Comparative analysis of different techniques used for dimension stone mining

Abstract

Pakistan is blessed with large reserves of different types of dimension stones in all provinces. Dimension stone industry has great potential to become one of the leading industries in Pakistan economy. This potential is being held back by inefficient mining practices that affect the quality and economy of the dimension stone. This paper focused on the selection of the best feasible mining technique to get high recovery, minimum losses, and ultimately the generation of higher revenues. In this study conventional (pre-splitting), modern mechanized mining (diamond wire saw) and expansive powder techniques were used for extraction of black granite blocks in district Mansehra Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The analyses and comparison of these mining techniques were carried out based on extraction costs, quality, revenue and recovery. The diamond wire saw technique was noted much effective than expansion powder and pre-splitting techniques because it gives maximum recovery, revenue and minimum waste material.