Slow Releasing Energy Material Agent for rock fragmentation: sustainable approach for mineral and energy recovery

Rising global demand for energy and minerals, driven by population growth and a transition to cleaner energy, has heightened the need for more sustainable resource extraction methods. Conventional mining techniques, such as explosive blasting, pose environmental risks and are energy-intensive. An innovative solution involves employing Slow Releasing Energy Material Agent (SREMA) for breaking orebodies deep underground. SREMA expands upon hydration, generating pressure within predrilled boreholes. This pressure induces fractures in surrounding rock, revealing embedded ores or energy sources. Modified SREMA ensures energy efficiency, achieving a maximum expansive pressure of 68 MPa at 25°C, while mitigating environmental impact by minimising calcium leaching.