized by tracing and opening 3 trenches having depths greater than the depth of the last layer, defined as follows: • An operating trench (5) located in the middle of the panels lengthwise and separating the panels into 2 fronts. • A panel isolation trench (6) located on the lateral sides of the panels. • A project trench (7) located upstream and in front of the panels. Claim 2 Mining method according to claim 1, characterized by mining cutting into panels of identical dimensions including: • Lengths are linked to the equipment's uptime (T) • The widths are equal to the widths of 2 fronts + the width of the trench (5) Claim 3 Mining method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by trenches having front surfaces (facings) which must be well finished, straight, well aligned and parallel (Parallelism and flatness of the surfaces: ± 200 mm). Claim 4 Mining system characterized by a vertical ore handling device, called a mining platform in a metal structure, continued by the following equipment: - Two bucket elevators integrated into the mobile platform. - A translation system ensuring the mobility of the platform. - Belt conveyors - Auxiliary and ancillary equipment - A centralized control room, command and digital system (APC / AI) with other process control systems (SMS, DCS, CMS, PCS). - An electrical room - Offices This platform can contain a screening system depending on the nature of the ore. Claim 5 Mining system, according to claim 4, characterized by cutting devices called longwalls (2) having 2-drum shearers (Shearer) or planes, metal face conveyors (AFC) and hydraulic roof and advancement supports of the system. These language size systems are arranged vertically on top of each other. Claim 6 Mining system, according to claims 4 and 5, characterized by a mobile platform (1) comprising two bucket elevators (1 A). and that each bucket elevator has several feeding points which are among the layers to be exploited. These two bucket elevators integrated at the level of the mobile platform will allow the ores to be transported vertically to the surface by feeding a screen or a conveyor depending on the option chosen. Claim 7 Mining system, according to claim 4, characterized by a translation mechanism (1H) supporting the platform frame which allows the platform system (1) to move forward for a new mining cycle. The translation system (1H) can be constructed according to the following 3 options: - Rails - Motorized tracks - Motorized tires. Claim 8 Mining system, according to claims 2 and 4, characterized by a mobile platform (1) which can work in two options: - Option 1: With screening of the ore - Option 2; Without screening, directly to mobile conveyors. Claim 9 Mining system, according to claim 4, characterized by a mobile platform (1) which is stabilized at rest after its translational stop and start of an operating cycle by the following devices: - A braking device installed at the level of the translation systems (1H) - Stabilizing shoes with hydraulic jacks, installed on the 2 lateral sides (right and left) of the mobile platform thus allowing its stabilization. Claim 10 Mining system, according to claim 4, characterized by systems and equipment working only with electrical energy. An overhead power line aligned with the trench (7), in front of the panel to be exploited (3G / 3D) supplies the electrical station at the level of the electrical room (IL) via an electrical box and a cable winding system whose autonomy in cable length corresponds to the overall stroke of the mobile platform. Claim 11 Mining system, according to claim 4 and 5, characterized by the installation of reliable sensors at the equipment level. Sensors of the ore analyzer type and scanners make it possible to capture and transmit reliable information on the qualities and quantities of ore per layer. Other sensors will be installed on all equipment to report all operational data on production, maintenance, safety and energy consumption. Claim 12 Mining system, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a very advanced centralized digital system (APC / AI) installed in the control room which will be based on databases and Machine Learning algorithms in order to optimize performance and better dynamically supervise the process in order to achieve the best performance indicators of this new mining method. This centralized digital level is powered by control command systems (DCS, SMS, CMS, PCS) installed in the control room and server room which control and supervise all operational aspects of this new operating method.