Stone block mining process

(1) Overburden stripping: This is the process of removing the loose soil and non-mineralized rock layers covering the ore to facilitate ore extraction. Currently, most mines use manual stripping, with only some sites employing mechanical stripping methods such as bulldozers and wheel loaders.

 

(2) Separation: This is the second process, separating the stripped rock from the original ore layer. Limited by current mining scale and production methods, mining primarily relies on two methods: manual drilling and splitting, and controlled blasting. Manual splitting involves traditional manual drilling and wedge driving. This method is relatively labor-intensive and inefficient, but it offers a high yield rate and facilitates reshaping. Controlled blasting involves drilling with a handheld pneumatic drill and controlled blasting with black powder or small cartridges.

 

(3) Overturning: This involves turning the stripped rock over to facilitate its separation. Various overturning tools are available, including manual jacks, hydraulic rock-lifters, push-and-pull air bags, and traction methods. Currently, jacks and traction methods are primarily used in mines.

 

(4) Disassembly and Segmentation: This involves breaking up rough blocks or blocks into the desired size. Disassembly and segmentation methods are similar to separation methods, primarily employing manual wedge driving, drilling and splitting, and controlled blasting.

 

(5) Shaping: Shaping involves processing the rough blocks into finished blocks of the desired size. Shaping methods include manual hammering, small handheld drills, handheld rock drills, beaded diamond wire saws, and shaping machines. Currently, simple methods such as manual hammering and chiseling are primarily used in mines, without mechanical intervention.

 

(6) Lifting and Loading: This involves loading the processed blocks onto transport vehicles. A variety of lifting tools can be used. Currently, mines mostly use mast cranes, though a few mining sites also utilize truck cranes, loaders, and crawler cranes.

 

(7) Debris Removal: This involves transporting unfinished blocks away from the processing site.