11389 - Technical characteristics of the exploitation of Zeolite

N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Vicky Baklessi

In order not to be any comparative framework with other exploitation, it is good to know the technical characteristics of the exploitation of zeolite in Thrace, since now it is known that all institutions are aware that it must move ahead and actually dynamically. The exploitation of the zeolite mine will indeed be open cast, since access is direct and will be implemented with the method of vertical successive levels of open excavation which is now known. The mining method of the stone is conducted with the help of a reverse bucket excavator . The entire system’s operation performance requires three open surfaces, so that the machinery operate seamlessly. This arrangement allows also control of the forefronts of the mining. Also the role of a wheel loader is necessary for the removal of material through a truck from the forefronts of the extraction. This process requires only one reverse bucket excavator, a wheel loader and a truck , since the mining of the material doesn’t use explosives. Regarding the rocky lands, the road in use to access the zeolite mine is of good patency. From the beginning of the method, a dirt road will be opened of 6 meters width and 50 cm depth which will cross the mine and will be used as an inside access road, so that the exploitation begins from the height of the highest first level. The deforestation of the mine area will be conducted in stages using the typical method following the progress of the exploitation levels. Because of the area under study there are no sterile materials of other formation but a fine layer of ground material, there will be no stripping works. In the mine’s full development there will be seven levels in total in the north west part and eight levels in the south west part of the mine. The highest level will have a deck at the height of 280 meters and afterwards they follow the next eight in descending height difference per 8 meters. So the clear geometrical characteristics of the levels are 8 meters high, 45˚ angle and 12 meter wide during the operation phase and 6 meters in final formation. The technical analysis of this approach has in summary the following benefits: greater productivity, increased capacity for deforestation of the field, better control of the mined raw materials, better working conditions for personnel, safety due to no use of explosives and of course small cost. Finally it must be noted that around the mine area there are no archaeological sites, protected regions, touristic regions or projects of common benefit.