NXCO Mining Technologies - NoneX™ Non-Explosive Rock-Breaking Technology

NXCO was formed in 2001 to develop and commercialise non-explosive rock-breaking technology for use in global mining and civil applications. NXCO has grown from grass roots to become a leading developer and global distributor of non-explosive rock-breaking products.

NONEX SENSITIVE ROCK-BREAKING METHOD

NoneX is a sensitive rock-breaking method developed for the mining and civil excavation industries by NXCO Mining Technologies. NoneX is a non-detonating rock-breaking cartridge that uses gas pressure to break the rock. The cartridge contains proprietary technology which enhances the transfer of energy into the rock to increase its rock-breaking efficiency.

NON-DETONATING ROCK-BREAKING CARTRIDGE

The NoneX technology is based on a non-detonating compound enclosed in a cartridge, which reacts very quickly when ignited to produce high volumes of harmless gas, mainly consisting of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. When the cartridge is sealed in a drill hole, the gas pressurises the sides of the drill hole to produce a shearing of the rock often called splitting.

BREAK ROCKS IN SIX SIMPLE STEPS

The NoneX technology rock-breaking method can be summarised in six steps:

1. Short holes of the relevant diameter are drilled at a depth of 0.5m to 2m
2. The cartridge is placed at the bottom of the hole
3. Stemming is used to firmly tamp the NoneX cartridge in the hole
4. Once all the holes are charged, the area is cleared for a distance of at least 30m and guards are posted to prevent inadvertent access
5. The cartridge wires are attached to a firing cable, which is connected to the NoneX initiator
6. The NoneX cartridges are fired from a safe position

NONEX NON-DETONATING TECHNOLOGY VS TRADITIONAL EXPLOSIVES

There are many differences between NoneX cartridges and traditional explosives. Explosives can explode in their packaged state whereas NoneX cartridges cannot. Explosives are designed to detonate whereas NoneX cartridges are designed to deflagrate.

Traditional explosives produce a destructive shockwave, giving rise to high vibration levels that damage the surrounding rock mass, whereas NoneX cartridges produce a controllable pressure wave with low vibration levels.

The rockbreaking event produced by traditional explosives is a largely uncontrolled, violent event producing large amounts of flyrock, noxious gases and dust. The deflagration of a NoneX cartridge confined in a drill-hole is a controlled event which produces minimal fly rock, low concentrations of noxious gases and negligible amounts of dust.

Rock breaking using NoneX cartridges can be carried out continuously with re-entry periods measured in seconds whereas explosive blasting using conventional explosives requires the mine to be evacuated for up to four hours after each blast.

NONEX NON-DETONATING CARTRIDGE CLASSIFICATION

The NoneX cartridge is classified according to the United Nations Classification of Hazardous Substances as a Division 1.4 S hazardous substance. The UN classification system is used by most countries of the world to classify hazardous products according to the danger that each of the products poses whilst in storage and transport.

The 1.4 S classification that applies to NoneX cartridges is the same classification as that applied to small arms ammunition. The NoneX cartridge was tested by a UN-accredited testing agency and subsequently classified under UN1.4S as a cartridge power device.

WHY CHOOSE NONEX NON-EXPLOSIVE ROCK-BREAKING METHODS?

• Safer storage and handling - non-explosive
• Low vibration levels - no detonation
• No shockwave concussion effects
• No damage to support or infrastructure
• Reduced overpressure
• Reduced noise
• Low fumes and dust
• Localised clearance - no need for evacuation
• Minimal flyrock