Comminution Flowsheet Energy Requirements of a New Narrow-Vein Mining Method

George, Judith; Cramm, Allan; Butt, Stephen

doi:10.3390/en18123119

Open AccessArticle

Comminution Flowsheet Energy Requirements of a New Narrow-Vein Mining Method

by

Judith George

¹,

Allan Cramm

² and

Stephen Butt

^1,*

¹

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada

²

Novamera Inc., Oakville, ON L6H 5S9, Canada

^*

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Energies 2025, 18(12), 3119; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123119

Submission received: 7 February 2025 / Revised: 22 April 2025 / Accepted: 7 May 2025 / Published: 13 June 2025

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Mining Technology)

Download

Browse Figures

Versions Notes

Abstract

Narrow-vein deposits have historically been valuable in producing gold, tin, copper, silver, lead, and zinc. Developing these mineral resources is sometimes challenging due to economic and safety concerns. Given the small to medium scale of production, narrow-vein mining could be labor-intensive with increased exposure of the miners to hazardous conditions. A safe, mechanized, efficient, and sustainable method can be invaluable to operators looking to develop narrow-vein mineral resources. The comminution circuit (consisting of crushing and grinding) is downstream of most mineral resources’ extraction processes. Comminution is significantly energy-intensive, consuming almost half of the energy supplied to a mineral-processing activity. Thus, several engineers have investigated the continued development of sustainable narrow-vein mining and comminution technologies. This journal article focuses on a developed innovative, safe, mechanized, and continuous narrow-vein mining technology that has further made accessing narrow-vein deposits more economically feasible and efficient while reducing dilution of ores. The article also extensively presents the impact of this new mining approach on the daily production of the operation and the observed particle size distributions of the day-to-day operational output. Subsequently, the article evaluates and presents the impact of the new procedure of mineral extraction on the resultant size of the cuttings generated as well as the expected energy input of the comminution process downstream of the mining operation. The novelty of the mining method upon which this work is based is improved capital expenditure and reduced dilution. With the new mining method, otherwise-uneconomic narrow-vein deposits can be accessed.

Keywords:

narrow-vein mining; particle size distribution; coarseness index; particle shape; large diameter drilling; comminution; energy

1. Introduction

Narrow-vein deposits are thin tabular orebodies which occur in intermediate and steeply dipping fissures and fractures. These veins are typically classified as seams whose widths lie between 0.1 and 3 m (sometimes up to 6 m) with dip ranging from 20–55° or exceeding 55° [1,2,3,4]. Narrow veins are sources of important minerals like silver, gold, tin, and uranium. Narrow-vein operations are located all over the world—Europe, Australia, Asia, South America, Canada, and Africa [5].

There are several narrow-vein mining methods which include cut-and-fill, mechanized cut-and-fill, room-and-pillar mining, shrinkage stoping, longitudinal retreat mining, sublevel longhole, and open-stope method [4,5]. Some are labour-intensive (e.g., shrinkage stoping), while others require high initial capital expenditure (e.g., sublevel longhole and cut-and-fill—mechanized) [4]. The dominant narrow-vein mining method in Australia and Canada is longhole stoping [2], while the recorded methods in South African mines are the conventional room-and-pillar and longhole stoping [6]. Over the last two decades, there has been a shifting trend from traditional small-scale narrow-vein mining methods to mechanized methods [2,6,7]. Longhole-stoping method, a highly mechanised method, results in reduced mining costs per tonne and increased rate of production; however, it leads to increased dilution, which impacts the ore grade as well as the overall cost of mineral processing. As such, careful consideration is given in the selection of the mining method. Narrow-vein mining methods can be classified into three categories: “conventional” labour-intensive methods, mechanized methods, and steep narrow coal longwall techniques [8]. The choice of the narrow-vein mining method depends on the nature of the orebody (geometry, depth, and orientation). It is also critical to select a mining method that minimizes dilution.

While the conventional narrow-vein mining methods result in reduced dilution of the produced ore and require low capital expenditure, they are associated with high operating expenditure. Dilution is the process by which non-ore materials contaminate ore pilot material during the mining process [9]. Hence, dilution lowers the recovered ore compared to the in-situ ore and increases the ore-processing cost. Development of narrow- vein deposits are thus considered challenging because of the small lateral extent of the deposit, the significant cost of evaluating the resources, the high cost of mining, and the resultant low profit margin [1]. Additional challenges to mining narrow-vein deposits arise from the width of the deposit, its geometry, and the interaction of the narrow-vein deposit with the neighbouring rock mass [7].

Recently, there has been an identified application of rotary drilling in the sustainable mining of narrow-vein deposits. Using this large-diameter rotary drilling method, selective extraction of narrow-vein deposits with resultant minimal dilution can be achieved. While every rotary drilling combines rock indentation and rotary cutting under a static applied compressive load to continually remove rock surfaces, the drilling setup varies according to the intended application. In a raise-boring operation, a vertical or inclined shaft is excavated. A pilot hole is drilled downward to achieve this, followed by back reaming. In a tunnel-boring application, the tunnel-boring machine excavates a horizontal underground tunnel. The difference in the drilling setups could explain why the research on large-diameter drilling performance falls under two main categories: raise boring machine or tunnel boring machine performance and optimization. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the drilling performance of tunnel boring machines and raise boring machines [10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18].

The recently proposed application of large-diameter drilling in mining narrow-vein deposits will result in the feasible development of otherwise uneconomic deposits. This ore-extraction method is a continuous, mechanized, safe, and sustainable method. This large-diameter drilling (LDD) method may be completed in one pass using a pile-top drilling rig; or in two passes using pilot-hole drilling with a diamond drilling rig (or coring) and large-diameter drilling (equivalent to forward reaming) with a pile-top drilling rig. Unlike the tunnel boring application, mining by drilling can be used for steep, narrow veins. Though the raise boring might resemble the LDD technique in its ability to produce a vertical or an inclined shaft, the large-diameter hole is created through back reaming. A patented steerable system has been developed to replace the pilot hole approach. Table 1 shows the cost comparison of the narrow-vein mining methods.

Three critical differences in these three different approaches of large-diameter drilling are the direction of the axis of the drilled hole, the source of the resultant normal force applied on the rock face, and the evacuation mode of the generated rock cuttings. Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) bore horizontal tunnels, raise boring machines (RBMs) bore vertical or inclined shafts through back reaming, while this LDD technique drills an inclined hole along the length of an ore body. The entire normal force applied on the rock face during rock excavation by the TBM or the RBM results from the applied machine thrust.

On the other hand, the effective normal force applied during the LDD technique for mining application depends on the applied machine thrust, the buoyed weight of the drilling assembly, and the frictional forces resulting from the axial and rotary motions of the drillstring. The rock excavated (muck) in tunnel boring is removed dry through a belt conveyor system. The excavated rock which is generated through raise boring is removed dry at the lower level of the mine using a conveyance system. In contrast, the rock cuttings resulting from the LDD drilling technique are circulated to the surface during the drilling operation through direct flush with water or airlift-assisted reverse circulation methods. This work delves into the size and shape of the cuttings resulting from this new narrow-vein mining method. Additionally, this work will present the observed impact of the size of the generated rock cuttings on the energy required for comminution during mineral processing.

Evaluation of size and shape of cuttings generated during rotary drilling gives valuable insight into the performance of the rock-cutting process. The cutting size increased with increasing weight-on-bit for all the bits used [20]. The researchers observed that the efficient drilling (identified by optimal specific energy consumption) produced large cuttings. The penetration rate using the degree of coarseness, cuttings dimensions, and mean particle size was estimated to understand the particle sizes [21]. Several drill cuttings samples collected during a percussive drilling operation were sieved to get particle size distribution.

Computed values of particles’ mean size, coarseness index (a non-dimensional index obtained with the sum of cumulative weight percentages of a particular size), and specific surface areas regressed against drilling penetration rates. The note shows that the rate of penetration increases as the coarseness index and mean size diameter increase. On the other hand, the penetration rate decreased as the specific surface area increased. Finally, using the multi-regression method, a relationship between penetration rate, coarseness index, and mean particle radius was established [21]. The measured rates of penetration were plotted against the estimated penetration rates, with the results showing a good fit, thus validating the predicted penetration rate model.

Through laboratory experiments, some researchers showed the relationship between coarseness index and the specific energy for cutting tests conducted on different rock samples with varying diameters of cutters (conical cutter, V-shape disc cutter, constant cross-section disc cutter, and chisel picker cutter) [22]. They showed that the specific energy decreased with increasing coarseness index for all considered rock samples. They also showed that the coarseness index increased as the depth of cut increased. Ultimately, the authors established relationships between specific energy and coarseness indices for different rocks and disc cutters.

The connection among the mechanical specific energy, cuttings morphology, and PDC cutter geometry was further illustrated [23]. Through experimental methodology, the authors sought to evaluate the effect of cutting geometry on mechanical specific energy and the relationship between the structure of the cuttings and drilling parameters. From the drill-off tests carried out on confined Carthage Marble rock at varying rotary speeds and depths of cuts, the authors showed an inverse relationship between the mechanical specific energy (MSE) and depth of cut. They also showed that the MSE decreased as the minimum particle size increased. However, they could not establish a relationship between MSE and maximum particle size.

Other researchers used photographic analysis to determine the particle size of cuttings generated during the boring of a 6.3 m diameter exploration tunnel in a hard rock using the open tunnel boring machine [24]. They then went on to show a relationship between the coarseness index and several drilling parameters (normal cutter force, penetration rate, specific energy, and field penetration index). In addition to being valuable in the prediction and evaluation of the rotary drilling performance, the results of cuttings size analyses provide key inputs for designing the milling circuit and predicting the required energy for the system.

This study presents the cuttings sampling strategy noting the various sources along the circulation circuit, the cutting inventory, the different applied methodologies of cuttings size analysis, the particle size distribution of all the cuttings samples, and the results of the compositional analyses of some fine samples.

Comminution consumes at least forty percent of the energy utilized in mineral processing activity [25]. These most-used size–energy models are premised on the dependence of comminution energy requirement on the effective particle size of the product of the milling device [15]. These models, shown in Equations (1)–(3), were developed by Rittinger, Bond, and Kick, respectively [25].

e = W (\frac{1}{r_{p}} - \frac{1}{r_{f}})

(1)

e = 10 \times W (\frac{1}{\sqrt{r_{p}}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{r_{f}}})

(2)

e = W L n (\frac{r_{f}}{r_{p}})

(3)

An updated model is shown in Equation (4) [25]. With published data, the researcher developed a relationship for the exponential function, f(r). Equation (5) shows how f(r) is computed.

e = W (\frac{1}{r_{p}^{f}} - \frac{1}{r_{f}^{f}})

(4)

f (r) = f = \frac{1}{2} {(\frac{r}{r_{o}})}^{- 1} + \frac{1}{3}

(5)

where e = specific energy (enthalpy) (kilowatt hours per metric ton), W = Work Index (kilowatt hours per metric ton), r_p = P80 (μm), r_f = F80 (μm), and r_o = model parameter = 60 μm.

After presenting the particle size analysis of the collected cuttings samples, this work will evaluate the impact of these cuttings’ sizes on comminution energy requirements during mineral processing.

2. Materials and Methods

Figure 1 shows the circulation system for the airlift-assisted cuttings evacuation method and rock cuttings sampled at various points along the circulation circuit—effluent line (1) ahead of the settling tank (2) and sedimentation tanks (3).

Figure 2 shows the effluent line (Sampling Point 1) and the settling pit tank (Sampling Point 2). The cuttings sampled from Point 1 (Effluent Line) represent the size of the produced cuttings at different depths; the research team mapped these depths to the lithology drilled, the applied drilling parameters, and the circulation mode. The field operations team collected these cuttings every 30 min during the daily drilling operation. Samples collected from Point 2 (Settling Pit) show the daily production (which would subsequently be the feed for mineral processing). The Geotube^® system is only used at the end of the project if there is need to remove solids suspended in water before releasing the water to the environment.

The sedimentation tank, which is downstream of the settling pit, is presented in Figure 3. The cuttings obtained from the four compartments of the sedimentation tank spanned across the entire 4-month drilling campaign. These cuttings provide insight into the cuttings’ separation capacity of the settling pit and into the quality of water (including the size of the suspended fines) recirculated into the well for reuse.

Section 2.1 presents the inventory of all the sampled cuttings obtained during the drilling trial.

2.1. Cuttings Inventory

Table 2 presents the cuttings inventory showing the different sampling sources of the cuttings. The cuttings sampled from Point 1 (different boreholes), shown in Appendix A Table A1, Table A2 and Table A3, were labeled by the research team to indicate the time of collection, borehole number (from which they were generated), and circulation mode. With these indicators, the other parameters (e.g., collection depth, lithology, and drilling parameters) can be deduced from the drilling data record (like ROP, flow rate) and core description. Cuttings samples obtained from Sampling Point are in Table A4 while Table A5 shows the inventory of the cuttings from Point 3.

Figure 4 shows the samples collected from Sampling Points 1–3.

2.2. Methodology for Cuttings Size Analysis

The decision on the method of particle size analysis for each cuttings sample depended on the nature of the cuttings and the maximum size of the particles. Table 3 presents the adopted ASTM test protocol based on the maximum size of the particle in the cutting sample. ASTM D6913/D6913-17: Standard Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis [27] provides the test method that employs the square sieve criterion in evaluating the particle size distribution of cuttings whose sizes range from 75 mm to 75 μm. The gradation, proportion by mass of various particle sizes, is presented as a table (sieve size and percent passing) or in graphical format (percent passing versus logarithm of the sieve size in mm).

This standard is vital for analysis of particle size distribution. The cuttings sample as required by the standard did not contain the following: fibrous peat, organic solvents, oil, asphalt, wood fragments, or cementitious components (e.g., cement, fly ash, and lime). ASTM D6913/D6913-17 documents the apparatus required for the test which include a standard sieve set, balances, mechanical sieve shakers, sieving containers, quartering accessories, and low-temperature drying oven. In this work, the US Standard Sieve Series was used. ASTM D6913/D6913-17 also stipulates guidelines for apparatus preparation, specimen preparation, sieving procedure, and results analyses and verification. The standard stipulates that no material should be retained on the top sieve in the finer sieve set (same size as the designated separating sieve). And when there is, the fractional percent retained shall not exceed 2%.

The sedimentation by hydrometer method is utilized to determine gradation for samples whose particle sizes lie between 75 μm and 0.2 μm. ASTM D7928-21e1: Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis provides guidelines for the quantitative determination of the gradation of fine-grained soils [28]. The particle size analyses results of the sedimentation method are presented as mass percent finer of this fraction versus the logarithm of the particle diameter. The sedimentation results are combined with the sieve analysis results to get a complete gradation curve. The apparatus for the sedimentation method includes the hydrometer, sedimentation cylinder, separation sieve, thermometric device, timing device, balance, drying oven, plate, specimen-mixing container, temperature-maintaining device, and dispersion apparatus. Section 10 of ASTM D7928-21e1 provides additional steps for the verification and preparation of apparatus—hydrometer, sieves, and sedimentation cylinder. Section 11 presents the procedure for the test while Section 12 shows the computational steps underpinning the resultant gradation curve. Sieving precision is not accurately defined for sieves for which 99% or more of the specimen passes. Sieving precision is dependent on the quantity of the specimen retained on the given sieve. Sieve overloading, particle shape, and gradation curve affect sieving precision. For sedimentation, the estimate of precision is typically based on the results from interlaboratory test programs. There is no reference accepted for bias for sieve analysis, and for sedimentation method as such, bias cannot be determined.

Table 3. Cuttings size analysis protocol.

Sample Source	Circulation Mode	Maximum Particle Size (mm)	Testing Protocol	Type of Particle Size Analysis Method	Sieve Sizes (mm)/ Principle
Sampling Point 1	Direct Flush (Shallow Depth)	4.75	ASTM D6913 /D6913-17	Single sieve-set sieving (Dry Method)	Single Sieve Set 4.75, 2.00, 0.85, 0.452, 0.25, 0.15, 0.106 and 0.075 mm
Sampling Point 1	Air Lift Assisted Reverse Circulation	75.00	ASTM D6913 /D6913-17	Composite Sieving (Dry Method)	Designated Separating Sieve 4.75 mm Coarser Sieve Set 75, 50, 37.5, 25, 19, 9.5, 4.75 mm Finer Sieve Set 4.75, 2.00, 0.85, 0.452, 0.25, 0.15, 0.106 and 0.075 mm
Sampling Point 2	N/A	75.00	ASTM D6913 /D6913-17 ASTM C702 /C702 M-11 [29]	Composite Sieving (Dry Method) For Unbiased Quartering from large sample bag	Designated Separating Sieve 4.75 mm Coarser Sieve Set 75, 50, 37.5, 25, 19, 9.5, 4.75 mm Finer Sieve Set 4.75, 2.00, 0.85, 0.452, 0.25, 0.15, 0.106 and 0.075 mm
Sampling Point 3	N/A	<75 μm	ASTM D7928-21E1	Sample was clumpy when dry but disintegrated on rubbing between two the thumb and the index finger	Leveraged terminal velocities based on Stoke’s law [28]

Figure 5 shows the setup of the single-sieve set sieving method, and it presents the different sieve sizes and the mechanical sieve shaker. As per the ASTM D6913/D6913-17 test standard, the pan and each sieve were first measured dry and empty, and their masses were recorded. Next, the sieves were arranged on the mechanical sieve shaker from coarsest to finest (top to down) with the empty pan below the finest sieve (75 μm). A known mass of cuttings sample, consistent with the recommended mass that will provide accurate results without overloading the sieve, was poured onto the topmost coarsest sieve (4.75 mm).

The sieve stack was covered with the lid and shaken (laterally and vertically) with the mechanical sieve shaker for 20 min. At the end of this sieving period, the mass of each sieve with the retained material was measured and documented. The percent passing for the single-sieve set sieving method was computed using the equation presented in page 23 of ASTM D6913/D6913M-17. The plot of percentage of the mass passing versus the logarithm of the sieve size (in mm) is the gradation of the cuttings sample. Samples obtained from Sampling Point 1 during air lift-assisted reverse circulation had particles whose sizes were up to 75 mm. In these instances, composite sieving was adopted with the designated sieve for splitting the sample into two fractions being 4.75 mm. Figure 6 shows the splitting of the sample ahead of the sieving of each sub-specimen. After the splitting of the specimen, each sub-specimen was sieved using a setup like that shown in Figure 5, with the difference being the size of the sieve in each sieve stack. Table 3 shows the size of sieves in the coarser sieve set and finer sieve set, respectively. The percent passing of the combined coarser and finer portions of the composite sieving method was computed using the equations presented on page 23 of ASTM D6913/D6913-17.

The cuttings samples collected from Sampling Point 2 (settling pit) over different days were quite large, and to obtain unbiased sample, ASTM C702/C702 M-11 was adopted. This standard recommended the use of a mechanical splitter as one of the methods for the unbiased reduction of large samples of cuttings to appropriate specimen size that can be tested utilizing the composite sieving method. Figure 7 presents the mechanical splitter that was used to obtain an unbiased specimen for composite sieve analysis. To test these samples, ASTM D6913/D6913-17 was also leveraged.

Two significant percentages are of note when quality-checking the results of a composite sieving process. These are the acceptable loss during washing or sieving and the acceptable fraction of finer portion retained. The acceptable loss during washing and sieving should be less than or equal to 0.5% of the original sieved mass. Without washing the coarser portion, this quantity corresponds to the mass of the coarser portion contained in the pan below the designated separating sieve (on completion of the sieving of the coarser portion). There should not be material retained on the topmost sieve of the finer sieve set (designated separating sieve). If there is, the fractional percentage retained should not be more than 2%. When this is the case, the percent passing data from the coarser sieve set will be accepted and used to determine the gradation of the cutting sample.

The samples collected from Sampling Point, the sedimentation tanks and Geotube^®, were fines whose particle size analysis could not be obtained by sieving. For these samples, sedimentation by gravity method, ASTM D7928-21E1, was adopted for gradation. Figure 8 shows the setup for the sedimentation method.

The sedimentation analysis is premised on the concept that the larger particles fall through a fluid faster than smaller particles. The governing equation for calculating the terminal velocity of a spherical particle falling through a static liquid is provided by the Stokes’ Law. As the terminal velocity is proportional to the square of the particle diameter, the particles are sorted by size with respect to time and position when settling in a container of liquid.

Using a hydrometer, the density of the suspension of the rock cuttings was measured to determine the quantity of particles in suspension at a specific time and position. The density of the cuttings–water suspension was dependent on the concentration and specific gravity of the cuttings’ fine particles as well as on the amount of dispersant added. As such, each hydrometer measurement at an elapsed time was used to calculate the percentage of particles finer than the diameter given by Stokes’ Law. The series of readings provides the distribution of material mass as a function of particle size.

2.3. (Mineralogical) Composition Evaluation Using X-Ray Diffraction

In addition to the particle size analysis conducted on the fines, X-ray diffraction was carried out on the fine samples obtained from the sedimentation tanks and the Geotube^®. This study was conducted at The Earth Resources Research and Analysis Facility (TERRA) at Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s Campus to ascertain the (mineral) composition of these samples. X-ray diffraction is a non-destructive method of analyzing crystalline substances. In this setup, the X-rays are generated when copper was bombarded with focused electron beams. While the X-ray source was moved, the sample to be evaluated was kept in a fixed position. Additionally, the scintillation detector was moved. As per the XRD procedure, a powdered fine cuttings sample was irradiated with incident X-rays, and the intensities and scattering angles of the X-rays leaving the materials were subsequently measured. Based on the diffraction pattern, the composition of the sample was analyzed [30,31].

At the conclusion of the X-Ray Diffraction, the raw data was analyzed using MDI JADE version 9.3, a software provided by TERRA. We use ICDD PDF-2 database. To check the minerals whose peak signatures match those observed in the samples, RDB Minerals Database (which is appropriate for rocks) was used. As several minerals were suggested by MDI JADE, a knowledge of the geochemistry of the field test site was gathered from the literature. Additionally, knowledge of the water treatment process was required for complete interpretation of the XRD raw data as inorganic constituents which are foreign to rock deposits might be present as peaks in the XRD results.

3. Results

3.1. Results of the Cuttings Size Analyses

The results of the cuttings size analysis conducted on the three hundred and three (303) samples obtained during the field trial are shown in this section. Table A6, Table A7 and Table A8 present the results of the particle size analyses conducted on the cuttings obtained from Sampling Point 1. Table A9 presents the gradation of cuttings collected from Sampling Point 2 while Table A10 shows the particle size distributions of the cuttings obtained from Sampling Point 3. A screen was used in the effluent line (at Sampling Point 1) to obtain cuttings from the high-velocity hole effluent, leading to the possible loss of some fines from the obtained samples at Sampling Point 1. Sampling Point 2 provides a representation of the daily production and is an improvement over Sampling Point 1. Future studies will develop robust methodology to obtain cuttings samples from high-velocity hole effluent.

To evaluate the difference between the daily cuttings obtained from Sampling Point 1 and those collected from Sampling Point 2, a composite sample was created to represent the cumulative daily cuttings obtained from Sampling Point 1. The results of the gradation of these daily composite samples are shown in Table A11. Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 11 illustrate the gradation curves for cuttings collected from different sampling points. The cuttings collected from Sampling Point 1 during air lift-assisted reverse circulation were of similar particle size distribution as those obtained from the settling pit (Sampling Point 2) and the daily composite created for Sampling 1. This is because all the samples resulted from air lift-assisted reverse circulation mode.

Table 4 presents the mechanical properties of the drilled rock mass in the field based on the analyzed cores obtained from the pilot holes. Cuttings generated between 0 and 7 m were evacuated through direct flush while those generated from deeper intervals were cleaned using the air lift-assisted reverse circulation method.

To compare the grain sizes of the differing sources, percentiles, coarseness index (a non-dimensional index), coefficient of uniformity, and the coefficient of curvature of the gradation curves were computed for each particle size distribution. From the cumulative percentage retained of each mass, the coarseness indices were computed using documented methodology [22]. The uniformity coefficient (C_u), an important shape parameter, is defined as the ratio of the sixtieth percentile (D₆₀) to the tenth percentile (D₁₀). The uniformity coefficient implies that the smaller the quotient, the more uniform the gradation of the cutting sample.

Another important shape parameter is coefficient of curvature (C_c), which is calculated with the equation shown below (D₃₀ is the thirtieth percentile). Equation (6) shows how C_c is computed.

C_{c} = \frac{{(D_{30})}^{2}}{(D_{10}) (D_{60})}

(6)

A sample with coefficient of curvature between 1 and 3 is considered well-graded provided the uniformity coefficient is more than 4 for gravel and more than 6 for sand. For mineral processing, the eightieth percentile (D₈₀) is a valued size parameter for computing energy requirements for comminution. These computed values are presented in Table A12, Table A13, Table A14, Table A15 and Table A16 and Figure A1. For samples collected from Sampling Points 1 and 2, for the same mechanical energy expended, the following can be observed as is shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13.

D_{50quartz vein} < D_{50 Mafic Massive Flow} < D_{50Deep Mafic Ash Tuff} < D_{50Shallower Mafic Ash Tuff}

CI _{quartz vein} < CI _{Mafic Massive Flow} < CI _{Deep Mafic Ash Tuff} < CI _{Shallower Mafic Ash Tuff}

While it will be expected that the weaker fractured quartzite drilled in the shallower intervals will result in large-sized cuttings, the major determinant of the cuttings size was the mode of evacuations of the drilled rock. Use of direct flush circulation method in the shallow intervals resulted in fine-sized cuttings while with air lift-assisted reverse circulation applied in the deeper interval, large-sized cuttings were obtained. Table 5 shows the computed percentile and shape parameters for cuttings collected from Sampling Point 3.

Additional insight can be drawn from Figure 3 when reviewing the results in Table 5 as doing so enables the reader to compare the tabulated results with the tank layout and the direction of fluid flow during circulation. The mean grain sizes of the particles from Tanks 2 and 4 are slightly larger than those from Tanks 1 and 3. This can be attributed to the progression of flow. The Geotube^® sample has larger particle sizes in all cases and this can possibly be due to flocculation of the grains resulting from water treatment.

In addition to the particle gradation analyses, the shape of some cuttings was analyzed. The shape and size of the cuttings have significant influence on cuttings transport, as the terminal velocity is proportional to the square of the particle diameter, where the particle is assumed to be spherical. As such, the degree of sphericity and the size of the cuttings are of importance. The geometry of the cuttings also enables the understanding of the efficiency of the drilling activity—hole cleaning and cuttings removal effectiveness and energy efficiency. The analysis of rock fragments produced in a laboratory cutting experiment showed that 85.6% of the selected cuttings were very platy and had very bladed shapes [32]. The longer the resident time of the cuttings in the hole, the longer they are reground with energy that would have otherwise been used for the cutting of fresh rock surface; and this newly applied energy is instead used to reduce the size of the previously produced rock fragments. Abrasion and selective transport during the drilling and cuttings transportation process affect the roundness and shape of the rock fragments [33]. The shape and roundness of some rock particles obtained during LDD were analyzed using Wadell’s rapid method for shape measurement [34,35]. Figure 14 shows the measurement of the particle diameters.

Subsequently, Zingg developed a system of classification of the particle shape as is shown in Table 6 below. This system was adopted to describe the shape of the sampled cuttings as is presented in Table 7. The classification shows that 57% of particles measured were formed in bladed shapes, 28.6% in rod-like shapes, and 14.3% in discoid shapes. Table 7 shows the outcome of the particle shapes evaluation.

The roundness of the rock fragment indicates the violence of transportation of the rock fragments [34]. The shape and roundness of rock particles, especially sediments, indicate the source of the deposit, as well as the transportation of the rock fragments to the final location [35].

3.2. Results of X-Ray Diffraction of Fine Cuttings Samples

The results of the composition analyses of these cuttings samples are shown in Figure A1, Figure A2, Figure A3 and Figure A4. The question marks besides the weight composition indicate that the user must be cautious in selecting the minerals from the suggested list. This was the reason why the authors of this article used the documented lithogeochemistry of the field test site prospect as well as the documented mineral occurrence in mafic and quartz veins to form the basis of the interpretation of the XRD results. Table 8 presents the summary of the results of the compositional analyses of these fine cuttings samples.

4. Discussion

The subsequent section provides the results of the particle size distribution analyses conducted on all the cuttings samples. To review the impact of these on mineral processing downstream of the mining site, the cuttings collected from the settling pit will be of interest. These cuttings represent the daily production and will eventually be transferred to the mineral processing plant. At the settling pit, effective separation is achieved as evidenced by the results of the gradation analysis conducted on the fines collected from the sedimentation tanks. As such, the particle size to be used will be those contained in Table A15. Table 9 shows that the jaw crusher can be bypassed entirely while the cone crusher can be used slightly. Alternatively, only the primary ball mill can be employed.

The calculated energy savings for the comminution is shown in Table 10. When the jaw crusher and the cone crusher are bypassed, the energy input savings will be 6.024 KWh/t. Based on the production rate of the LDD (100–400 tons/day), the estimated daily range of energy savings is 602–2410 KWh. This estimation adopts the Bond Work Index of quartz (13.57 KWh/t) and is based on Equations (4) and (5). At 95% availability of the comminution circuit and at 0.13 USD/KWh (average energy cost in Canada in 2023) [36], the estimated annual cost savings on energy will be USD 27,000–110,000.

While the authors of this technical work recognize that the energy had been applied in this new technology to drill the rock and evacuate the cuttings (including fluid circulation and air compression for air lift-assisted reverse circulation), they do not attempt to articulate the energy differential between conventional mining of the narrow-vein deposits and this proposed methodology for now, as that can be a subject of a future investigation. The value of this newly advanced method is its applicability in otherwise “uneconomical” narrow-vein deposits. This research demonstrates the additional value of this technology when mineral processing workflow is considered following the mining operations.

5. Conclusions

This study presented the justification for collecting drill cuttings during the drilling of the three large-diameter holes over the 4-month long field trial of the novel continuous mechanized narrow-vein mining method. The various sampling collection points along the circulation circuit and the inventory of three hundred and three (303) cuttings are shown presented. Next, the work delved into the adopted test standards applied in the particle size analyses of these cuttings’ samples. In addition to presenting these particle size distributions, the authors documented the relevant evaluation metrics of these cuttings’ gradations, e.g., percentiles (D10, D30, D50, D60, D80, D90), coefficients of uniformity and curvature, and coarseness index. From the results of these metrics, the efficiency of the cuttings separation system and water recycling were evaluated. The study concluded by demonstrating the impact of the resultant D80 size of cuttings on the energy requirement of the comminution process. Based on the results of the study, the comminution circuit does not need to include the jaw crusher. The estimated daily range of energy savings is 602–2410 KWh. At 95% availability of the comminution circuit and at 0.13 USD/KWh (average energy cost in Canada in 2023), the estimated annual cost savings on energy will be USD 27,000–110,000.

It is also worth mentioning that this study underlines the cost analysis presented for the large-diameter drilling in Table 1. Just as has been shown in Table 1, for relatively low capital expenditure, hitherto unrecoverable narrow-vein deposits can be mined continuously mechanically without a need for extensive mining infrastructure and without the need to send workers into the underground mine. This study demonstrates the additional value derivable from the use of large-diameter drilling technology in narrow-vein mining.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.B. and J.G.; methodology, J.G.; software, J.G.; validation, S.B., A.C. and J.G.; formal analysis, J.G.; investigation, J.G.; resources, A.C.; data curation, J.G.; writing—original draft preparation, J.G.; writing—review and editing, A.C. and S.B.; visualization, J.G.; supervision, S.B.; project administration, S.B.; funding acquisition, S.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The funding was provided by Novamera through the NSERC, MITACS and disbursed by the university.

Data Availability Statement

The results of the cuttings size analyses are available in the Appendix A.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the tremendous support received from the members of the Drilling Technology Laboratory at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Conflicts of Interest

Author Allan Cramm was employed by the company Novamera Inc. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Appendix A

Table A1. Inventory of cuttings from Sampling Point 1 in Large-Diameter Hole 1.

LD#	Circulation	Depth (m Along Hole)	Thrust (KN)	Rotary Speed (rpm)	Torque (KNm)	ROP (m/h)	Flow Rate (USgpm)	Air Flow Rate (m³/h)
1	DF	0.98	75.81	9.00	32.64	0.820	1938	-
1	DF	1.08	70.18	9.50	32.64	0.324	1718	-
1	DF	3.16	98.43	9.90	37.39	0.396	2045	-
1	RC	4.02	93.85	13.06	36.35	0.432	510	-
1	RC	4.14	97.64	13.11	40.03	0.432	509	-
1	RC	4.45	119.14	13.07	44.05	0.468	510	-
1	RC	4.56	119.10	13.15	47.94	0.504	514	-
1	RC	5.26	117.72	10.48	42.49	0.432	515	-
1	RC	6.08	159.60	14.20	36.46	0.350	815	-
1	RC	6.16	159.60	13.00	36.97	0.300	813	-
1	RC	6.23	159.60	13.90	37.47	0.600	812	-
1	RC	6.31	159.60	13.50	6.87	0.430	812	-
1	RC	6.65	155.61	14.60	46.59	0.510	342	-
1	RC	6.70	159.60	13.50	49.12	0.270	343	-
1	RC	7.50	195.51	12.10	38.49	0.270	887	-
1	RC	7.65	211.47	13.80	40.01	0.220	883	-
1	RC	7.80	219.45	12.70	40.01	0.220	891	-
1	RC	8.20	219.45	12.70	40.01	0.220	891	-
1	RC	8.40	239.40	15.20	42.03	0.220	889	-
1	RC	8.56	259.35	15.10	42.54	0.360	889	-
1	RC	8.86	279.30	16.20	49.63	0.440	889	-
1	RC	11.74	339.15	16.70	49.12	0.800	1158	-
1	RC	12.10	339.15	16.40	49.12	0.680	1154	-
1	RC	12.47	339.15	16.50	49.12	0.720	1158	-
1	RC	12.83	339.15	14.70	49.63	0.760	1154	-
1	RC	13.17	339.15	15.90	50.64	0.560	1154	-
1	RC	13.53	331.17	9.50	44.06	0.180	955	-
1	RC	13.70	339.15	15.50	54.18	0.510	1129	-
1	RC	14.02	331.17	14.80	52.16	0.640	1131	-
1	RC	14.24	359.10	14.60	51.15	0.160	1132	-
1	RC	14.75	359.10	16.00	52.16	0.680	1310	-
1	RC	15.08	279.30	16.40	49.63	0.660	881	-
1	RC	15.47	275.31	15.10	49.63	1.000	955	-
1	RC	15.93	275.31	17.60	51.65	0.920	956	-
1	RC	16.42	279.30	15.10	50.64	1.040	955	-
1	RC	16.80	279.30	15.40	50.64	0.800	954	-
1	RC	17.00	279.30	15.40	50.64	0.800	954.00	-
1	RC	17.59	295.26	16.10	56.21	1.060	957	-
1	RC	17.59	295.26	16.10	56.21	1.060	957	-
1	RC	18.15	279.30	17.70	52.67	1.240	959	-
1	RC	18.46	279.30	14.30	55.70	0.620	1078	-
1	RC	19.01	299.25	15.90	54.69	0.800	1070	-
1	RC	19.37	295.26	16.30	52.16	0.720	1129	-
1	RC	19.68	295.26	15.10	56.72	0.620	1132	-
1	RC	20.12	303.24	15.00	51.15	0.760	1129	-
1	RC	20.16	299.25	10.00	48.11	0.120	1165	-
1	RC	20.54	295.26	14.90	57.22	0.760	1155	-
1	RC	20.79	291.27	15.10	55.70	0.500	1051	-
1	RC	21.13	315.21	16.20	52.67	0.680	1053	-
1	RC	21.13	315.21	16.20	52.67	0.680	1053	-
1	RC	21.46	323.19	15.90	52.16	0.640	1120	-
1	RC	21.81	323.19	15.90	53.68	0.470	1138	-
1	RC	21.90	323.19	17.60	51.65	0.360	1138	-
1	RC	22.18	359.10	17.00	56.21	0.600	1199	-
1	RC	22.50	359.10	14.70	55.70	0.640	1201	-
1	RC	22.72	339.15	13.90	58.24	0.440	1199	-
1	RC	23.07	359.10	14.90	53.17	0.560	1199	-
1	RC	23.36	355.11	14.90	52.67	0.600	1259	-
1	RC	23.62	351.12	16.30	52.16	0.520	1262	-
1	RC	23.88	359.10	15.50	57.73	0.520	1255	-
1	RC	24.21	359.10	16.90	57.73	0.560	1251	-
1	RC	24.61	355.11	15.10	53.17	0.480	1822	-
1	RC	24.61	355.11	15.10	53.17	0.480	1822	-
1	RC	24.85	351.12	17.70	59.25	0.480	1807	-
1	RC	25.16	339.15	17.10	55.70	0.620	1829	-
1	RC	25.45	359.10	17.30	58.74	0.560	1838	-
1	RC	25.70	355.11	14.00	55.20	0.500	1831	-
1	RC	26.00	335.16	14.00	64.82	0.600	1830	-
1	RC	26.22	355.11	15.30	55.20	0.150	1876	-
1	RC	26.49	355.11	17.40	59.76	0.640	1874	-
1	RC	26.80	363.09	16.40	61.78	0.620	1867	-
1	RC	27.11	359.10	9.70	68.87	0.680	1865	-
1	RC	27.24	139.65	9.70	56.21	0.170	1892	-
1	RC	27.31	199.50	10.20	47.60	0.280	1831	-
1	RC	27.74	319.20	17.00	58.24	0.860	1867	-
1	RC	28.20	283.29	15.40	62.79	0.960	1845	-
1	RC	29.25	303.24	16.10	60.77	0.690	1866	-
1	RC	29.53	299.25	9.00	58.24	1.120	1856	-
1	RC	29.82	199.50	11.90	61.30	0.100	1389	-
1	RC	30.09	195.50	13.60	51.70	0.540	1386	-
1	RC	30.09	195.50	13.60	51.70	0.540	1386	-
1	RC	30.82	259.40	15.30	56.70	0.740	1392	-
1	RC	30.82	259.40	15.30	56.70	0.740	1392	-
1	RC	31.16	279.30	14.40	57.20	0.700	1395	-
1	RC	31.46	299.30	16.10	55.70	0.670	1391	-
1	RC	31.46	299.30	16.10	55.70	0.670	1391
1	RC	31.82	299.30	14.60	50.10	0.720	1386	-
1	RC	31.95	323.19	16.00	57.22	0.210	1384	-
1	RC	32.07	319.20	14.20	56.70	0.660	1386	-
1	RC	32.54	319.20	13.20	58.24	0.640	1378	-
1	RC	32.54	319.20	13.20	58.24	0.640	1378	-
1	RC	32.97	243.40	10.10	56.20	0.500	1383	-
1	RC	33.04	279.30	11.70	60.26	0.280	1458	-
1	RC	33.40	315.20	14.40	51.70	0.650	1486	-
1	RC	33.54	319.20	9.70	47.60	0.300	1486	-
1	RC	33.70	335.16	9.70	66.84	0.270	1390	-
1	RC	33.86	355.10	10.70	66.80	0.240	1390	-
1	RC	33.95	299.30	9.30	63.30	0.170	1382	-
1	RC	34.01	315.20	11.90	80.50	0.100	1544	-
1	RC	34.35	355.11	18.50	56.72	0.440	1545	-
1	RC	34.57	387.03	16.00	75.96	0.200	1540	-
1	RC	34.72	399.00	16.00	87.10	0.150	1950	-
1	RC	34.74	399.00	16.00	87.10	0.150	1950	-
1	RC	34.79	395.00	12.60	99.80	0.100	1920	-
1	RC	34.87	239.40	8.30	37.98	0.000	1548	-
1	RC	35.12	343.14	16.30	51.15	0.376	1541	-
1	RC	35.34	355.10	14.60	53.20	0.501	1541	-
1	RC	35.63	359.10	21.00	65.30	0.655	1594	-
1	RC	36.20	355.10	19.80	59.20	0.500	1602	-
1	RC	36.57	355.11	20.60	58.24	0.714	1590	-
1	RC	36.84	355.10	17.60	57.20	0.180	1391	-
1	RC	36.84	355.10	17.60	57.20	0.200	1391	-
1	RC	37.60	363.10	19.60	56.70	0.725	1391	-
1	RC	38.00	359.10	19.50	61.80	0.800	1391	-
1	RC	38.73	359.10	20.30	68.90	0.700	1392	-
1	RC	39.13	359.10	18.60	67.90	0.700	1587	-
1	RC	39.40	363.09	19.10	57.73	0.628	1391	-
1	RC	39.60	355.11	19.40	58.24	0.293	1587	-
1	RC	40.37	359.10	20.10	65.30	0.673	1533	-
1	RC	40.63	359.10	21.90	62.30	0.612	1530	-
1	RC	41.02	359.10	20.80	64.30	0.874	1535	-
1	RC	41.41	359.10	23.60	69.90	0.800	1536	-
1	RC	41.87	359.10	21.90	72.40	0.794	1532	-
1	RC	42.22	359.10	21.10	66.80	0.810	1533	-
1	RC	42.76	359.10	22.40	69.90	0.422	1674	-
1	RC	43.61	371.07	22.00	64.82	0.744	1584	-
1	RC	44.14	359.10	22.60	67.90	1.004	1584	-
1	RC	44.94	383.04	22.00	65.33	0.655	1591	-
1	RC	45.18	359.10	21.90	64.30	0.445	1590	-
1	RC	45.38	383.04	21.10	64.82	0.483	1581	-
1	RC	45.38	359.10	21.10	64.80	0.483	1581	-
1	RC	45.60	199.50	20.60	74.90	0.600	1606	-
1	RC	45.67	379.05	21.90	80.52	0.048	1394	-
1	RC	46.21	199.50	21.60	66.80	1.007	1599	-
1	RC	46.84	199.50	20.60	66.80	0.643	1686	-
1	RC	47.16	199.50	20.10	67.40	0.717	1699	-
1	RC	47.41	199.50	21.70	80.50	0.504	1696	-
1	RC	48.70	199.50	22.60	65.30	0.556	1877	-
1	RC	49.44	199.50	21.90	69.40	0.800	1878	-
1	RC	50.71	379.10	19.60	65.30	0.970	1897	-
1	RC	51.11	379.10	19.90	68.40	0.800	1892	-
1	RC	51.35	383.00	19.80	67.40	0.300	1894	-
1	RC	51.46	383.04	19.80	67.35	0.260	1886	-
1	RC	51.77	383.00	19.80	67.40	0.300	1904	-
1	RC	51.77	383.00	19.80	67.40	0.300	1904	-
1	RC	52.25	387.00	20.50	63.30	0.511	1904	-
1	RC	52.50	395.00	20.90	66.80	0.500	1911	-
1	RC	52.73	391.00	24.00	60.80	0.413	1894	-
1	RC	52.73	391.00	24.00	60.80	0.413	1894	-
1	RC	53.11	395.00	21.60	58.20	0.350	1907
1	RC	53.39	391.02	22.20	62.29	0.265	1913	-
1	RC	53.61	379.10	20.30	58.20	0.177	1899	-
1	RC	53.70	379.10	20.50	59.80	0.166	2091	-
1	RC	53.79	379.10	20.70	58.20	0.177	2088	-
1	RC	53.93	391.00	23.50	63.30	0.381	2095	-
1	RC	54.19	395.00	19.90	54.20	0.280	2002	-
1	RC	54.21	391.00	10.10	44.60	0.000	1919	-
1	RC	54.34	395.00	22.50	59.20	0.158	1914	2364
1	RC	54.44	391.00	21.40	58.20	0.187	1901	2478
1	RC	54.73	387.00	21.20	59.80	0.253	1814	2302
1	RC	55.03	403.00	28.60	64.80	0.382	1803	2506
1	RC	55.28	403.00	21.10	61.30	0.590	1810	-
1	RC	55.60	407.00	20.40	70.40	0.642	1811	-
1	RC	56.51	419.00	23.00	58.70	0.529	1807	2424
1	RC	56.51	419.00	23.00	58.70	0.529	1807	2424
1	RC	58.08	434.90	21.30	68.40	0.883	1784	-
1	RC	59.29	438.90	22.20	73.90	0.849	1904	-
1	RC	59.72	438.90	21.80	80.00	0.822	1885	-
1	RC	60.09	434.90	22.40	69.40	0.839	2004	-
1	RC	60.51	442.90	22.70	68.40	0.817	1997	2538
1	RC	60.56	442.90	21.90	72.90	0.115	1395	-
1	RC	61.51	438.90	22.40	72.90	0.930	1995	2588
1	RC	61.99	438.90	22.50	69.90	1.031	1987	2416
1	RC	62.51	438.90	23.30	76.00	0.984	1994	2418
1	RC	63.01	434.90	23.90	63.80	1.000	1959	-
1	RC	63.30	434.91	21.60	65.83	0.496	1780	2438
1	RC	63.39	434.91	19.40	70.90	1.193	2008	2327
1	RC	66.90	430.90	23.10	77.00	1.094	1803	2320
1	RC	67.43	454.90	22.60	82.00	1.087	1899	2560
1	RC	68.18	379.10	22.40	86.60	0.771	2006	2400
1	RC	69.20	438.90	23.40	72.90	1.126	1994	-
1	RC	69.38	367.08	20.70	83.05	0.183	1994	-
1	RC	70.82	371.07	21.60	87.10	1.293	1900	2518
1	RC	71.78	399.00	21.70	73.43	1.010	1831	-
1	RC	73.30	442.89	23.30	76.97	1.067	1798	2516
1	RC	74.44	434.91	22.20	73.93	0.938	1769	2598
1	RC	76.02	335.16	22.10	80.01	0.409	1485	-
1	RC	76.27	259.35	21.30	81.53	0.474	1813	-
1	RC	76.66	351.12	22.20	74.95	0.566	1959	-
1	RC	77.37	418.95	21.40	77.48	1.033	1963	-
1	RC	78.21	446.88	22.10	73.43	1.016	1979	-
1	RC	78.62	295.26	20.30	83.05	0.164	1351	-
1	RC	81.31	363.09	20.70	87.61	1.322	1999	2568

Table A2. Inventory of cuttings from Sampling Point 1 in Large-Diameter Hole 2.

LD#	Circulation	Depth (m AH)	Thrust (KN)	Rotary Speed (rpm)	Torque (KNm)	ROP (m/h)	Flow Rate (USgpm)	Air Flow Rate (m³/h)
2	DF	0.42	100	14.10	39.50	0.511	1770	-
2	DF	0.73	112	13.90	37.98	0.358	1757	-
2	DF	0.98	116	14.60	43.55	0.541	1837	-
2	DF	1.63	112	13.40	44.06	0.630	1842	-
2	DF	1.81	96	16.80	43.04	0.552	1869	-
2	DF	2.23	112	14.60	42.54	0.496	1869	-
2	RC	2.25	88	13.50	40.00	0.390	1274	1939
2	RC	2.38	52	13.50	34.44	0.381	576	-
2	RC	2.52	92	9.70	44.56	0.218	575	637
2	RC	2.65	48	11.50	31.90	0.234	576	2000
2	RC	2.85	100	13.40	32.92	0.454	574	1999
2	RC	3.06	96	13.30	32.41	0.389	572	2000
2	RC	3.23	160	11.70	33.42	0.489	569	2000
2	RC	3.23	156	13.40	32.92	0.689	572	2000
2	RC	3.82	108	12.90	43.55	0.543	572	1932
2	RC	4.13	160	12.40	41.02	0.588	576	2000
2	RC	4.43	120	14.40	41.02	0.640	574	2000
2	RC	4.68	120	14.90	36.97	0.497	574	2000
2	RC	5.12	239	14.60	95.20	1.070	576	2000
2	RC	5.39	120	8.80	75.45	0.216	577	2000
2	RC	5.46	52	7.60	95.71	0.044	576	2000
2	RC	6.04	192	22.20	48.11	0.691	573	-
2	RC	6.4	200	20.80	48.61	0.766	573	2584
2	RC	6.4	200	20.80	48.61	0.766	573	2584
2	RC	6.8	196	21.60	52.16	0.771	571	2592
2	RC	6.81	203	21.90	65.33	0.000	572	-
2	RC	7.09	215	21.40	54.18	0.773	568	-
2	RC	7.69	219	21.00	50.13	0.769	475	-
2	RC	7.98	219	25.40	53.17	0.446	475	-
2	RC	8.01	211	20.80	58.74	0.024	475	-
2	RC	8.22	311	20.90	70.39	0.392	473	2600
2	RC	8.51	335	25.00	52.67	0.731	472	2016
2	RC	8.88	335	21.70	51.65	0.805	470	-
2	RC	9.17	339	22.50	63.81	0.414	473	-
2	RC	9.9	463	14.60	58.74	0.564	607	-
2	RC	10.2	483	13.50	53.68	0.792	609	-
2	RC	10.61	479	13.90	50.64	0.823	609	-
2	RC	10.97	479	13.60	48.61	0.671	613	-
2	RC	11.79	479	12.70	57.22	0.859	609	2568
2	RC	12.14	439	13.20	47.10	0.612	540	2574
2	RC	12.46	515	14.70	53.17	0.668	538	2602
2	RC	12.66	519	14.40	56.72	0.688	510	-
2	RC	12.91	515	14.10	48.11	0.599	426	2602
2	RC	13.38	395	14.80	54.69	0.083	806	-
2	RC	13.66	479	13.80	59.25	0.654	709	2238
2	RC	13.88	479	11.10	50.64	0.280	590	2222
2	RC	14.24	523	13.50	64.82	0.154	586	1662
2	RC	15.18	519	14.90	50.64	0.797	286	1836
2	RC	15.18	519	14.90	50.64	0.797	286	1836
2	RC	15.45	519	14.90	55.70	0.609	286	1842
2	RC	15.71	479	13.40	79.00	0.455	447	1858
2	RC	16.08	327	11.10	51.65	0.355	455	1838
2	RC	16.32	319	12.70	49.63	0.453	514	1854
2	RC	16.32	319	12.70	49.63	0.453	514	1854
2	RC	16.59	303	13.50	92.67	0.487	514	1840
2	RC	16.59	255	13.50	52.67	0.389	482	2430
2	RC	16.69	279	15.80	49.12	0.404	481	2414
2	RC	16.83	299	14.00	50.13	0.537	481	2456
2	RC	17.15	295	13.20	54.69	0.658	484	2464
2	RC	17.45	323	13.00	44.56	0.700	486	2428
2	RC	17.82	387	13.00	51.65	0.829	465	2494

Table A3. Inventory of cuttings from Sampling Point 1 in Large-Diameter Hole 3.

LD#	Circulation	Depth (m Along Hole)	Thrust (KN)	Rotary Speed (rpm)	Torque (KNm)	ROP (m/h)	DOC (mm/rev)	Flow Rate (USgpm)
3	DF	1.95	32.0	3.6	10.63	0.336	1.556	517
3	DF	2.18	32.0	3.4	10.13	0.300	1.471	1895
3	DF	2.24	32.0	3.5	10.63	0.053	0.252	1874
3	DF	2.32	36.0	7.3	20.76	0.026	0.059	1470
3	DF	2.37	60.0	6.7	20.76	0.110	0.274	2116
3	DF	2.44	72.0	7.6	24.31	0.120	0.263	2616
3	DF	2.61	56.0	7.4	21.78	0.120	0.270	2431
3	DF	2.9	52.0	5.5	20.76	0.260	0.788	2378
3	DF	3.34	32.0	5.8	22.28	0.420	1.207	1859
3	DF	3.49	64.0	6.9	25.32	0.150	0.362	2038
3	DF	3.8	119.7	8	27.85	-		2400
3	DF	5.66	111.7	6.3	29.37	0.110	0.291	2550
3	DF	5.74	111.7	6.3	34.44	0.110	0.291	2200
3	DF	5.87	99.8	9.8	30.38	0.130	0.221	2200
3	DF	6.11	123.7	8.6	28.86	0.220	0.426	1850
3	DF	6.5	135.7	8.6	29.37	0.200	0.388	2400
3	DF	6.6	135.7	9.7	28.36	0.200	0.344	2307
3	DF	6.7	135.7	9.7	28.36	0.200	0.344	2460
3	DF	6.8	135.7	11	29.88	0.200	0.303	2460
3	DF	6.88	155.6	10.4	33.42	0.170	0.272	2400
3	DF	7.11	147.6	15.4	30.89	0.170	0.184	2400
3	DF	7.27	99.8	15.4	30.89	0.390	0.422	2400

Table A4. Inventory of cuttings from Sampling Point 2 in Large-Diameter Hole 1 and 2.

Date of Daily Production	LD#	Mode
11 October 2021	1	RC
12 October 2021
13 October 2021
14 October 2021
20 October 2021
21 October 2021
26 October 2021
27 October 2021
28 October 2021
29 October 2021
30 October 2021
1 November 2021
2 November 2021
3 November 2021
4 November 2021
28 November 2021	2
3 December 2021	2

Table A5. Inventory of cuttings from Sampling Point 3.

S/N		Remarks
1	Tank 1	Fine-sized
2	Tank 2	Fine-sized
3	Tank 3	Fine-sized
4	Tank 4	Fine-sized
5	Geotube^®	Fine-sized

Table A6. Results of particle size analyses for cuttings from Sampling Point 1 (Large-Diameter Hole 1).

Depth (m AH)	Cutting Size or Sieve Size (mm)
	76.2	50.8	44.45	38.100	25.400	22.225	19.050	11.125	4.750	2.000	0.850	0.420	0.250	0.149	0.075
	Cumulative Percent Passing
0.98	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	100%	78%	5%	1%	1%	1%	0%
1.08	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	100%	81%	3%	1%	1%	1%	0%
3.16	-	-	-	-	-	-	100%	92%	57%	23%	3%	1%	1%	1%	0%
4.02	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	95%	69%	4%	1%	1%	1%	1%	1%	1%
4.14	-	-	100%	100%	97%	95%	92%	64%	17%	7%	3%	1%	1%	0%	0%
4.45	-	100%	100%	100%	97%	97%	94%	64%	7%	4%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
4.56	-	-	-	100%	100%	99%	96%	57%	6%	2%	1%	0%	0%	0%	0%
5.26	-	-	-	100%	100%	98%	97%	72%	26%	15%	8%	4%	3%	2%	1%
6.08	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	60%	24%	2%	1%	0%	0%	0%
6.16	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	63%	27%	4%	2%	1%	1%	0%
6.23	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	56%	26%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
6.31	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	47%	22%	4%	2%	1%	1%	0%
6.65	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	98%	95%	55%	24%	3%	1%	1%	0%	0%
6.70	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	60%	24%	2%	1%	0%	0%	0%
7.50	-	-	-	100%	100%	96%	94%	87%	55%	22%	2%	1%	0%	0%	0%
7.65	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	93%	59%	26%	5%	3%	2%	2%	2%
7.80	-	-	100%	100%	96%	96%	96%	88%	51%	20%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
8.20	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	97%	90%	60%	27%	6%	3%	3%	2%	2%
8.40	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	55%	25%	4%	2%	1%	1%	0%
8.56	-	100%	100%	100%	97%	97%	97%	91%	53%	22%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
8.86	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	95%	89%	54%	23%	5%	2%	1%	1%	0%
11.74	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	93%	61%	29%	7%	4%	3%	2%	1%
12.10	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	92%	60%	27%	6%	3%	2%	2%	1%
12.47	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	51%	21%	6%	4%	3%	3%	3%
12.83	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	87%	50%	19%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
13.17	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	98%	87%	49%	18%	5%	3%	3%	2%	2%
13.53	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	82%	35%	11%	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%
13.70	-	100%	100%	100%	94%	93%	91%	79%	47%	21%	7%	5%	4%	3%	2%
14.02	-	-	-	100%	94%	94%	94%	82%	46%	21%	5%	2%	2%	1%	1%
14.24	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	47%	20%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
14.75	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	97%	93%	57%	27%	6%	3%	2%	1%	1%
15.08	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	87%	35%	14%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
15.47	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	64%	48%	16%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
15.93	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	85%	46%	20%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
16.42	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	51%	25%	5%	2%	1%	1%	1%
16.80	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	85%	47%	22%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
17.00	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	48%	22%	4%	2%	1%	1%	1%
17.59	-	-		100%	97%	97%	94%	83%	46%	19%	5%	3%	3%	2%	2%
17.59	-	-	-	100%	97%	97%	94%	83%	46%	19%	5%	3%	3%	2%	2%
18.15	-		100%	100%	96%	96%	94%	80%	38%	15%	3%	1%	1%	1%	0%
18.46	-	100%	100%	100%	71%	67%	62%	51%	25%	12%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
19.01	-		100%	100%	79%	79%	72%	59%	28%	9%	1%	0%	0%	0%	0%
19.37	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	71%	28%	9%	3%	2%	2%	2%	2%
19.68	-	-	-	100%	88%	88%	88%	68%	30%	8%	1%	1%	0%	0%	0%
20.12	-	-	-	100%	100%	96%	87%	76%	32%	10%	3%	2%	2%	2%	2%
20.16	-	-	-	100%	92%	87%	87%	71%	32%	12%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
20.54	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	63%	26%	4%	2%	1%	1%	1%
20.79	-	-	-	86%	80%	80%	79%	62%	34%	15%	5%	4%	3%	3%	2%
21.13	-	-	-	100%	87%	77%	77%	72%	34%	13%	4%	3%	3%	2%	2%
21.13	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	39%	15%	5%	3%	3%	2%	1%
21.46	-	-	-	100%	100%	98%	95%	80%	42%	19%	6%	4%	3%	3%	2%
21.81	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	83%	38%	16%	5%	3%	3%	3%	1%
21.90	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	79%	33%	12%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
22.18	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	93%	78%	39%	15%	5%	3%	3%	3%	1%
22.50	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	81%	37%	14%	4%	3%	3%	2%	2%
22.72	-	100%	100%	100%	83%	83%	83%	73%	43%	17%	6%	4%	4%	3%	3%
23.07	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	39%	15%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
23.36	-			100%	89%	84%	84%	62%	21%	8%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
23.62	-			100%	100%	100%	99%	78%	34%	13%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
23.88	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	84%	37%	15%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
24.21	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	98%	88%	57%	28%	8%	4%	4%	3%	2%
24.61	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	46%	19%	5%	3%	3%	2%	1%
24.61	-	-	-	100%	100%	99%	98%	80%	28%	10%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
24.85	-	-	-	100%	81%	81%	80%	75%	46%	18%	6%	4%	4%	3%	2%
25.16	-	-	-	81%	73%	73%	73%	70%	42%	18%	7%	4%	4%	3%	2%
25.45	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	50%	20%	6%	4%	3%	3%	1%
25.70	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	98%	90%	45%	18%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
26.00	-	-	-	100%	94%	94%	94%	85%	54%	22%	6%	3%	3%	2%	2%
26.22	-	-	-	100%	90%	90%	90%	80%	42%	15%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
26.49	-	-	-	100%	93%	85%	81%	70%	38%	14%	3%	2%	1%	1%	0%
26.80	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	94%	88%	47%	17%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
27.11	-	-	-	100%	89%	87%	87%	78%	50%	22%	5%	2%	1%	1%	1%
27.24	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	97%	88%	55%	21%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
27.31	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	62%	23%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
27.74	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	59%	23%	5%	3%	2%	2%	2%
28.20	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	90%	50%	19%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
29.25	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	79%	43%	15%	4%	3%	3%	2%	2%
29.53	-	-	-	100%	100%	95%	95%	76%	45%	15%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
29.82	-	-	-	100%	89%	85%	76%	60%	28%	10%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
30.09	-	-	-	100%	100%	95%	95%	77%	31%	10%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
30.09	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	96%	86%	48%	17%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
30.82	-	-	-	100%	80%	72%	72%	70%	38%	13%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
30.82	-	-	-	82%	57%	42%	42%	29%	12%	6%	2%	2%	2%	1%	1%
31.16	-	-	-	100%	100%	93%	93%	78%	35%	14%	4%	2%	2%	1%	1%
31.46	-	-	-	65%	65%	58%	52%	38%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%
31.46	-	-	-	72%	72%	66%	61%	49%	19%	5%	1%	1%	1%	1%	0%
31.82	-	-	-	100%	95%	95%	93%	70%	34%	12%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
31.95	-	-	-	86%	86%	86%	81%	62%	32%	13%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
32.07	-	-	-	100%	100%	96%	96%	83%	30%	8%	1%	1%	1%	0%	0%
32.54	-	-	-	100%	100%	96%	96%	82%	42%	17%	6%	4%	3%	3%	3%
32.54	-	-	-	100%	100%	96%	96%	82%	42%	17%	5%	4%	3%	3%	3%
32.97	-	-	-	100%	94%	94%	94%	80%	36%	11%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
33.04	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	99%	82%	35%	12%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
33.40	-	-	-	87%	78%	76%	76%	64%	40%	16%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
33.54	-	-	-	86%	86%	84%	81%	64%	27%	8%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
33.70	-	-	-	100%	100%	98%	94%	70%	31%	9%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
33.86	-	-	-	87%	82%	80%	80%	65%	32%	11%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
33.95	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	86%	41%	15%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
34.01	-	-	-	100%	100%	94%	92%	74%	33%	13%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
34.35	-	-	-	100%	100%	96%	93%	77%	32%	12%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
34.57	-	-	-	100%	96%	96%	91%	70%	38%	14%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
34.72	-	-	-	100%	100%	93%	93%	79%	42%	17%	5%	4%	3%	3%	1%
34.74	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	97%	79%	28%	9%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
34.79	-	-	-	100%	100%	97%	94%	79%	29%	8%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
34.87		100%	100%	100%	83%	83%	82%	70%	47%	22%	6%	4%	3%	3%	2%
35.12		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	87%	48%	20%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
35.34	-	-	-	100%	96%	96%	96%	81%	42%	20%	6%	3%	2%	1%	1%
35.63	-	-	-	100%	100%	97%	97%	84%	37%	13%	2%	1%	1%	0%	0%
36.20		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	45%	18%	5%	4%	3%	3%	3%
36.57		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	78%	42%	15%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
36.84	-	-	-	100%	96%	96%	96%	85%	38%	13%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
36.84		100%	100%	100%	97%	97%	97%	83%	41%	15%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
37.60	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	98%	83%	43%	16%	5%	3%	2%	2%	2%
38.00		100%	100%	100%	93%	93%	92%	79%	41%	15%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
38.73		100%	100%	100%	95%	95%	94%	77%	37%	14%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
39.13	-	-	-	91%	88%	87%	87%	72%	37%	14%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
39.40		100%	100%	100%	90%	90%	88%	65%	24%	8%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
39.60		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	82%	38%	16%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
40.37		100%	100%	100%	93%	93%	91%	76%	38%	15%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
40.63		100%	100%	100%	84%	82%	80%	71%	39%	17%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
41.02		100%	100%	100%	96%	96%	91%	78%	43%	16%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
41.41	-	-	-	81%	81%	81%	81%	72%	42%	19%	5%	3%	3%	2%	2%
41.87		100%	77%	77%	72%	72%	70%	62%	38%	18%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
42.22	-	-	-	88%	88%	88%	88%	76%	49%	24%	5%	2%	2%	1%	1%
42.76		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	64%	28%	6%	3%	3%	2%	1%
43.61		100%	100%	84%	63%	63%	63%	53%	37%	20%	4%	2%	2%	1%	1%
44.14		100%	100%	83%	68%	68%	65%	57%	38%	20%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
44.94		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	88%	50%	24%	5%	2%	2%	1%	1%
45.18		100%	73%	73%	66%	64%	64%	59%	36%	18%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
45.38	-	-	-	89%	89%	89%	87%	80%	47%	20%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
45.38		100%	100%	92%	87%	84%	79%	61%	27%	13%	3%	2%	1%	1%	0%
45.60		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	76%	40%	15%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
45.67		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	50%	20%	4%	2%	1%	1%	1%
46.21	-	-	-	100%	100%	97%	94%	78%	40%	14%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
46.84	-	-	-	91%	91%	87%	87%	79%	52%	36%	7%	4%	3%	2%	1%
47.16	-	-	-	73%	73%	69%	69%	62%	62%	13%	5%	3%	3%	2%	2%
47.41	-	-	-	100%	89%	88%	88%	76%	34%	11%	3%	2%	2%	1%	1%
48.70	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	86%	38%	16%	6%	5%	2%	1%	1%
49.44		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	88%	48%	16%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
50.71	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	70%	57%	51%	25%	7%	4%	4%	3%	1%
51.11	-	90%	90%	80%	79%	75%	72%	55%	25%	10%	3%	1%	1%	1%	0%
51.35	-	100%	100%	89%	89%	88%	88%	71%	35%	15%	4%	2%	1%	1%	1%
51.46		100%	100%	100%	94%	94%	92%	82%	51%	22%	7%	5%	4%	4%	3%
51.77	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	97%	84%	38%	15%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
51.77		100%	100%	81%	75%	71%	70%	57%	26%	11%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
52.25	-	-	-	100%	98%	93%	91%	74%	28%	9%	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%
52.50		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	89%	49%	21%	5%	3%	2%	1%	1%
52.73	-	-	-	87%	80%	80%	79%	65%	25%	8%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
52.73	-	-	-	100%	94%	94%	94%	79%	32%	10%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
53.11		100%	100%	100%	79%	79%	78%	66%	36%	15%	4%	2%	2%	1%	1%
53.39	-	-	-	89%	86%	84%	84%	77%	41%	16%	5%	3%	3%	3%	1%
53.61	-	-	-	100%	100%	98%	96%	79%	34%	13%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
53.70		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	47%	19%	6%	3%	3%	2%	1%
53.79	-	-	-	76%	69%	69%	67%	54%	23%	8%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
53.93	-	-	-	100%	100%	98%	97%	84%	41%	17%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
54.19	-	-	-	100%	90%	90%	86%	74%	27%	10%	4%	3%	3%	3%	2%
54.21	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	93%	81%	33%	13%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
54.34	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	98%	84%	31%	11%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
54.44	-	-	-	100%	91%	91%	91%	78%	29%	10%	3%	1%	1%	1%	1%
54.73	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	95%	84%	39%	9%	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%
55.03	-	-	-	100%	100%	96%	96%	83%	34%	11%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
55.28	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	95%	67%	17%	6%	3%	2%	2%	2%	2%
55.60	-	-	-	100%	73%	73%	73%	58%	18%	5%	1%	1%	1%	1%	1%
56.51	-	-	-	100%	100%	99%	97%	82%	32%	10%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
56.51	-	-	-	100%	87%	81%	81%	63%	26%	11%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
58.08	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	82%	32%	11%	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%
59.29		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	85%	41%	16%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
59.72		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	42%	17%	5%	3%	3%	3%	2%
60.09		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	81%	18%	5%	1%	1%	1%	1%	0%
60.51		100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	96%	80%	21%	8%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
60.56		100%	100%	100%	96%	92%	92%	74%	24%	9%	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%
61.51		100%	100%	100%	94%	94%	94%	77%	25%	9%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
61.99		100%	100%	88%	85%	84%	84%	64%	19%	8%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
62.51		100%	100%	100%	89%	86%	86%	56%	20%	7%	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%
63.01		100%	100%	100%	97%	97%	96%	78%	28%	12%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
63.30		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	83%	31%	12%	5%	4%	3%	3%	2%
63.39		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	74%	18%	6%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
66.90		100%	100%	100%	83%	83%	83%	71%	36%	13%	4%	3%	3%	2%	2%
67.43		100%	100%	100%	90%	90%	87%	76%	42%	18%	5%	3%	3%	2%	1%
68.18		100%	100%	100%	90%	90%	88%	81%	39%	13%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
69.20		100%	100%	100%	95%	95%	95%	84%	49%	21%	6%	4%	4%	4%	3%
69.38		100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	93%	84%	46%	17%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
70.82		100%	100%	84%	84%	84%	82%	75%	41%	16%	5%	4%	3%	3%	2%
71.78	100%	100%	100%	100%	92%	92%	92%	80%	41%	15%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
73.30	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	90%	46%	18%	4%	3%	3%	2%	1%
74.44	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	86%	35%	12%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%
76.02	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	89%	53%	22%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
76.27	100%	66%	66%	66%	66%	62%	62%	52%	26%	10%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
76.66	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	89%	46%	18%	5%	4%	3%	3%	2%
77.37	100%	100%	100%	85%	85%	85%	83%	71%	35%	13%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
78.21	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	95%	81%	43%	16%	5%	4%	4%	3%	2%
78.62	-	-	-	100%	100%	100%	100%	85%	41%	17%	4%	3%	2%	2%	2%
81.31	100%	100%	100%	75%	75%	75%	75%	64%	34%	12%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%

Table A7. Results of particle size analyses for cuttings from Sampling Point 1 (Large-Diameter Hole 2).

Depth (m AH)	Cutting Size or Sieve Size (mm)
	76.2	50.8	44.45	38.100	25.400	22.225	19.050	11.125	4.750	2.000	0.850	0.420	0.250	0.149	0.075
	Cumulative Percent Passing
0.42	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	76%	3%	1%	1%	0%	0%
0.73	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	78%	4%	1%	0%	0%	0%
0.98	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	78%	5%	1%	1%	1%	0%
1.63	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	76%	3%	1%	1%	0%	0%
1.81	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	97%	20%	6%	3%	1%	1%
2.23	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	94%	93%	20%	4%	2%	2%	1%
2.25		100%	100%	100%	94%	92%	92%	81%	61%	36%	3%	1%	0%	0%	0%
2.38		100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	87%	66%	31%	11%	2%	1%	1%	0%	0%
2.52		100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	96%	68%	30%	12%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
2.65		100%	100%	100%	89%	86%	73%	51%	18%	6%	2%	1%	0%	0%	0%
2.85		100%	100%	100%	92%	83%	80%	45%	15%	5%	2%	2%	1%	1%	1%
3.06		100%	100%	100%	91%	80%	77%	50%	15%	5%	1%	0%	0%	0%	0%
3.23		100%	79%	79%	79%	79%	76%	57%	28%	8%	1%	1%	1%	1%	0%
3.23		100%	100%	77%	70%	66%	63%	54%	32%	13%	4%	2%	1%	1%	0%
3.82		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	69%	31%	5%	1%	1%	1%	0%
4.13		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	90%	62%	28%	6%	2%	1%	1%	1%
4.43		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	67%	36%	10%	4%	2%	2%	1%
4.68		100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	99%	92%	61%	28%	6%	2%	1%	1%	0%
5.12		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	93%	60%	30%	5%	1%	1%	0%	0%
5.39		100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	98%	92%	62%	30%	6%	3%	2%	1%	1%
5.46		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	80%	25%	8%	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%
6.04	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	60%	26%	5%	2%	1%	1%	1%
6.4	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	60%	27%	5%	2%	1%	1%	0%
6.4	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	78%	40%	8%	3%	2%	2%	1%
6.8	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	65%	30%	6%	2%	1%	1%	0%
6.81		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	76%	39%	7%	3%	2%	1%	1%
7.09		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	70%	34%	7%	2%	1%	1%	0%
7.69		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	75%	35%	6%	3%	2%	1%	1%
7.98		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	62%	20%	1%	0%	0%	0%	0%
8.01		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	90%	49%	5%	2%	1%	1%	1%
8.22		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	81%	36%	3%	1%	1%	0%	0%
8.51		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	88%	56%	11%	4%	2%	2%	1%
8.88		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	66%	27%	6%	2%	1%	1%	0%
9.17		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	82%	44%	7%	3%	2%	1%	0%
9.9		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	71%	32%	3%	1%	1%	1%	0%
10.2		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	70%	33%	5%	2%	1%	1%	1%
10.61		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	75%	35%	5%	2%	1%	1%	0%
10.97		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	94%	72%	36%	7%	3%	2%	2%	1%
11.79		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	93%	57%	23%	4%	1%	0%	0%	0%
12.14		100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	96%	91%	57%	21%	3%	1%	0%	0%	0%
12.46		100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	96%	62%	24%	2%	1%	1%	0%	0%
12.66	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	72%	30%	2%	1%	0%	0%	0%
12.91	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	72%	38%	9%	3%	1%	1%	0%
13.38	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	65%	29%	6%	2%	1%	1%	1%
13.66	100%	100%	100%	100%	94%	94%	90%	75%	60%	29%	5%	1%	1%	1%	0%
13.88	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	93%	63%	35%	4%	1%	0%	0%	0%
14.24	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	60%	25%	1%	0%	0%	0%	0%
15.18	100%	100%	100%	100%	90%	90%	90%	84%	57%	22%	2%	0%	0%	0%	0%
15.18	100%	100%	100%	100%	89%	89%	89%	88%	67%	35%	6%	1%	0%	0%	0%
15.45	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	98%	95%	67%	30%	4%	1%	1%	0%	0%
15.71	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	75%	39%	6%	0%	0%	0%	0%
16.08	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	72%	26%	1%	0%	0%	0%	0%
16.32	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	95%	73%	28%	3%	1%	0%	0%	0%
16.32	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	91%	54%	21%	1%	1%	0%	0%	0%
16.59	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	93%	69%	30%	4%	1%	0%	0%	0%
16.59	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	91%	49%	7%	2%	1%	0%	0%
16.69	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	93%	47%	6%	2%	1%	1%	0%
16.83	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	87%	41%	4%	1%	1%	0%	0%
17.15	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	84%	36%	3%	1%	1%	1%	0%
17.45	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	92%	51%	4%	1%	1%	0%	0%
17.82	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	83%	40%	5%	1%	1%	0%	0%

Table A8. Results of particle size analyses for cuttings from Sampling Point 1 (Large-Diameter Hole 3).

Depth (m Along Hole)	Cutting Size or Sieve Size (mm)
	4.750	2.000	0.850	0.420	0.250	0.149	0.075
	Cumulative Percent Passing
1.95	100%	93%	40%	3%	1%	0%	0%
2.18	100%	93%	31%	1%	0%	0%	0%
2.24	100%	89%	27%	2%	0%	0%	0%
2.32	100%	78%	21%	1%	0%	0%	0%
2.37	97%	54%	9%	2%	1%	1%	1%
2.44	100%	79%	18%	3%	1%	1%	0%
2.61	98%	43%	6%	1%	0%	0%	0%
2.9	100%	88%	22%	1%	0%	0%	0%
3.34	100%	95%	31%	1%	0%	0%	0%
3.49	100%	90%	13%	1%	0%	0%	0%
3.8	100%	100%	54%	1%	1%	1%	1%
5.66	100%	99%	42%	4%	2%	2%	1%
5.74	100%	100%	52%	2%	1%	1%	0%
5.87	100%	99%	36%	1%	1%	0%	0%
6.11	100%	99%	43%	3%	1%	1%	0%
6.5	100%	100%	79%	8%	2%	1%	1%
6.6	100%	100%	79%	6%	3%	2%	1%
6.7	100%	100%	76%	4%	2%	1%	1%
6.8	100%	100%	61%	1%	1%	0%	0%
6.88	100%	99%	50%	3%	1%	1%	1%
7.11	100%	100%	78%	5%	1%	1%	1%
7.27	100%	100%	67%	15%	2%	2%	1%

Table A9. Particles size distribution for cuttings from ampling Point 2 (settling pit).

Cumulative Percent Passing Sieves of Size (mm) (Settling Pit)
	76.2	50.8	44.45	38.1	25.4	22.225	19.05	11.1252	4.75	2	0.85	0.42	0.25	0.149	0.075
3 December 2021_LD2	100%	98%	97%	94%	83%	80%	78%	68%	32%	7%	2%	1%	1%	1%	0%
28 November 2021 (LD #2)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	78%	51%	28%	14%	9%	4%	1%
1 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	98%	98%	97%	97%	96%	86%	57%	38%	24%	15%	11%	7%	3%
11 October 2021 (LD#1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	74%	48%	26%	13%	8%	5%	2%
4 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	89%	55%	30%	15%	9%	6%	5%	2%
3 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	98%	92%	65%	42%	23%	12%	7%	4%	1%
2 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	94%	66%	40%	22%	14%	11%	7%	3%
21 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	97%	90%	64%	42%	27%	16%	10%	6%	3%
30 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	99%	89%	44%	22%	11%	6%	5%	4%	2%
29 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	98%	85%	48%	23%	10%	5%	4%	3%	2%
27 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	85%	53%	29%	15%	9%	7%	6%	3%
26 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	99%	95%	85%	58%	39%	25%	14%	10%	6%	3%
14 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	98%	97%	90%	62%	39%	23%	13%	8%	5%	2%
12 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	97%	97%	96%	96%	95%	88%	61%	35%	17%	8%	5%	4%	2%
13 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	95%	94%	86%	69%	57%	45%	33%	25%	17%	10%
20 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	92%	92%	88%	79%	52%	27%	12%	6%	4%	3%	2%

Table A10. Gradation of cuttings from Sampling Point 3.

Sample Source	Mass Percent Finer (%)	Maximum Particle Diameter in Suspension, (mm)
Tank 1	75	0.132
	68	0.096
	60	0.070
	56	0.050
	50	0.037
	42	0.027
	34	0.020
	22	0.010
	10	0.004
Tank 2	62	0.140
	57	0.101
	52	0.073
	47	0.052
	41	0.039
	36	0.027
	30	0.020
	19	0.010
	10	0.004
Tank 3	75	0.146
	67	0.105
	63	0.075
	51	0.054
	44	0.040
	38	0.029
	32	0.020
	20	0.010
	12	0.004
Tank 4	63	0.145
	60	0.103
	57	0.074
	50	0.053
	44	0.039
	38	0.028
	32	0.020
	22	0.010
	9	0.004
Geotube	54	0.145
	49	0.104
	46	0.074
	38	0.054
	33	0.040
	28	0.028
	22	0.020
	14	0.010
	8	0.004

Table A11. Particles size distribution for composite daily samples from Sampling Point 1 (effluent line).

Cumulative Percent Passing Sieves of Size (mm) (Effluent Line)
	76.2	50.8	44.45	38.1	25.4	22.225	19.05	11.1252	4.75	2	0.85	0.42	0.25	0.149	0.075
3 December 2021 (LD #2)	No Collected Sample
28 November 2021 (LD #2)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	97%	72%	34%	5%	2%	1%	1%	0%
1 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	95%	93%	77%	30%	10%	3%	2%	1%	1%	1%
11 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	99%	90%	54%	23%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
4 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	87%	48%	20%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
3 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	96%	93%	92%	91%	81%	41%	15%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
2 November 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	99%	94%	94%	93%	76%	28%	11%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
21 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	99%	96%	93%	76%	34%	12%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
30 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	99%	99%	93%	89%	88%	85%	72%	35%	14%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
29 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	95%	93%	92%	91%	79%	45%	19%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
27 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	95%	89%	82%	81%	79%	69%	41%	19%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
26 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	99%	95%	95%	94%	79%	39%	15%	4%	3%	2%	2%	1%
14 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	99%	94%	93%	92%	84%	47%	18%	5%	3%	2%	2%	1%
12 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	95%	93%	79%	42%	17%	4%	2%	2%	2%	1%
13 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	99%	95%	94%	93%	78%	38%	16%	5%	3%	3%	2%	2%
20 October 2021 (LD #1)	100%	100%	100%	93%	90%	87%	86%	71%	34%	12%	3%	2%	2%	2%	1%

Table A12. Coarseness index, percentiles, and shape coefficients for LD#1 (Sampling Point 1).

Circulation	Depth (m Along Hole)	Percentiles of Cutting Size								Coarseness Index
Circulation	Depth (m Along Hole)	D10 (mm)	D30 (mm)	D50 (mm)	D60 (mm)	D80 (mm)	D90 (mm)	Cu	Cc	Coarseness Index
DF	0.98	0.9	1.2	1.6	1.7	2.2	3.5	1.84	0.97	513
DF	1.08	1.0	1.2	1.5	1.7	2.0	3.3	1.77	0.97	513
DF	3.16	1.3	2.6	4.2	5.3	8.9	10.7	4.25	1.00	622
RC	4.02	5.4	7.3	9.3	10.2	14.5	17.6	1.91	0.97	731
RC	4.14	2.8	6.5	9.3	10.6	15.6	18.4	3.74	1.40	723
RC	4.45	5.1	7.3	9.6	10.7	15.4	18.0	2.11	0.99	731
RC	4.56	5.3	7.8	10.3	11.8	15.9	17.9	2.24	0.97	740
RC	5.26	1.2	5.4	8.1	9.5	13.7	16.9	7.98	2.53	675
RC	6.08	1.3	2.4	4.0	4.7	8.4	10.2	3.76	1.00	617
RC	6.16	1.1	2.2	3.7	4.5	8.0	10.0	3.92	0.98	607
RC	6.23	1.2	2.4	4.2	5.3	8.5	10.2	4.55	0.93	611
RC	6.31	1.3	2.9	5.2	6.5	9.1	10.5	5.18	1.04	628
RC	6.65	1.2	2.6	4.3	5.6	8.8	10.4	4.48	0.95	624
RC	6.70	1.1	2.5	4.4	5.7	8.7	10.2	4.98	0.98	617
RC	7.50	1.3	2.7	4.4	5.8	9.8	14.9	4.49	0.93	644
RC	7.65	1.1	2.4	4.0	4.9	8.6	10.5	4.36	1.01	608
RC	7.80	1.4	2.9	4.7	6.3	9.7	13.0	4.65	0.99	648
RC	8.20	1.1	2.3	3.9	4.8	9.0	11.3	4.41	1.02	614
RC	8.40	1.2	2.5	4.3	5.5	8.7	10.4	4.63	0.93	617
RC	8.56	1.2	2.7	4.5	5.9	9.3	10.9	5.03	1.06	629
RC	8.86	1.2	2.6	4.4	5.9	9.5	12.6	5.04	0.99	632
RC	11.74	1.0	2.1	3.8	4.7	8.6	10.6	4.76	0.91	600
RC	12.10	1.1	2.3	3.9	4.7	8.7	10.7	4.35	1.00	608
RC	12.47	1.1	2.8	4.7	6.2	9.4	11.0	5.45	1.12	617
RC	12.83	1.3	3.0	4.8	6.5	9.9	13.0	5.06	1.05	633
RC	13.17	1.3	3.1	5.0	6.6	10.0	13.3	5.10	1.10	634
RC	13.53	1.9	4.1	6.4	8.1	10.9	14.7	4.37	1.14	666
RC	13.70	1.1	2.9	5.3	7.3	12.0	18.3	6.67	1.07	654
RC	14.02	1.2	3.0	5.4	7.2	10.8	16.2	5.89	1.01	656
RC	14.24	1.3	3.0	5.3	6.8	9.8	12.2	5.30	1.05	633
RC	14.75	1.1	2.2	4.1	5.2	8.8	10.6	4.94	0.91	612
RC	15.08	1.6	4.1	6.6	7.9	10.3	13.1	4.90	1.35	658
RC	15.47	1.5	3.2	5.4	9.5	14.9	17.3	6.36	0.72	666
RC	15.93	1.3	3.1	5.4	7.0	10.3	13.6	5.48	1.04	638
RC	16.42	1.2	2.6	4.6	6.3	9.7	12.3	5.44	0.91	626
RC	16.80	1.2	2.9	5.2	6.9	10.3	14.5	5.67	1.00	636
RC	17.00	1.3	2.9	5.1	6.7	9.9	12.5	5.31	0.98	635
RC	17.59	1.3	3.1	5.5	7.2	10.7	16.4	5.62	1.07	651
RC	17.59	1.3	3.1	5.5	7.2	10.7	16.4	5.62	1.07	651
RC	18.15	1.5	3.8	6.6	8.1	11.1	16.8	5.30	1.18	676
RC	18.46	1.8	6.0	10.8	17.3	29.2	33.7	9.86	1.19	799
RC	19.01	2.2	5.2	9.3	11.8	25.9	32.0	5.39	1.04	772
RC	19.37	2.1	5.0	8.0	9.5	13.9	16.9	4.49	1.23	684
RC	19.68	2.3	4.8	8.1	9.8	15.9	27.9	4.32	1.05	729
RC	20.12	2.0	4.5	7.3	8.8	13.9	20.2	4.33	1.15	689
RC	20.16	1.8	4.5	7.7	9.3	15.5	24.3	5.24	1.22	709
RC	20.54	1.2	2.3	3.8	4.5	8.0	9.9	3.89	0.99	606
RC	20.79	1.4	4.2	8.4	10.7	21.4	40.0	7.44	1.16	747
RC	21.13	1.6	4.3	7.4	9.1	23.2	28.4	5.53	1.22	727
RC	21.13	1.4	3.7	6.1	7.4	10.0	12.3	5.19	1.27	644
RC	21.46	1.2	3.3	6.0	7.7	11.1	16.4	6.42	1.18	648
RC	21.81	1.4	3.8	6.5	7.9	10.7	14.3	5.79	1.33	648
RC	21.90	1.7	4.4	7.1	8.5	11.4	15.2	4.89	1.30	668
RC	22.18	1.4	3.7	6.5	8.2	12.4	17.4	5.70	1.15	660
RC	22.50	1.5	3.9	6.7	8.1	11.0	14.9	5.28	1.25	655
RC	22.72	1.2	3.3	6.2	8.3	16.4	30.4	6.71	1.08	695
RC	23.07	1.5	3.7	6.1	7.3	9.7	11.0	5.00	1.29	642
RC	23.36	2.3	6.1	9.3	10.9	17.6	26.1	4.67	1.47	747
RC	23.62	1.6	4.2	7.1	8.5	11.9	15.6	5.35	1.32	661
RC	23.88	1.5	3.8	6.5	7.8	10.6	14.1	5.34	1.28	652
RC	24.21	1.0	2.2	4.1	5.4	9.5	13.0	5.42	0.91	610
RC	24.61	1.2	3.1	5.3	6.8	9.9	12.3	5.48	1.13	632
RC	24.61	2.0	5.0	7.4	8.6	11.1	15.6	4.38	1.45	677
RC	24.85	1.2	3.2	5.6	7.8	18.7	31.3	6.31	1.05	699
RC	25.16	1.1	3.4	6.6	8.8	37.0		7.88	1.13	749
RC	25.45	1.2	2.9	4.8	6.3	9.4	10.9	5.29	1.15	622
RC	25.70	1.3	3.2	5.4	6.9	9.7	11.4	5.24	1.14	636
RC	26.00	1.2	2.7	4.4	6.0	10.1	15.5	5.15	1.04	641
RC	26.22	1.4	3.5	6.1	7.7	11.0	25.7	5.33	1.10	681
RC	26.49	1.6	3.8	7.1	9.1	18.6	24.1	5.76	1.01	712
RC	26.80	1.4	3.2	5.2	6.8	9.9	14.0	4.83	1.07	645
RC	27.11	1.2	2.8	4.8	7.0	13.0	26.2	5.83	0.92	678
RC	27.24	1.2	2.7	4.3	5.7	9.6	12.9	4.58	1.03	626
RC	27.31	1.2	2.5	3.9	4.6	7.9	9.6	3.78	1.11	606
RC	27.74	1.2	2.6	4.1	4.9	8.5	10.3	4.13	1.14	609
RC	28.20	1.3	3.0	4.7	6.3	9.5	11.1	4.90	1.08	628
RC	29.25	1.5	3.5	6.0	7.7	11.4	15.2	5.31	1.06	649
RC	29.53	1.5	3.4	5.8	7.9	12.8	17.0	5.27	0.97	664
RC	29.82	1.9	5.1	9.1	11.1	20.5	26.1	5.77	1.20	742
RC	30.09	2.0	4.7	7.4	8.7	12.3	16.9	4.39	1.25	668
RC	30.09	1.4	3.1	5.1	6.8	10.1	14.1	4.96	1.07	641
RC	30.82	1.6	3.8	7.1	9.2	25.2	31.6	5.60	0.99	745
RC	30.82	3.8	11.5	23.9	26.9	36.9		7.10	1.29	922
RC	31.16	1.5	4.1	7.0	8.5	12.4	17.4	5.62	1.31	676
RC	31.46	6.4	9.8	18.0	23.1			3.61	0.65	921
RC	31.46	3.0	7.1	11.7	18.6			6.27	0.93	853
RC	31.82	1.7	4.3	7.6	9.4	14.7	18.1	5.42	1.12	695
RC	31.95	1.6	4.4	8.5	10.7	18.8		6.74	1.14	741
RC	32.07	2.3	4.8	7.2	8.4	10.8	15.5	3.65	1.18	685
RC	32.54	1.3	3.4	6.0	7.6	10.8	15.6	5.91	1.19	648
RC	32.54	1.3	3.4	6.1	7.6	10.8	15.6	5.89	1.20	649
RC	32.97	1.9	4.1	6.8	8.2	11.1	16.6	4.45	1.12	682
RC	33.04	1.8	4.1	6.7	8.1	10.8	14.8	4.61	1.19	663
RC	33.40	1.4	3.6	7.4	10.0	28.0		7.37	0.95	745
RC	33.54	2.3	5.3	8.8	10.5	18.5		4.67	1.18	755
RC	33.70	2.1	4.6	7.9	9.5	14.5	17.9	4.59	1.07	690
RC	33.86	1.8	4.4	8.2	10.1	22.6	39.5	5.56	1.07	757
RC	33.95	1.5	3.6	6.0	7.4	10.2	13.2	4.87	1.15	645
RC	34.01	1.6	4.3	7.4	8.9	13.7	18.1	5.50	1.30	682
RC	34.35	1.7	4.5	7.3	8.8	12.8	17.7	5.11	1.34	678
RC	34.57	1.5	3.8	7.2	9.2	15.0	18.6	5.96	1.03	686
RC	34.72	1.3	3.4	6.1	7.8	11.5	17.5	6.03	1.15	659
RC	34.74	2.2	5.0	7.5	8.8	11.8	16.2	4.03	1.29	680
RC	34.79	2.3	4.9	7.4	8.7	11.8	16.8	3.83	1.20	685
RC	34.87	1.1	2.9	5.7	8.3	17.8	30.6	7.44	0.89	696
RC	35.12	1.2	3.0	5.1	6.8	10.0	12.9	5.58	1.08	632
RC	35.34	1.2	3.2	6.0	7.6	10.9	15.9	6.42	1.14	656
RC	35.63	1.7	3.9	6.5	7.9	10.6	14.8	4.62	1.16	668
RC	36.20	1.3	3.2	5.5	7.0	10.0	12.5	5.51	1.16	631
RC	36.57	1.5	3.5	6.1	7.9	11.7	15.4	5.29	1.04	655
RC	36.84	1.6	3.9	6.4	7.8	10.5	14.8	4.70	1.17	667
RC	36.84	1.5	3.6	6.1	7.6	10.7	15.3	5.26	1.16	656
RC	37.60	1.3	3.4	5.9	7.5	10.7	15.0	5.57	1.16	646
RC	38.00	1.5	3.6	6.2	7.9	11.8	17.7	5.34	1.07	678
RC	38.73	1.5	3.9	6.9	8.4	12.5	17.3	5.61	1.23	673
RC	39.13	1.5	3.9	7.1	8.9	15.5	32.5	5.89	1.11	710
RC	39.40	2.3	5.7	8.7	10.3	16.2	21.7	4.49	1.36	726
RC	39.60	1.4	3.7	6.5	7.9	10.9	15.3	5.55	1.23	656
RC	40.37	1.5	3.8	6.8	8.5	13.3	18.4	5.52	1.13	685
RC	40.63	1.4	3.6	6.9	8.9	19.4	30.2	6.47	1.06	715
RC	41.02	1.4	3.4	6.0	7.8	12.4	18.6	5.54	1.05	668
RC	41.41	1.3	3.3	6.4	8.6	18.1		6.75	1.01	729
RC	41.87	1.4	3.6	7.8	10.5	45.3	48.1	7.68	0.91	805
RC	42.22	1.2	2.7	5.0	7.4	13.7		6.36	0.85	686
RC	42.76	1.1	2.1	3.7	4.4	8.0	10.0	4.21	0.98	597
RC	43.61	1.3	3.6	9.8	16.5	35.7	40.5	13.03	0.63	806
RC	44.14	1.2	3.6	8.9	14.4	35.3	40.6	11.63	0.72	789
RC	44.94	1.2	2.6	4.7	6.4	9.8	13.0	5.51	0.90	630
RC	45.18	1.3	3.9	8.7	13.0	46.2	48.5	9.95	0.87	834
RC	45.38	1.2	3.0	5.3	7.2	11.6		5.96	1.02	684
RC	45.38	1.7	5.3	9.1	11.0	19.9	34.0	6.50	1.49	751
RC	45.60	1.5	3.6	6.5	8.3	12.8	16.9	5.64	1.08	661
RC	45.67	1.3	2.9	4.7	6.4	9.8	12.5	5.03	1.02	633
RC	46.21	1.6	3.7	6.5	8.1	11.9	16.9	5.19	1.09	667
RC	46.84	1.0	1.8	4.4	6.6	11.7	24.5	6.76	0.48	659
RC	47.16	1.6	3.0	4.1	4.7			2.91	1.18	763
RC	47.41	1.8	4.2	7.1	8.7	13.9	26.3	4.79	1.13	705
RC	48.70	1.3	3.7	6.3	7.6	10.3	13.2	5.93	1.42	644
RC	49.44	1.4	3.2	5.1	6.7	9.9	12.7	4.67	1.06	638
RC	50.71	1.0	2.5	4.6	12.9	20.1	21.1	12.63	0.47	676
RC	51.11	2.1	5.9	10.0	13.3	35.0	44.4	6.47	1.26	797
RC	51.35	1.5	4.0	7.4	9.2	15.3	38.6	6.30	1.21	715
RC	51.46	1.1	2.8	4.6	6.6	10.8	17.8	5.99	1.05	643
RC	51.77	1.5	3.8	6.4	7.8	10.6	14.8	5.30	1.25	653
RC	51.77	1.8	5.5	9.6	12.8	36.0	41.1	6.99	1.28	803
RC	52.25	2.1	5.0	7.7	9.1	13.8	18.5	4.27	1.27	701
RC	52.50	1.2	2.8	4.9	6.5	9.7	12.1	5.40	1.03	629
RC	52.73	2.3	5.5	8.7	10.4	22.7		4.52	1.27	769
RC	52.73	2.0	4.5	7.2	8.5	11.7	16.9	4.32	1.18	686
RC	53.11	1.5	4.0	7.7	9.9	26.1	32.1	6.56	1.06	738
RC	53.39	1.4	3.5	6.3	8.1	14.2		5.74	1.11	707
RC	53.61	1.6	4.2	7.0	8.4	11.6	16.4	5.40	1.33	663
RC	53.70	1.2	3.1	5.2	6.6	9.5	9.8	5.31	1.17	628
RC	53.79	2.3	6.2	10.3	14.7			6.27	1.11	823
RC	53.93	1.3	3.5	6.1	7.6	10.5	14.8	5.65	1.20	650
RC	54.19	1.9	5.2	7.9	9.2	15.1	26.0	4.74	1.48	709
RC	54.21	1.6	4.3	7.0	8.4	11.0	17.1	5.14	1.38	668
RC	54.34	1.9	4.6	7.0	8.2	10.6	14.4	4.28	1.37	668
RC	54.44	2.1	4.9	7.5	8.8	12.2	18.2	4.23	1.34	703
RC	54.73	2.1	3.9	6.3	7.7	10.6	15.3	3.66	0.94	666
RC	55.03	1.8	4.3	6.8	8.1	10.8	15.3	4.53	1.24	668
RC	55.28	3.0	6.4	9.0	10.3	14.8	17.6	3.46	1.35	704
RC	55.60	3.1	6.7	9.9	12.1	28.6	33.3	3.94	1.21	795
RC	56.51	2.0	4.5	7.0	8.3	10.9	15.4	4.18	1.21	673
RC	56.51	1.9	5.5	8.9	10.6	18.7	28.1	5.52	1.47	742
RC	58.08	1.9	4.5	7.0	8.3	10.9	14.7	4.48	1.30	669
RC	59.29	1.4	3.5	6.0	7.5	10.4	13.9	5.40	1.19	646
RC	59.72	1.3	3.4	5.8	7.1	9.7	11.0	5.49	1.27	634
RC	60.09	3.1	6.0	8.0	9.0	11.0	14.8	2.88	1.28	692
RC	60.51	2.5	5.7	7.9	9.0	11.1	16.2	3.59	1.45	689
RC	60.56	2.2	5.5	8.0	9.3	13.7	18.2	4.20	1.45	706
RC	61.51	2.2	5.4	7.8	9.0	12.5	17.2	4.07	1.43	695
RC	61.99	2.5	6.3	9.1	10.6	17.6	39.3	4.14	1.47	761
RC	62.51	2.6	6.5	10.1	12.3	17.5	26.4	4.64	1.31	751
RC	63.01	1.7	5.1	7.6	8.9	12.1	16.4	5.27	1.72	680
RC	63.30	1.6	4.6	7.1	8.3	10.7	14.4	5.14	1.62	658
RC	63.39	2.9	6.1	8.4	9.5	13.1	16.6	3.24	1.35	698
RC	66.90	1.6	4.0	7.3	9.1	16.9	30.5	5.67	1.11	716
RC	67.43	1.3	3.4	6.3	8.2	14.3	22.2	6.20	1.06	684
RC	68.18	1.7	3.8	6.4	8.0	11.0	25.7	4.63	1.06	695
RC	69.20	1.2	2.9	4.9	6.7	10.5	15.4	5.76	1.07	640
RC	69.38	1.4	3.2	5.4	7.0	10.4	16.3	4.98	1.03	656
RC	70.82	1.4	3.6	6.5	8.4	17.0	40.4	6.14	1.11	716
RC	71.78	1.5	3.5	6.2	7.9	11.4	18.0	5.24	1.07	681
RC	73.30	1.3	3.2	5.3	6.8	9.7	11.5	5.13	1.12	632
RC	74.44	1.7	4.1	6.6	7.9	10.4	13.5	4.59	1.26	657
RC	76.02	1.2	2.7	4.5	6.0	9.6	12.1	4.86	1.00	624
RC	76.27	2.1	5.7	10.7	17.4	61.3	68.7	8.41	0.92	919
RC	76.66	1.3	3.2	5.3	6.8	9.8	11.7	5.28	1.15	629
RC	77.37	1.7	4.1	7.4	9.2	17.1	40.3	5.54	1.12	736
RC	78.21	1.3	3.4	6.0	7.6	10.9	16.0	5.72	1.16	651
RC	78.62	1.4	3.5	6.0	7.5	10.4	13.9	5.49	1.18	644
RC	81.31	4.1	4.3	8.2	10.3	39.4	41.9	2.51	0.43	784

Table A13. Coarseness index, percentiles, and shape coefficients for LD#2 (Sampling Point 1).

Circulation	Depth (m AH)	Percentiles of Cutting Size								Coarseness Index (%)
Circulation	Depth (m AH)	D10 (mm)	D30 (mm)	D50 (mm)	D60 (mm)	D80 (mm)	D90 (mm)	Cu	Cc	Coarseness Index (%)
DF	0.42	0.963	1.746	1.746	1.746	2.460	3.669	1.81	1.81	520.00
DF	0.73	0.948	1.259	1.571	1.726	2.305	3.580	1.82	0.97	517.80
DF	0.98	0.939	1.253	1.567	1.724	2.315	3.606	1.84	0.97	513.10
DF	1.63	0.598	1.029	1.328	1.478	1.778	1.928	2.47	1.20	520.00
DF	1.81	0.549	0.995	1.294	1.444	1.744	1.894	2.63	1.25	473.80
DF	2.23	0.578	1.010	1.324	1.480	1.793	1.950	2.56	1.19	485.90
RC	2.25	1.101	1.803	3.541	4.613	10.946	17.738	4.19	0.64	640.60
RC	2.38	1.869	4.617	8.247	10.084	16.554	21.563	5.40	1.13	709.80
RC	2.52	1.639	4.677	8.039	9.723	14.491	17.373	5.93	1.37	683.00
RC	2.65	2.874	7.086	10.966	14.361	20.733	26.699	5.00	1.22	773.90
RC	2.85	3.353	7.930	12.193	14.457	18.986	24.723	4.31	1.30	772.00
RC	3.06	3.381	7.402	11.046	13.951	22.283	25.084	4.13	1.16	779.90
RC	3.23	2.258	5.258	9.637	12.478	44.793	47.796	5.53	0.98	817.80
RC	3.23	1.638	4.489	10.083	16.479	38.888	41.669	10.06	0.75	817.80
RC	3.82	1.08	1.97	3.38	4.10	7.33	9.71	3.81	0.88	596.10
RC	4.13	1.050	2.182	3.805	4.616	8.861	11.101	4.39	0.98	611.40
RC	4.43	0.828	1.722	3.232	4.130	8.174	10.789	4.99	0.87	586.30
RC	4.68	1.046	2.152	3.845	4.692	8.686	10.725	4.49	0.94	610.90
RC	5.12	1.07	1.99	3.86	4.84	8.62	10.51	4.55	0.77	609.10
RC	5.39	1.03	2.01	3.74	4.60	8.55	10.64	4.45	0.85	607.00
RC	5.46	2.375	5.376	7.674	8.823	11.122	15.081	3.72	1.38	681.20
RC	6.04	1.129	2.290	3.927	4.745	8.333	10.130	4.20	0.98	609.00
RC	6.4	1.127	2.267	3.898	4.714	8.268	10.067	4.18	0.97	608.70
RC	6.4	0.937	1.642	2.706	3.423	5.279	8.762	3.65	0.84	569.60
RC	6.8	1.043	2.014	3.583	4.367	7.800	9.818	4.19	0.89	598.60
RC	6.81	0.95	1.67	2.80	3.54	5.78	8.58	3.72	0.83	571.30
RC	7.09	0.99	1.82	3.21	3.98	7.26	9.77	4.03	0.84	589.80
RC	7.69	0.99	1.79	3.01	3.70	5.97	8.63	3.73	0.88	577.60
RC	7.98	1.410	2.674	3.976	4.627	7.960	9.732	3.28	1.10	619.20
RC	8.01	0.980	1.503	2.068	2.744	4.098	4.976	2.80	0.84	551.10
RC	8.22	1.10	1.79	2.87	3.48	4.71	7.95	3.16	0.84	579.30
RC	8.51	0.83	1.34	1.85	2.36	4.07	5.96	2.86	0.92	537.90
RC	8.88	1.08	2.21	3.62	4.32	7.53	9.52	3.99	1.04	599.00
RC	9.17	0.94	1.57	2.45	3.17	4.60	7.79	3.38	0.83	562.40
RC	9.9	1.118	1.928	3.264	3.957	6.905	9.420	3.54	0.84	593.80
RC	10.2	0.95	1.67	2.80	3.54	5.78	8.58	3.72	0.83	589.40
RC	10.61	1.04	1.80	3.00	3.69	6.12	9.05	3.53	0.84	583.60
RC	10.97	0.98	1.77	3.07	3.83	6.98	9.85	3.92	0.84	584.50
RC	11.79	1.225	2.530	4.145	5.197	8.759	10.540	4.24	1.01	620.60
RC	12.14	1.303	2.687	4.241	5.380	9.029	10.853	4.13	1.03	635.50
RC	12.46	1.258	2.406	3.861	4.588	8.132	10.034	3.65	1.00	615.60
RC	12.66	1.172	1.997	3.310	3.967	6.728	9.173	3.39	0.86	596.60
RC	12.91	0.871	1.683	2.978	3.781	6.897	9.601	4.34	0.86	579.40
RC	13.38	1.044	2.084	3.603	4.363	7.580	9.479	4.18	0.95	596.40
RC	13.66	1.078	2.048	3.848	4.747	13.825	19.219	4.40	0.82	650.20
RC	13.88	1.060	1.805	3.469	4.464	8.328	10.417	4.21	0.69	602.20
RC	14.24	1.297	2.424	3.981	4.772	8.411	10.231	3.68	0.95	619.50
RC	15.18	1.319	2.612	4.169	5.358	10.155	18.658	4.06	0.97	662.90
RC	15.18	1.004	1.787	3.264	4.132	8.735	26.979	4.12	0.77	636.20
RC	15.45	1.123	2.004	3.473	4.207	7.612	9.882	3.75	0.85	605.10
RC	15.71	0.997	1.678	2.816	3.592	6.237	9.169	3.60	0.79	582.60
RC	16.08	1.256	2.247	3.453	4.056	6.676	8.943	3.23	0.99	601.00
RC	16.32	1.170	2.098	3.324	3.936	6.710	9.625	3.37	0.96	599.40
RC	16.32	1.347	2.727	4.395	5.759	9.272	11.028	4.28	0.96	632.30
RC	16.59	1.121	1.992	3.389	4.090	7.619	10.329	3.65	0.87	602.20
RC	16.59	0.924	1.482	2.094	2.748	4.055	4.709	2.97	0.87	550.30
RC	16.69	0.973	1.534	2.202	2.796	3.984	4.578	2.87	0.87	551.60
RC	16.83	1.035	1.666	2.558	3.151	4.338	6.439	3.04	0.85	567.60
RC	17.15	1.082	1.788	2.798	3.369	4.511	7.261	3.11	0.88	574.90
RC	17.45	0.986	1.478	1.970	2.589	3.932	4.603	2.63	0.86	550.20
RC	17.82	1.027	1.684	2.665	3.305	4.584	7.774	3.22	0.84	572.30

Table A14. Coarseness index, percentiles, and shape coefficients for LD#3 (Sampling Point 1).

Depth (m Along Hole)	Percentiles of Cutting Size								Coarseness Index (%)
Depth (m Along Hole)	D10 (mm)	D30 (mm)	D50 (mm)	D60 (mm)	D80 (mm)	D90 (mm)	Cu	Cc	Coarseness Index (%)
1.95	0.51	0.74	1.07	1.29	1.71	1.93	2.53	0.84	463
2.18	0.55	0.83	1.20	1.38	1.75	1.94	2.51	0.91	474
2.24	0.56	0.90	1.27	1.46	1.83	2.20	2.59	0.99	499
2.32	0.61	1.03	1.44	1.64	2.27	3.51	2.68	1.06	482
2.37	0.87	1.38	1.90	2.39	3.66	4.30	2.76	0.92	500
2.44	0.63	1.08	1.45	1.64	2.09	3.42	2.60	1.12	499
2.61	0.96	1.58	2.33	2.84	3.85	4.36	2.95	0.92	552
2.9	0.61	0.99	1.34	1.51	1.85	2.37	2.47	1.06	489
3.34	0.55	0.84	1.19	1.37	1.72	1.90	2.49	0.93	472
3.49	0.74	1.10	1.40	1.55	1.85	2.00	2.11	1.06	496
3.8	0.50	0.66	0.82	1.00	1.50	1.75	2.02	0.87	443
5.66	0.50	0.72	1.02	1.22	1.62	1.82	2.46	0.86	451
5.74	0.49	0.66	0.83	1.04	1.53	1.77	2.10	0.86	444
5.87	0.53	0.78	1.11	1.29	1.66	1.84	2.42	0.88	463
6.11	0.50	0.68	0.95	1.09		1.60	2.18	0.85	453
6.5	0.44	0.56	0.67	0.73	0.88	1.44	1.69	0.96	408
6.6	0.45	0.56	0.68	0.74	0.90	1.46	1.65	0.96	409
6.7	0.46	0.58	0.70	0.76	1.05	1.52	1.64	0.96	417
6.8	0.49	0.63	0.77	0.84	1.41	1.71	1.73	0.96	436
6.88	0.49	0.67	0.85	1.09	1.55	1.78	2.22	0.85	445
7.11	0.46	0.57	0.69	0.74	0.93	1.47	1.63	0.96	413
7.27	0.36	0.55	0.71	0.79	1.30	1.65	2.23	1.06	413

Table A15. Percentiles, coefficients and coarseness index—settling pit (Sampling Point 2).

	Particle Size (mm)									LD#	Mode
Settling Pit—Daily Production	D10	D30	D50	D60	D80	D90	Cu	Cc	Coarseness Index (%)	LD#	Mode
11 October 2021	0.33	1.06	2.18	3.24	6.40	9.29	9.94	1.07	528.80	1	RC
12 October 2021	0.51	1.67	3.55	4.60	9.13	13.00	8.99	1.18	598.70
13 October 2021	0.07	0.35	1.35	2.72	8.74	14.78	37.74	0.63	471.20
14 October 2021	0.31	1.34	3.31	4.52	8.93	11.60	14.48	1.28	564.00
20 October 2021	0.68	2.35	4.53	6.63	11.77	20.58	9.82	1.24	641.60
21 October 2021	0.24	1.09	3.00	4.27	8.72	11.33	17.82	1.16	546.00
26 October 2021	0.26	1.27	3.57	5.24	10.03	15.19	20.10	1.18	567.50
27 October 2021	0.46	2.10	4.42	6.15	10.10	14.47	13.36	1.56	595.70
28 October 2021	1.23	3.63	6.82	8.69	15.30	33.09	7.05	1.23
29 October 2021	0.85	2.79	5.13	6.82	10.21	13.98	8.07	1.35	622.50
30 October 2021	0.79	3.02	5.56	6.99	9.86	12.04	8.87	1.65	618.40
1 November 2021	0.22	1.32	3.68	5.33	9.72	14.05	23.71	1.47	571.60
2 November 2021	0.22	1.35	3.08	4.13	7.94	10.19	18.57	1.99	542.70
3 November 2021	0.36	1.27	2.98	4.16	8.23	10.55	11.47	1.07	556.70
4 November 2021	0.53	2.02	4.17	5.63	9.40	11.82	10.71	1.38	590.60
28 November 2021	0.29	0.94	1.89	2.92	5.45	8.74	9.91	1.02	517.80	2
3 December 2021	2.31	4.56	7.97	9.73	21.76	33.88	4.22	0.93	759.50	2

Table A16. Percentiles, coefficients and coarseness index—composite from effluent Line-Sampling Point 1.

	Particle Size (mm)									LD#	Mode
Effluent Line—Daily Production	D10	D30	D50	D60	D80	D90	Cu	Cc	Coarseness Index (%)	LD#	Mode
11 October 2021	1.15	2.63	4.40	5.82	9.33	11.08	5.04	1.03	621.80	1	RC
12 October 2021	1.38	3.43	6.17	7.90	11.89	17.38	5.73	1.08	668.20
13 October 2021	1.41	3.74	6.61	8.20	11.99	17.39	5.80	1.21	672.20
14 October 2021	1.30	3.11	5.25	7.00	10.51	17.05	5.40	1.06	659.40
20 October 2021	1.73	4.28	7.55	9.27	16.04	25.29	5.35	1.14	717.50
21 October 2021	1.70	4.28	7.22	8.73	13.04	17.64	5.12	1.23	679.20
26 October 2021	1.45	3.68	6.47	8.07	11.63	16.80	5.58	1.16	670.20
27 October 2021	1.28	3.33	6.70	8.97	20.41	39.58	6.99	0.97	732.90
28 October 2021	No Available Cuttings from the Effluent Line
29 October 2021	1.30	3.19	5.69	7.54	11.55	18.40	5.81	1.04	673.30
30 October 2021	1.56	4.15	7.41	9.14	16.10	27.35	5.84	1.20	714.80
1 November 2021	2.03	4.80	7.47	8.80	12.44	17.51	4.33	1.28	691.00
2 November 2021	1.88	5.03	7.70	9.04	13.16	17.80	4.80	1.49	695.80
3 November 2021	1.49	3.58	6.16	7.75	10.92	18.31	5.20	1.11	678.60
4 November 2021	1.28	3.02	5.14	6.77	10.04	13.10	5.29	1.05	633.80
28 November 2021	1.04	1.84	3.15	3.87	6.74	9.30	3.71	0.84	587.90	2

Figure A1. XRD for sample from Tank 1 (Sampling Point 3).

Figure A2. XRD for sample from Tank 2 (Sampling Point 3).

Figure A3. XRD for sample from Tank 3 (Sampling Point 3).

Figure A4. XRD for sample from Tank 4 (Sampling Point 3).

Figure A5. XRD for sample from Geotube^® (Sampling Point 3).

Table A17. Energy requirements calculations.

Settling Pit—Daily Production	D80	Comminution Circuit			r0	60	Microns
Settling Pit—Daily Production	D80	Jaw Crusher (from 300 mm to 100 mm)	Cone Crusher (from 100 mm to 10 mm)	Priamary Ball Mill (from 10 mm to 150 Microns)	f@F80	f@300 mm	f@100 mm	f@10 mm	Energy Requirement for Jaw Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWht⁻¹)	Energy Requirement for Cone Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWht⁻¹)	Energy Requirement for Cone Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWht⁻¹)
11 October 2021	6	N/A	N/A	Yes	5.02	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0003746
12 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.62	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0001301
13 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.77	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0001794
14 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.69	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0001561
20 October 2021	12	N/A	Yes	Yes	2.88	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	−0.0003559
21 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.77	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0001818
26 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.32	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	−0.0000050
27 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.30	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	−0.0000168
28 October 2021	15	N/A	Yes	Yes	2.29	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	−0.0014509
29 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.27	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	−0.0000357
30 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.38	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0000229
1 November 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.42	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0000450
2 November 2021	8	N/A	N/A	Yes	4.11	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0002645
3 November 2021	8	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.98	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0002361
4 November 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes	3.52	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0000927
28 November 2021	5	N/A	N/A	Yes	5.84	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	0.0004139
3 December 2021	22	N/A	Yes	Yes	1.71	0.43	0.63	3.33	−0.030	−0.054	−0.0046634
								Total Specific Enthalpy (KWh/t)	−1.140

References

Dominy, S.C.; Annels, A.E.; Camm, G.S.; Cuffley, B.W.; Hodkinson, I.P. Resource evaluation of narrow gold-bearing veins: Problems and methods of grade estimation. Trans. Inst. Min. Metall. Sect. A Min. Ind. 1999, 108, A52. [Google Scholar]
Stewart, P.C. Minimising Dilution in Narrow Vein Mines. Ph.D. Thesis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 2005. [Google Scholar]
Bamber, A.; Klein, B.; Morin, M.; Scoble, M. Reducing selectivity in narrow-vein mining through the integration of underground pre-concentration. In Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Narrow Vein Mining Techniques, Val d’Or, QC, Canada, 1 October 2004; Volume 1. [Google Scholar]
Novamera. Narrow Vein Mining Methods. 2025. Available online: https://novamerainc.com/narrow-vein-mining-methods/ (accessed on 15 January 2025).
Dominy, S.; Phelps, R.F.G.; Sangster, C.J.S.; Camm, G.S. The nature of dilution in narrow vein mining operations. In Mine Planning and Equipment Selection; A.A. Balkema: Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 1998; pp. 93–97. [Google Scholar]
Gao, F.; Zhou, K.P.; Deng, H.W.; Yang, N.G.; Li, J.L. Design and application of an efficient mining method for gentle-dipping narrow vein at Kafang Mine. In Design Methods 2015: Proceedings of the International Seminar on Design Methods in Underground Mining, Perth, Australia, 17–19 November 2015; Australian Centre for Geomechanics: Perth, Australia, 2015; pp. 293–305. [Google Scholar]
Pratt, A. Geology and Mining: Narrow-width (vein) mining and the geologist. SEG Discov. 2021, 124, 25–36. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Hall, B.E. Mining of Narrow Steeply Dipping Veins. 1987. Available online: https://www.scribd.com/document/216261964/Mining-of-Narrow-Steeply-Dipping-Veins (accessed on 23 January 2024).
Clark, L.M. Minimizing Dilution in Open Stope Mining with a Focus on Stope Design and Narrow Vein Longhole Blasting. Doctoral Dissertation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 1998. [Google Scholar]
Balci, C.; Tumaç, D. Investigation into the effects of different rocks on rock cuttability by a V-type disc cutter. Tunn. Undergr. Space Technol. 2012, 30, 183–193. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Yagiz, S.; Shaterpour-Mamaghani, A.; Yazitova, A.; Yermukhanbetov, K.; Dogan, E.; Erdogan, T.; Copur, H. Empirical Models for Estimating Performance and Operational Parameters of Raise Boring Machine in Mining Applications. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 2021, 833, 012129. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Rostami, J. Performance prediction of hard rock Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in difficult ground. Tunn. Undergr. Space Technol. 2016, 57, 173–182. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Farrokh, E.; Rostami, J.; Laughton, C. Study of various models for estimation of penetration rate of hard rock TBMs. Tunn. Undergr. Space Technol. 2012, 30, 110–123. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Shaterpour-Mamaghani, A.; Bilgin, N.; Balci, C.; Avunduk, E.; Polat, C. Predicting performance of raise boring machines using empirical models. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 2016, 49, 3377–3385. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Jeong, H.Y.; Cho, J.W.; Jeon, S.; Rostami, J. Performance assessment of hard rock TBM and rock boreability using punch penetration test. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 2016, 49, 1517–1532. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Bilgin, N.; Copur, H.; Balci, C. Mechanical Excavation in Mining and Civil Industries; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2013. [Google Scholar]
Shaterpour-Mamaghani, A.; Copur, H.; Dogan, E.; Erdogan, T. Development of new empirical models for performance estimation of a raise boring machine. Tunn. Undergr. Space Technol. 2018, 82, 428–441. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Shaterpour-Mamaghani, A.; Copur, H. Empirical performance prediction for raise boring machines based on rock properties, pilot hole drilling data and raise inclination. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 2021, 54, 1707–1730. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Camm, T.W.; Stebbins, S.A. Simplified Cost Models For Underground Mine Evaluation A Handbook for Quick Prefeasibility Cost Estimates-Revised Edition. 2023. Available online: https://digitalcommons.mtech.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=mine_engr (accessed on 20 January 2025).
Ersoy, A.; Waller, M.D. Drilling detritus and the operating parameters of thermally stable PDC core bits. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 1997, 34, 1109–1123. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Altındağ, R. Estimation of penetration rate in percussive drilling by means of coarseness index and mean particle size. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 2003, 36, 323–332. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Tuncdemir, H.; Bilgin, N.; Copur, H.; Balci, C. Control of rock cutting efficiency by muck size. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 2008, 2, 278–288. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Akbari, B.; Miska, S.; Yu, M.; Ozbayoglu, E. Relation between the mechanical specific energy, cuttings morphology, and PDC cutter geometry. In Proceedings of the ASME 2014 33rd International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, San Francisco, CA, USA, 8–13 June 2014; Volume 45455. V005T11A038. [Google Scholar]
Rispoli, A.; Ferrero, A.M.; Cardu, M.; Farinetti, A. Determining the particle size of debris from a tunnel boring machine through photographic analysis and comparison between excavation performance and rock mass properties. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 2017, 50, 2805–2816. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Martins, S. Size-energy relationship exponents in comminution. Miner. Eng. 2020, 149, 106259. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Jalal. Cuttings Transportation: Airlift Assist, Closed Form Solution and Its Application to Shallow Drilling; Q2 2022 DTL Report; Memorial University of Newfoundland: St. John’s, NL, Canada, 2022. [Google Scholar]
ASTM D6913/D6913M; Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using SIEVE Analysis. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2017.
ASTM D7928-21e1; Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2021.
ASTM C702/C702M; Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2011.
TWI. What is X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and How Does it Work? 2023. Available online: https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/x-ray-diffraction (accessed on 25 July 2023).
NASA. X-Ray Detectors—Optical Light Detections. Available online: https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/toolbox/xray_detectors_scintillators.html (accessed on 25 July 2023).
Mohammadi, M.; Khademi Hamidi, J.; Rostami, J.; Goshtasbi, K. A closer look into chip shape/size and efficiency of rock cutting with a simple chisel pick: A laboratory scale investigation. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 2020, 53, 1375–1392. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Krumbein, W.C. Measurement and geological significance of shape and roundness of sedimentary particles. J. Sediment. Res. 1941, 11, 64–72. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Wadell, H. Volume, shape, and roundness of quartz particles. J. Geol. 1935, 43, 250–280. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Wadell, H. Volume, shape, and roundness of rock particles. J. Geol. 1932, 40, 443–451. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Urban, R. Energy Prices in Canada 2023. Available online: https://www.energyhub.org/electricity-prices/ (accessed on 27 January 2025).

Figure 1. Airlift-assisted reverse circulation [26].

Figure 2. Cuttings Sampling Points 1 and 2.

Figure 3. Cuttings Sampling Point 3.

Figure 4. Cuttings collected from different sampling points: effluent line (1), settling pit (2), and sedimentation tank (3).

Figure 5. Setup for single-ieve set sieving method.

Figure 6. Specimen-splitting setup for composite sieving.

Figure 7. Mechanical splitter: (1) ASTM C702/C702 M-11. (2) Picture of the mechanical splitter used.

Figure 8. Sedimentation cylinders during the sedimentation analysis (ASTM D7928-21E1).

Figure 9. Particle size distributions for cuttings (Sampling Point 1, Direct Flush, Large Diameter Hole 3).

Figure 10. Particle size distributions for cuttings (Sampling Point 1, Reverse Circulation, Large Diameter Hole 1).

Figure 11. Particle size distributions for cuttings (Sampling Point 3).

Figure 12. MSE vs. d₅₀ (All Lithology).

Figure 13. MSE vs. CI (All Lithology).

Figure 14. Particle shape measurement [33].

Table 1. Cost summary for each Model, in 2019 US dollars [4,19].

Mining Method	Production Range (Ton/Day)	Operating Cost (USD/Ton)	Capital Cost (mln USD)
LDD	100–400	150–128	5–30
Cut & Fill (Mechanized)–Adit	200–2000	95.21–44.24	24.5–61.6
Cut & Fill (Mechanized)–Shaft	200–2000	100.57–45.79	33.8–70.3
Cut & Fill (Jackleg)–Adit	200–2000	139.33–63.12	19.0–48.3
Cut & Fill (Jackleg)–Shaft	200–2000	145.36–65.16	27.1–59.2
Room & Pillar–Adit	1200–14,000	45.26–17.15	46.2–156.0
Room & Pillar–Shaft	1200–14,000	49.53–18.31	58.7–184.9
Shrinkage Stoping–Adit	200–2000	114.74–54.99	17.9–50.6
Shrinkage Stoping–Shaft	200–2000	119.61–57.47	26.6–63.5
Sublevel Longhole–Adit	800–8000	39.08–20.11	27.1–94.5
Sublevel Longhole–Shaft	800–8000	42.90–21.21	37.2–132.0

Table 2. Cuttings’ Inventory.

Circulation Mode	Sampling Point 1 (Effluent Line)			Sampling Point 2 (Settling Pit)		Sampling Point 3 (Sedimentation Tanks and Geotube^®)
Circulation Mode	LD Hole 1	LD Hole 2	LD Hole 3	LD Hole 1	LD Hole 2	Tank 1	Tank 2	Tank 3	Tank 4	Geotube^®
Direct Flush	3	5	22	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Air Lift Assist Reverse Circulation	190	61	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
N/A (Daily Production)	-	-	-	15	2	1	1	1	1	1
Total	303

Table 4. Mechanical properties of the rock mass (based on cores obtained from a pilot hole).

Depth (m)	Lithology	UCS of Rock Mass (MPa)	Tensile Strength of Rock Mass (MPa)	Range of Elastic Modulus for Rock Mass (MPa)	Poisson Ratio for Rock Mass
0.7–3	Quartz (Highly fractured)	1.9–2.4	0.03–0.004	1.4–4.8	0.195
8.65–11.6	Quartz	54.2–66.2	2.00–2.44	70.5–75.6	0.195
11.6–12.5	Mafic ash tuff	35.4–88.7	1.18–2.96	80.5–80.8	0.247–0.286
20.7–21.4	Mafic ash tuff (transition)	1.3–1.3	0.02–0.04	2.3–7.3	0.247–0.286
21.5–25.3	Quartz	20.6–55.5	0.72–1.95	54.2–65.7	0.143
25.3–26	Quartz	20.6–55.5	0.72–1.95	52.5–65.7	0.143
26–29.6	Green, grey mafic ash tuff	12.1	0.23	24.8–59.7	0.299
42.5–46.7	Green, grey mafic ash tuff	34.3	0.95	63.9–91.7	0.299
67.8–72.2	Mafic massive flow	17.6–51.7	0.56–1.65	77.5–83.7	0.312

Table 5. Mean size and shape parameters.

	D10 (mm)	D30 (mm)	D50 (mm)	D60 (mm)	Cc	Cu	Remarks
Tank 1	0.0044	0.0166	0.038	0.068	0.91	15.3	Smallest mean size of particle
Tank 2	-	0.020	0.065	0.123	-	-
Tank 3	-	0.019	0.051	0.069	-	-
Tank 4	0.005	0.019	0.052	0.104	0.72	23
Geotube^®	0.006	0.033	0.113	-	-	-	Largest mean size of particle

Table 6. Classification of particle shape by Zingg [33].

Class	b/a	c/b	Shape
I	>2/3	<2/3	Disks
II	>2/3	>2/3	Spherical
III	<2/3	<2/3	Blades
IV	<2/3	>2/3	Rod-like

Table 7. Cuttings shape classification.

Cuttings Sample	Long Diameter, mm. (a)	Intermediate Diameter, mm (b)	Short Diameter, mm (c)	b/a	c/b	Shape
1	42.10	28.73	16.50	0.68	0.57	Disc
2	40.03	24.47	7.11	0.61	0.29	Blade
3	34.12	18.26	11.30	0.54	0.62	Blade
4	27.71	21.61	7.68	0.78	0.36	Disc
5	34.85	19.73	4.09	0.57	0.21	Blade
6	33.50	16.76	5.80	0.50	0.35	Blade
7	22.52	13.80	12.75	0.61	0.92	Rod-like

Table 8. Composition of the cuttings samples obtained from Sampling Point 3.

	% Composition by Weight
Phase ID	Tank 1	Tank 2	Tank 3	Tank 4	Geotube^®	Remarks
Quartz	25.7	19.0	32.8	31.4	43.6	Oxide of silicon
Albite	48.6	48.0	39.7	33.4	34.7	Clay mineral
Kaolinite	15.2	23.3	18.8	20.3	15.5	Clay mineral
Strontianite	3.7	4.3	1.5	6.5	1.2	Carbonates of strontium present in veins of quartz
Vaterite	0.4	0.3	0.5	0.4	0.3	Carbonate of Calcium
Muscovite	3.6	2.9	3.6	5.1	4.0	Clay mineral
Strontium thiosulphate pentahydrate	2.8	2.2	3.2	2.9	0.9	Inorganic compound that finds application in areas like gold mining and water treatment
Mean Particle Size (mm)	0.038	0.065	0.051	0.052	0.113

Table 9. Required milling based on D80 size.

Settling Pit—Daily Production	D80	Comminution Circuit			LD Hole #	Circulation Mode
Settling Pit—Daily Production	D80	Jaw Crusher (from 300 mm to 100 mm)	Cone Crusher (from 100 mm to 10 mm)	Primary Ball Mill (from 10 mm to 150 Microns)	LD Hole #	Circulation Mode
11 October 2021	6	N/A *	N/A	Yes	1	RC
12 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes
13 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes
14 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes
20 October 2021	12	N/A	Yes	Yes
21 October 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes
26 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes
27 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes
28 October 2021	15	N/A	Yes	Yes
29 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes
30 October 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes
1 November 2021	10	N/A	N/A	Yes
2 November 2021	8	N/A	N/A	Yes
3 November 2021	8	N/A	N/A	Yes
4 November 2021	9	N/A	N/A	Yes
28 November 2021	5	N/A	N/A	Yes	2
3 December 2021	22	N/A	Yes	Yes	2

* The need for the jaw crusher and cone crusher has been eliminated by the reduction of the rock cuttings during the drilling process.

Table 10. Energy and cost savings due to bypass of jaw crusher and cone crusher.

Settling Pit—Daily Production		Comminution Circuit			Energy Requirement for Jaw Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWh/t)	Energy Requirement for Cone Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWh/t)	Energy Requirement for Cone Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWh/t)
Settling Pit—Daily Production	D80 (Microns)	Jaw Crusher (from 300 mm to 100 mm)	Cone Crusher (from 100 mm to 10 mm)	Primary Ball Mill (from 10 mm to 150 Microns)	Energy Requirement for Jaw Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWh/t)	Energy Requirement for Cone Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWh/t)	Energy Requirement for Cone Crusher @ W = 13.57 kWh/t)
14 October 2021	8930	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0019009
20 October 2021	11,770	N/A	Yes	Yes	0.007	0.024	0.0025962
21 October 2021	8720	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0023113
26 October 2021	10,030	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	0.0000492
27 October 2021	10,100	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	0.0001632
28 October 2021	15,300	N/A	Yes	Yes	0.007	0.024	0.0064517
29 October 2021	10,210	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	0.0003402
30 October 2021	9860	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0002323
1 November 2021	9720	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0004693
2 November 2021	7940	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0039649
3 November 2021	8230	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0033247
4 November 2021	9400	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0010290
28 November 2021	5450	N/A	N/A	Yes	0.007	0.024	−0.0112552
3 December 2021	21,760	N/A	Yes	Yes	0.007	0.024	0.0110685
					0.092	0.332	0.0206690
		Energy Requirement (KWh/ton)			6.024
		Minimum Production Rate (tons)			400
		Maximum Production Rate (tons)			100
		Daily Energy Requirement (KWh)			602–2410
		Annual Energy Cost Savings (USD) @0.13 USD/kWh, at 95% Comminution Circuit Availability			27,000–110,000

Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

George, J.; Cramm, A.; Butt, S. Comminution Flowsheet Energy Requirements of a New Narrow-Vein Mining Method. Energies 2025, 18, 3119. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123119

AMA Style

George J, Cramm A, Butt S. Comminution Flowsheet Energy Requirements of a New Narrow-Vein Mining Method. Energies. 2025; 18(12):3119. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123119

Chicago/Turabian Style

George, Judith, Allan Cramm, and Stephen Butt. 2025. "Comminution Flowsheet Energy Requirements of a New Narrow-Vein Mining Method" Energies 18, no. 12: 3119. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123119

APA Style

George, J., Cramm, A., & Butt, S. (2025). Comminution Flowsheet Energy Requirements of a New Narrow-Vein Mining Method. Energies, 18(12), 3119. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123119

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Menu

Comminution Flowsheet Energy Requirements of a New Narrow-Vein Mining Method

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Cuttings Inventory

2.2. Methodology for Cuttings Size Analysis

2.3. (Mineralogical) Composition Evaluation Using X-Ray Diffraction

3. Results

3.1. Results of the Cuttings Size Analyses

3.2. Results of X-Ray Diffraction of Fine Cuttings Samples

4. Discussion

5. Conclusions

Author Contributions

Funding

Data Availability Statement

Acknowledgments

Conflicts of Interest

Appendix A

References

Share and Cite

Article Metrics

Article Access Statistics

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI