Difference between revisions of "Mining"
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| − | '''Mining''' is the process of fetching | + | '''Mining''' is the process of fetching raw materials from the Martian [[natural resources]] for further processing. The fetched raw materials are frozen [[water]], [[minerals]], [[ore]] or the thin [[atmosphere]]. |
==Technology== | ==Technology== | ||
| − | Mining is an [[energy]] consuming job. Due to the | + | Mining is an [[energy]] consuming job. Due to the hostile environment the [[digging machine]]s are supposed to work [[automation|automated]] or remote controlled. |
==Surface Mining Methods== | ==Surface Mining Methods== | ||
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===Room and Pillar Mining=== | ===Room and Pillar Mining=== | ||
| − | In this method, large galleries are dug into the ore. Pillars of ore are left at regular intervals to support the | + | In this method, large galleries are dug into the ore. Pillars of ore are left at regular intervals to support the ceiling. After all the ore has been removed, these pillars may be removed through retreat mining, leading to the collapse of the chamber. This collapse may lead to surface subsidence. |
===Longwall Mining=== | ===Longwall Mining=== | ||
| − | Longwall mining begins with a long horizontal shaft. The roof is held up mechanically by moveable supports. One side of the shaft is mined along its entire length. As this mine progresses, the mechanical supports move | + | Longwall mining begins with a long horizontal shaft. The roof is held up mechanically by moveable supports. One side of the shaft is mined along its entire length. As this mine progresses, the mechanical supports move forward with the face. The old area of the mine is left unsupported, and allowed to collapse under its own weight, often leading to surface subsidence. |
==Emerging galleries== | ==Emerging galleries== | ||
The [[artificial cave]]s are a nice side effect. They can be used to expand the [[settlement]] with storage rooms, [[house|living rooms]], underground [[greenhouse]]s, gas container for [[energy storage]] or storage of [[:category:chemistry|chemicals]]. | The [[artificial cave]]s are a nice side effect. They can be used to expand the [[settlement]] with storage rooms, [[house|living rooms]], underground [[greenhouse]]s, gas container for [[energy storage]] or storage of [[:category:chemistry|chemicals]]. | ||
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| + | == Atmospheric Mining== | ||
| + | The Martian [[atmosphere]] might be used to get [[dust]], [[water]], [[carbon]] and other gaseous substances. See main article ''"[[Atmospheric mining]]"''. | ||
==Reference== | ==Reference== | ||
Revision as of 11:49, 28 October 2013
Mining is the process of fetching raw materials from the Martian natural resources for further processing. The fetched raw materials are frozen water, minerals, ore or the thin atmosphere.
Contents
Technology
Mining is an energy consuming job. Due to the hostile environment the digging machines are supposed to work automated or remote controlled.
Surface Mining Methods
Strip Mining
When resources are available close to the surface, a strip mine is the most efficient method of extraction. The layers of regolith covering the resource are taken away, and the exposed ore is mined. This method is also called open-pit mining.
Subsurface Mining Methods
When the natural resource lies far underground, it is far more efficient to dig tunnels to access the ore than to remove the overlaying rock and regolith. Since Mars has only about 38% as much gravity as Earth[1] people should be able to extend mines to a depth about 2.6 times as deep as on earth without the tunnel collapsing from hydrostatic pressure. This should allow the search for valuable minerals to a depth of more than 5 miles. There are many subsurface mining methods, and they are often used in conjunction with each other.
Drift Mines
Drift mining consists of primarily horizontal tunnels. These are most often dug into a hillside.
Slope Mining
Slope mining uses diagonal tunnels to access ore.
Shaft Mining
Vertical shafts are used in shaft mining.
Room and Pillar Mining
In this method, large galleries are dug into the ore. Pillars of ore are left at regular intervals to support the ceiling. After all the ore has been removed, these pillars may be removed through retreat mining, leading to the collapse of the chamber. This collapse may lead to surface subsidence.
Longwall Mining
Longwall mining begins with a long horizontal shaft. The roof is held up mechanically by moveable supports. One side of the shaft is mined along its entire length. As this mine progresses, the mechanical supports move forward with the face. The old area of the mine is left unsupported, and allowed to collapse under its own weight, often leading to surface subsidence.
Emerging galleries
The artificial caves are a nice side effect. They can be used to expand the settlement with storage rooms, living rooms, underground greenhouses, gas container for energy storage or storage of chemicals.
Atmospheric Mining
The Martian atmosphere might be used to get dust, water, carbon and other gaseous substances. See main article "Atmospheric mining".
Reference
- ↑ McGRAW-HILL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF Science & Technology, 8 th edition, vol. 10 (c) 1997 page 527
