Application of air reverse circulation casing-following continuous sampling technology in low-grade mineral exploration of waste dumps

Abstract:

This paper systematically discusses the application value and technical route of air reverse circulation casing-following continuous sampling technology in low-grade mineral exploration of waste dumps. This technology integrated the techniques of air down-the-hole（DTH） hammer rock breaking， casing-following for wall protection， and reverse circulation sampling， and is suitable for complex unconsolidated strata with the advantages of high efficiency， precision， and environmental sustainability. Through the low-grade magnetite exploration project in the Xinjiang Jinbao waste dumps， the equipment selection， drilling parameters， and operational measures are analyzed in this research. The results indicated that this technology significantly enhances drilling efficiency and sampling representativeness， achieving an average mechanical efficiency of 24.28 m/h and an overall rock powder recovery rate of over 60%， which provides reliable technical support for resource exploration at waste dumps and holds significant potential for broader application.