Borehole mining (BHM) is a remote-controlled extraction method that uses high-pressure water jets to break up ore deposits and bring them to the surface via slurry. This technique is particularly advantageous for:

1. Mining & Resource Extraction

  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs) & Critical Minerals – BHM is increasingly considered for extracting REEs, lithium, and other critical minerals from deep or otherwise inaccessible deposits. Given your interest in biomining, BHM could complement bioleaching in REE recovery.
  • Uranium Mining – Used in in-situ recovery (ISR) where conventional mining is not feasible.
  • Phosphate & Potash Extraction – Essential for fertilizer production, particularly in soft rock deposits.
  • Gold & Diamond Recovery – Applied in underwater or deep alluvial deposits.
  • Coal & Methane Extraction – Used for coal seam gas recovery while reducing surface disruption.

2. Oil & Gas Industry

  • Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) – BHM can be used to extract trapped hydrocarbons from depleted reservoirs.
  • Tar Sands & Heavy Oil – Helps recover bitumen deposits that are not viable through conventional methods.

3. Environmental Applications

  • Mine Tailings & Waste Reprocessing – Extracts valuable materials from old mining waste, reducing environmental impact.
  • Contaminated Groundwater Remediation – Can remove pollutants from underground reservoirs.

4. Geothermal Energy

  • Deep Geothermal Wells – BHM can be used to enhance geothermal resource extraction by improving permeability in rock formations.

Market Demand & Future Outlook

The demand for borehole mining is expected to grow due to:

  • Rising Need for Critical Minerals – The demand for REEs, lithium, cobalt, and other elements vital for electronics, batteries, and green technology is pushing innovation in mining techniques like BHM.
  • Sustainable Mining Practices – BHM has a lower surface impact than open-pit mining, aligning with sustainability goals.
  • Declining High-Grade Ore Deposits – As easily accessible reserves are depleted, BHM offers an alternative for extracting minerals from deeper or remote locations.
  • Technological Advancements – Improved automation, AI-driven targeting, and integration with biomining techniques may enhance efficiency.