The topic of this master's thesis is the investigation of alternative mining methods for iron mica mining in Waldenstein, Carinthia. The method currently used there is a traditional cut and fill mining method. This is no longer considered up-to-date and is not economical in this way. In addition, Kärntner Montanindustrie GmbH is obliged to comply with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Raw Materials Master Plan 2030. These circumstances make modernization unavoidable. In addition, the necessity of small-scale mining in Europe is discussed and the definitions and differences between modern small-scale mining (SSM) and large-scale mining (LSM) and artisanal mining (ASM) are explained.
For this purpose, an evaluation scheme based on the template of A. Nieto (2010) is created, which contains the most important parameters of the deposit. Based on these parameters, the selection can be limited to a few mining methods. The result of the evaluation shows two mining methods. One is modern cut and fill mining, the other is raise mining. Both methods are discussed in detail, followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages. In the end, the result is a technical consideration and does not consider any economic or social aspects in the further decision-making process.
In the practical part of the thesis, a concept of the new ore body and a new access drift is created using the Surpac mine planning software. In addition, the mining plans are brought up to date.
As KMI does not yet have any rock or rock mass parameters, additional laboratory tests are being carried out to determine the rock parameters that will be used in the evaluation. Only the compressive strengths of the available rocks are included in the evaluation. The compressive strengths are 96.8 MPa for marble, 208.2 MPa for gneiss and 36.4 MPa for micaceous iron ore. The other parameters determined are
- Tensile strength (Brazilian test)
- Modulus of elasticity
- Poisson's ratio
- Ultrasonic velocity
- Density
These parameters serve as the basis for further rock mechanics investigations. These are prerequisites for the use of any planning and simulation software in modern mining.