An integrated approach to strip mining of peat

Abstract

The innovative technology of peat extraction promoting power and resource-saving is offered. Completeness and complexity of peat field useful components extraction are provided on the basis of the nature protection principles of rational environmental management. Strip mining is the mining of a relatively flat field. Preparing the area after its drainage involves a basic series of technological procedures: collecting of wood wastes and removing to the storage, deep milling of the top layer; small wood residues collecting and removing to the area; field surface leveling and profiling (7 peat machines). Preparing the area after its drainage with the excavation of the top layer involves another series of technological procedures: collecting of wood wastes and removing to the storage, deep milling of the top layer; collecting and removing to the storage material for the top layer; field surface leveling and profiling (5 peat machines). In the proposed flowsheet with deep peat milling the top layer is loosened and mixed (roots of trees, shrubs, parts of grass and moss vegetation, woodchips, peat of small decomposition degree). Then the whole layer is removed from the peat field for special treatment. For peat production, there is an undisturbed peat deposit surface, clear of a waste layer.