METHOD OF PREPARING INUNDATED KIMBERLITE PIPE FOR UNDERGROUND MINING IN REGIONS WITH COLD CLIMATE Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: mining industry. SUBSTANCE: method may be used in underground mining of kimberlite pipes in regions with cold climate, for instance, Yakut diamond deposits. The method includes erection of water-impermeable pillar in the form of artificial frozen rock mass by drilling holes, installation of pipes of freezing circuit in them, passage of coolant from freezing circuit during subzero ambient temperature on surface. Driven round kimberlite pipe and main and auxiliary mine shafts is working in helical line downward for drilling holes of freezing circuit grouped in sections. Each section is connected through holes drilled from surface with freezing circuit on day surface, Beginning of spiral is located in permafrost zone above rock mass of water bearing horizon. Driving of underlying spiral is carried out in frozen rock mass from working of overlying spiral. EFFECT: higher efficiency of preparation of inundated kimberlite pipe by freezing of water-bearing rock mass. 3 dwg