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Thermal fragmentation: a new technology for mining narrow high-grade precious metal vein ore bodies
by Bernard Gauthier04-12-2007 |
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Article:
A real technological revolution is about to transform the mining industry -
at least in the exploitation of narrow high-grade precious metal vein ore
bodies. The process is called "Thermal Fragmentation" - a process by which a
burner, operating at very high temperatures is used to "shatter" or spall the
rock in order to extract the mineralised ore. With this process, mining
companies will be able not only to substantially reduce their operating costs,
but also to rework formerly closed mines. What is important to know however, is
that the exclusive rights for the usage of the technology belongs to the Rocmec
Mining Inc.. Patents have been granted to Rocmec for Canada, the United States,
Morocco and currently patent pending in 6 other countries. Being the only
company in North America to employ this new technology, Rocmec's growth
potential is enormous. As soon as it consolidates its activities in Canada,
Rocmec intends thereafter to focus on South Africa, a country that is home to
the largest and most important gold deposits in the world.
All mining companies use explosives in their daily operations. The objective
is to blast hard rock in order to extract precious metals such as gold,
platinum, silver, palladium etc. However, when metal is located in narrow veins,
it can that become very expensive, several mines were thus abandoned leaving
behind several thousands, even hundreds of thousands of ounces of precious
metals.
Thermal fragmentation
But today, these situations are of the past. With the thermal fragmentation
technology, several closed mines can now be revived. "Currently, we are the only
Company in the world using ther mal fragmentation units which operate by way of
a small programmable automat in a narrow vein environment. Our research over a
five year period, was inspired by a burner developed in Russia during the 60's
for use in iron deposits", states Mr. Donald Brisebois, president and CEO of
Rocmec. The thermal fragmentation unit is composed of a burner that heats to
1800 degrees Celsius in a few seconds, which causes the rock to "shatter" the
total width of the vein. "this allows us to extract the mineralised ore without
collecting the sterile rock that is incorporated in the stockwork. To this day,
we have yet to encounter volcanic rock that can withstand the heat generated by
the burner."
The new approach with thermal fragmentation consists in the enlargement of a
15-cm hole previously drilled with an ITH-drill. A strong burner, powered by
diesel fuel and air, is inserted in the hole, lowered to the bottom and ignited.
This creates thermal stresses that spall or "shatters" the rock. In simple
terms, spalling is considered as a form of decrepitation caused by an unequal
expansion of rock crystals that overcomes molecule cohesion. The broken material
produced during this process ranges in size from fine-grained to ˝ inch. A
portion of the material is ejected out of the hole as burning progresses and the
rest can either be blown out of the hole by compressed air or aspirated.
Multiple advantages
Thermal fragmentation comprises multiple advantages such as considerably
reducing mining costs. It requires the drilling of a 3 to 6 inch pilot hole with
a conventional drilling machine, a 100 to 200 tpd treatment plant and the ore
extracted from the vein has a aggregate size of 0 to ˝ inch.
Other advantage: a minimum of space is required to install the equipment.
Since the operations are focussed on narrow vein deposits, the resulting
mineralised ore is in smaller quantity, it is thus not necessary to deploy all
the conventional machines and equipment to operate. The entire process can b e
mechanized thereby creating the first continuous mining method in an underground
environment.
Patents
In 2001, Donald Brisebois quickly realized that the thermal fragmentation
technology had an enormous world potential in narrow vein deposits. He started
by developing a method of work and proposed a plan of action to his partners.
The first tests started in May of the same year. "When I started, I was able to
produce a few pounds of ore per day. The challenge was to succeed in controlling
the spalling and increase the volume of ore. Today, ore production varies from 2
to 5 tons per hour of operation. "
In 2002, several tests were conducted in secret on various properties in
Quebec. The tests were so conclusive that patent applications were filed almost
immediately.
Rocmec obtained a U.S. patent on July 5, 2005, followed by Morocco on October
3, 2005, Canada on March 14, 2006 and patent pending in Australia, Mexico,
Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa.
Positive consequences
Obtaining a patent for the process is a major milestone for Rocmec. "It will
allow us to acquire existing narrow-vein deposits that encounter dilution
problems, i.e. with conventional methods, large amounts of sterile material are
incorporated with the mineralised ore, thereby increasing transportation,
crushing and milling costs. The installation of large tailing ponds is also
required. Our technology addresses these problems and significantly reduces
operating costs."
In other words, according to Donald Brisebois, thermal fragmentation allows
us to produce the same amount of gold with 100 tons of mineralised ore compared
to 1,000 tons from conventional mining methods.
In the 2006 executive summary, it states that "conventional mining requires
an appropriate environment for the use of equipment as well as a comfortable
workspace for the workers. This is why this method dissimulates a portion of
sterile rock within its mineable reserves, contrary to thermal fragmentation,
which makes it possible to extract ore containing a minimal amount of sterile
rock, resulting in significant costs savings related to handling and ore
processing as well as environmental control issues. "
Russian Kid
Exploitation of narrow high-grade precious metal quartz veins with it's
exclusive thermal fragmentation process coupled with conventional mining methods
will lead the Company in becoming a mid-size gold producer. The acquisition,
development and future exploitation activities at the recently acquired Russian
Kid property are an excellent example of this strategy. The property is
comprised of 11 claims totalling an area equivalent to approximately 84 hectares
and is located in the Dasserat Township, some 36 kilometres west of Rouyn-Noranda
in the Abitibi region of Quebec.
A feasibility report conducted in 1984 indicates mineral resources totaling
277,000 ounces.
The report also indicates that several quartz veins, whose widths vary from a
few centimetres to 60 centimetres, contain visible gold and chalcopyrite. In
total, 4 surface veins have been identified and 9 other underground veins were
identified and developed. According to Rocmec, all of the veins can be exploited
by way of thermal fragmentation.
Management estimates that 29,000 gold ounces will be produced over a 12 month
period starting from the date of full scale operations. The underground
development includes 1.600 meters of drifts for the 2006-2007 production.
Promising future
At $651.00 CAN per ounce, current gold prices support the resumption and
continuation of mining activities. At Rocmec, its thermal fragmentation process
places the company in a privileged position for the development of narrow
high-grade gold vein deposits, particularly quartz veins with widths ranging
from 12 to 24 inches. Several of these narrow high-grade vein deposits are
located in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Quebec, in Ontario, the
Maritimes, South America, So uth Africa, Australia, China and Russia. "We want
to develop two distinct areas, precious metal production on our properties and
the licensing of our technology. "
From now to 2008, Rocmec plans on acquiring at least two other properties.
The first year's production target is 25,000 to 30,000 ounces, increasing to
40,000 to 50,000 ounces for the second year. Discussions with Canadian companies
are currently ongoing. One of the essential criteria in the selection of a
property is the presence of narrow quartz veins with high gold bearing content
measuring from 30 to 60 centimetres in width.
Rocmec's market capitalisation is currently 10 M$ and has injected not less
than 6 M$ in research and development, including geological work and site
preparation pertaining to the reopening of the Russian Kid site. Within the next
five years, Rocmec intends to export its technology to South Africa, the largest
platinum and gold producer in the world. But above all, states Donald Brisebois,
the objective is to produce 150,000 to 200,000 ounces per year, in addition to
obtaining contract agreements with Canadian companies in order to build a solid
base before going abroad. "This strategy also aims at reassuring our investors."
Although South Africa is one of the countries that represents enormous
potential, China is also a very promising country. "Its mining potential for
narrow vein deposits is also enormous as only 5% of the deposits have been or
are currently being developed with hardly any mechanization of operations. We
have filed a patent application for this country. "
Discussions have started with companies operating in Peru, United States and
in Morocco..
Canadian company
Rocmec is specialized in acquisition, exploration and development of narrow
high-grade gold bearing projects. The majority of its properties are located in
the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Quebec. In addition to the Russian Kid
property, Rocmec holds 100% interests in Montauban, Vauqueli n,
Courville-Maruska. Rocmec employs approximately 30 employees and operations
proceed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rocmec Mining Inc., 1 Holiday ave., suite 501, East Tower, Montreal,
(Quebec), H9R 5N3. Ph:(514)428-4185 Fax:(514)630-6989 Toll-Free:(888)576-2632
Web site: http://www.rocmecmines.com
Stock Symbol: TSX-Venture:RMI
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