Szkoła Eksploatacji Podziemnej

Blind shaft drilling method and artificial ground freezing method are the most used and reliable techniques to sink shafts in deep alluvium for coal-mining industry in China. The paper covers the development of the blind shaft drilling for vertical shaft sinking since its first use in 1968. First of all, a statistical data about shaft liner structures, drilling depth, liner diameter, liner thickness, geological conditions are given for the major and typical vertical shafts completed between 1968 to the present date. The significant advancements achieved in the procedures, such as drilling system, lining system and floating and sinking process, are also discussed in detail. A comparison of costs, construction rate, liner structure and risks is also made between the two shaft sinking techniques based on one recently completed project. Finally, an analysis of future prospects for blind shaft drilling is made for vertical shaft sinking in Chinese coal-mining industry.