Research into electro-hydraulic blasting impact on ore masses to intensify the heap leaching process

Purpose. Substantiating the main explosive impulse parameters and determining the dependences of metal recovery during forced loosening and shaking of the ore mass by an electro-hydraulic blasting to intensify the heap leaching process. Methods. The experimental laboratory studies have revealed the dependences of the discharge energy influence on the blasting pressure at various parameters of the discharge capacity and inductance, as well as the change in the metal content in the productive solution when the ore mass is exposed to an electro-hydraulic blasting. Findings. A research methodology using the models of the electro-hydraulic blasting impact on the ore mass is proposed. In addition, the similarity criteria have been substantiated, which make it possible to study the nature of shaking and loosening under various loading parameters. It has been determined that using the method of influencing the ore mass with an electric discharge in a liquid increases the degree of metal recovery from the ore during heap leaching and increases the rate of the solution penetration into the depth of the ore mass. When using the method of loosening the ore mass by artificial shaking, the recovery of copper increases by 10-15% and the leaching time decreases by 1.5 times. Originality. It has been determined that due to the possibility of regulating the electric discharge capacity in the required range during blasting operations, loosening and additional crushing of the ore mass occurs; fractures are formed in lumpy ores, which contribute to an increase in the rate of leaching solution infiltration. Practical implications. The proposed technology makes it possible, without dismantling the equipment and irrigation communications, to perform additional loosening of the ore mass and increase the rate of the leaching process, as well as significantly reduce the time of the technological process.