Granite rock mining involves several steps to extract the raw stone from the earth and process it into usable slabs or blocks for construction, monuments, and decorative purposes. Here’s an overview of the granite mining process:
1. Exploration & Site Selection
– Geological Surveys: Identify granite deposits using satellite imagery, geological maps, and core drilling.
– Quality Assessment: Test samples for color, grain size, hardness, and structural integrity.
– Reserve Estimation: Determine the volume of commercially viable granite.
2. Land Acquisition & Permitting
– Obtain mining leases and environmental clearances from government authorities.
– Ensure compliance with local regulations on land use, water management, and waste disposal.
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3. Site Preparation
– Clear vegetation and topsoil to expose the granite bedrock.
– Construct access roads for heavy machinery and transportation.
4. Extraction Methods
Granite is extracted using different techniques depending on deposit depth and block size requirements:
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# A) Open-Pit Mining (Quarrying)
– Used for large-scale commercial granite extraction.
– Heavy machinery (excavators, bulldozers) removes overburden (soil & loose rock).
# B) Wire Saw Cutting
– A diamond-wire saw cuts through granite blocks with precision.
– High-pressure water jets may assist in cooling and debris removal.
# C) Drilling & Blasting (Limited Use)
– Controlled blasting is sometimes used to break large granite masses into manageable blocks (less common due to risk of cracks).
# D) Channel Drilling
– Vertical holes are drilled along a straight line to split granite using wedges or hydraulic expanders.
5. Block Separation & Lifting
– Large granite blocks (often 20–60 tons) are separated using hydraulic splitters or feather wedges.
– Cranes or heavy loaders lift blocks onto trucks for transport to processing plants.
6. Transportation
– Blocks are transported via trucks or rail to fabrication units or ports for export.
7. Processing & Finishing
At processing facilities:
1. Cutting: Gang saws or wire saws slice blocks into slabs of desired thickness (e.g., 2cm, 3cm).
2. Polishing: Automated polishing machines give granite a glossy finish using abrasives (resin polishing for enhanced durability).