AU6450499A - A bore hole lining and method of use in mining - Google Patents

Description

S&F- Rcf: 490129

AUSTRALIA

PATIENTS ACT 1990 COM'PLETE SIPECI 1-1CATION [O R. A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicants:

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Sanlleo 1-oldings Pty Ltd 1st Floor, 155 Brisbane Street Dubbo NSW 2830 Sooth jet Pty' Ltd 1st Floor, 155 Brisbane Street DUbbo NSW 2830

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ActUal Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Geoff Robbins Spruson FerguIson St Martins Tower 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 A Bore H-ole Lining and Method of Use ini NM1C ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

DETAILS

Coun11try 1311I Appl ic. No(s) AU IPP7716 1321 Application Date 14 Dec 1998 Th'le f"ollowing statement is a full descriptionl of this inVention1, inlinI~lg the beSt ehdo pert brining it known to me/us:- 5X1

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1 A Bore Hole Lining and Method of Use in Mining Technical Field This invention relates to a bore hole lining and method of lining a bore hole, in particular to a bore hole lining and method of lining at least a portion of a bore hole to receive waterproof explosives.

Background Art Currently, in the mining industry, a bore hole is drilled and explosives are placed in the bore hole. The bore holes are usually drilled below the water table and there is a tendency for the bore holes to fill with water and accordingly water-proof explosives are used. The disadvantage of using water-proof explosives is that they are very expensive.

There is a need for a bore hole lining which can be used to line a bore hole and which will not stick to itself and allow an explosive when placed in the lined bore hole to travel substantially unrestrictedly the entire length of the lining. There is another need for a bore hole lining which reduces the need for a water-proof explosive. There is another need for a *15 method of lining at least a portion of a bore hole with a bore hole lining and placing an explosive in the lined bore hole.

Objects of Invention It is an object of this invention to provide a bore hole lining which will not stick to itself and allow insertion of an explosive in the lined bore hole. Another object is to provide a method o20 of lining at least a portion of a bore hole with a bore hole lining and placing an explosive in oooo• the lined bore hole.

Disclosure of Invention According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a bore hole lining comprising a substantially liquid impermeable sleeve adapted to substantially line a bore hole, which sleeve has an open end, a closed end, an outer surface and non sticking inner surfaces thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end of the sleeve in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end.

The sleeve may further comprise means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

3o The closed end may include reinforcing means to reinforce the closed end. The reinforcing means may comprise layers of reinforcing material such as plastic, woven plastic such as woven polyethylene, woven polypropylene, canvas, nylon, etc., for example. One method of filing such a lining is to insert a hose and drive or push the lining down into a bore hole and IN:LIBV]000127C:S&F through any water in the bore hole to the bottom of the bore hole. The lining can then be filled with explosive via the hose.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a bore hole lining comprising a substantially liquid impermeable sleeve adapted to substantially line a bore hole, which sleeve has an open end, a closed end, an outer surface and inner surfaces and means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

Advantageously, the means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining is means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight lo to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining. The means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining is selected from the group consisting of a fixed pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, a removable pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, and means to which a weight may be attached proximate to the closed end. The means to which a weight may be attached 15 proximate to the closed end may be one or more eyelets, particularly, one or more reinforced eyelets located at or proxo The means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining may be profiled, shaped or tapered to facilitate lowering of the bore lining down a bore hole.

20 The bore hole lining may further comprise means to substantially protect at least a part of the outer surface from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole, the means to substantially protect being disposed over at least a portion of the bore hole lining.

For example, the liquid impermeable sleeve may be a waterproof polyethylene lining and the *o 9means to substantially protect may be a woven polyethylene. Optionally, glue may be used to adhere the polyethylene lining to the woven polyethylene. A typical thickness of the liquid impermeable sleeve is approximately 15 30ptm, more typically about 20pm, and a typical thickness of the means to substantially protect is 100l.m 3001m, more typically about 150tm. Alternatively, an integral liquid impermeable sleeve/means to substantially protect could be used. Further illustrations of materials are given elsewhere in this specification. For example, one could use 250 500pm, typically about 300ptm thick waterproof polyethylene lining to form the closed end and 2 to 3 metres of the sleeve adjacent to the closed end, 150 250jim thick waterproof polyethylene lining for the next 2 to 3 metres and the remainder 100 150 Lm thick waterproof polyethylene lining.

The means to substantially protect at least a part of the outer surface from damage may be an outer sleeve or alternatively could be a plastic frame or a natural or synthetic rope frame.

The outer sleeve may be sprayed on, dipped on or painted on the liquid impermeable sleeve [N:\LIBVI 027C:S&F or the outer sleeve may be placed over the liquid impermeable sleeve. Where the outer sleeve is placed over the liquid impermeable sleeve it may be affixed to the liquid impermeable sleeve with adhesive, double sided sticky tape or single sided tape or iron on tape or a combination thereof or any other suitable affixing means. The outer sleeve may be disposed over at least the closed end so as to substantially protect the closed end from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole. Alternatively, the outer sleeve may be disposed over the closed end and over at least a portion of the bore hole lining proximate the closed end so as to substantially protect the outer surface at and proximate the closed end from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole. As a further alternative, the outer sleeve may be disposed over at least a portion of the bore hole lining proximate the closed end so as to substantially protect the outer surface proximate the closed end from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole. As another alternative, the outer sleeve may be disposed over the closed end and substantially over the bore hole lining so as to substantially protect the outer surface from damage as the bore hole 1is lining is lowered down a bore hole.

The means to substantially protect at least a part of the outer surface from damage may be disposed over the bore hole lining at least proximate the closed end and may further comprise means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining. The means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore 20 hole with the bore hole lining comprises means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining. The means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining is •"selected from the group consisting of a fixed pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, a removable pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, and means to which a weight may 25 be attached proximate to the closed end. The means to which a weight may be attached proximate to the closed end may include one, two, three, four, five or more eyelets. The eyelets may be located evenly or unevenly across the closed end or adjacent the closed end, for example or some eyelets may be across the closed end and some may be adjacent the closed end. Alternatively, the means to which a weight may be attached proximate to the closed end may include one, two, three, four, five or more hooks. The hooks may be located evenly or unevenly across the closed end or adjacent the closed end, for example or some hooks may be across the closed end and some may be adjacent the closed end. A combination of hooks and eyelets may be employed. A pouch or net for supporting the a weight may be attached to the eyelets or hooks. Alternatively, the means to which a weight may be attached proximate to the closed end may include one, two, three, four, five or more clips or shackles. The clips or shackles may be located evenly or unevenly across the closed end or adjacent the closed end, for example or some clips or shackles may be across the [N:\LIBV]OO27C:S&F '4 4 closed end and some may be adjacent the closed end. Any combination of clips, shackles, hooks and/or eyelets may be employed.

The means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining may comprise means proximate to, but disposed below, the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

The means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining may be profiled, shaped or tapered to facilitate lowering of the bore lining down a bore hole.

According to another embodiment there is provided a method of lining a bore hole which method comprises taking a bore hole lining of the invention having means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining and a weight; placing the weight in the means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining; and 15 lining the bore hole with the bore hole lining to the required depth in the bore hole.

The method may further comprise maintaining an excess length of the lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole; and supporting the bore lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole.

According to an embodiment of this invention there is provided a bore hole lining 20 comprising a plastic sleeve adapted to substantially line a bore hole, which sleeve has an open end, a closed end, an outer surface and non sticking inner surfaces thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end of the sleeve in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end of the sleeve.

According to another embodiment of this invention there is provided a bore hole lining comprising a plastic sleeve, which sleeve has an open end, a closed end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, and non sticking inner surfaces thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end of the sleeve in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end of the sleeve and means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

The means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining may be means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining. The means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining a pouch disposed either fixedly or removably proximate to the closed end; means to which a weight may be attached either fixedly or removably proximate to the closed end.

[N:ALIBV]00027C:S&F According to a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a bore hole lining comprising a liquid impermeable sleeve adapted to substantially line a bore hole, which sleeve has an open end and a closed end, and an outer surface and and non sticking inner surfaces thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end of the sleeve to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end of the sleeve, said bore hole lining having at least one pouch or other means for suspending a weight capable of holding one or more weights disposed proximate to the closed end.

Generally the pouch is located on the outer surface of the bore hole lining. Generally in use the total mass of the one or more weights added to the pouch is at least sufficient to facilitate the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining to a particular depth in a bore hole more typically to the bottom of a bore hole. Hence the pouch is of a size and is strong enough to hold the one or more weights. The total mass of the one or more weights is typically in the range of 1-50kg, more typically 2-20kg, even more typically 5-12kg, advantageously 3more advantageously 15 Usually the closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve is profiled, shaped or tapered to 0oo.

facilitate lowering of said sleeve down a bore hole. Typically the closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve is heat sealed. Typically the closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve is V-shaped or U-shaped or a rounded-shape or circular-shape or cylindrical shape or tapered shape. In one form of the invention the desired shaped end is made by folding or cutting the closed end and taping or welding heat welding) or adhering (e.g.with adhesive) it into place. If necessary an insert can be included inside the end of said sleeve to provide said end with the required profile, shape or taper to facilitate lowering of said sleeve down a bore hole.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a combination comprising the bore hole lining of the invention not having an outer sleeve together with an outer sleeve for the bore hole lining.

Advantageously, the closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve is heat sealed. Typically the closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve is V-shaped or U-shaped or may be formed in any manner or shape described for the liquid impermeable sleeve described hereinbefore.

The "V"-shape or "U"-shape or preferred shaped closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve can be made by folding or cutting the closed end and taping or welding or adhering it into place. The outer sleeve has a closed end which is "V"-shaped or "U"-shaped or a rounded-shape or circular-shape or cylindrical shape or tapered shape to facilitate lowering of the lining down a bore hole when said outer sleeve is adhered to the liquid impermeable sleeve to protect the closed end of said liquid impermeable sleeve when said lining is lowered down a bore hole. Typically the outer sleeve closed end "V"-shape or "U"-shape, or [N:%LIBV)0027C:S&F other suitable shape described hereinbefore, formed by cutting it or folding it to form the appropriately shaped flaps and sewing, welding or adhering them together to form the appropriately shaped closed end and at the same time forming a pouch proximate said closed end. Generally the shape of the outer sleeve is substantially the same as or sufficiently similar to the shape of the end of the liquid impermeable sleeve it is intended to cover.

Advantageously, the outer sleeve has at least one pouch (optionally two, three or four pouches) capable of holding one or more weights disposed proximate the closed end of the outer sleeve. Generally the pouch is located on the outer surface of the outer sleeve.

Typically the outer sleeve is secured to the liquid impermeable sleeve with adhesive and/or adhesive tape. Advantageously tape is used to secure the outer sleeve to the liquid impermeable sleeve. Generally, in use, the total mass of the one or more weights added to the pouch is at least sufficient to facilitate the lining of the bore hole with the lining to a desired depth, typically to the bottom of a bore hole. Hence the pouch is of a size and is •"strong enough to hold the one or more weights. The total mass is typically in the range of 1- 50kg, even more typically 3-10kg, advantageously 5-12kg, more advantageously 5-10kg.

Typically, the outer sleeve is substantially non-elastic. Typically, the outer sleeve is a nonelastic woven outer sleeve. Typically, the outer sleeve is constructed of woven polypropylene, woven polyethylene, a coat of hyperlon, cloth reinforced PVC, tarpaulin, S"canvas, or other suitable material.

Typically the outer sleeve is in the form of a bag, sleeve or other suitable receptacle within which the liquid impermeable sleeve is at least partially disposed. The outer sleeve typically is scuff resistant. The outer sleeve is typically abrasion resistant. Typically, in use, the outer sleeve acts as an abrasion and puncture barrier for that portion of the liquid impermeable S°sleeve disposed with it. The construction and materials used for the outer sleeve is such that 25 it resists tearing even on contact with sharp edges or points.

The outer sleeve is generally constructed of a material and is dimensioned with respect to the bore hole lining so that it provides strength to that part of the bore hole lining it covers.

Generally the outer sleeve is disposed over at least the closed end of the bore hole lining.

More typically the outer sleeve is not only disposed over the closed end of the bore hole lining but covers a length of the bore hole lining extending from the closed end towards the open end. Typically the length is in the range from 1% to 100% of the bore hole lining extending from the closed end towards the open end. More typically the length is in the range 10%-15%, 15%-20%, 20%-25%, 25%-30, 30%-35%, 35%-40%, 40%-45%, 45%-50%, 50%-55%, 55%-60%, 60%-65%, 65%-70%, 70%-75%, 75%-80%, 80%-85%, 85%-90% or 90%-95% of the bore hole lining extending from the closed end toward the open end. More typically the length is 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, IN:\LIBVI00027C:S&F or 100% of the bore hole lining extending from the closed end toward the open end.

Typically the length of the outer sleeve is in the range 0.5-30, 0.5-25, 0.5-20, 0.5-15, 1-30, 3-15, 1-12, 1.5-10, 2-9, 2-8, 2-7, 2-6, 2-5, 2-4, 3-7, 3-6, 3-5, 3-4, 4-9, 4-8, 4-7, 4-6, 4-5, 5-9, 5-8, 5-7, 5-6, 6-15, 6-10, 6-9, 6-8 or 6-7 metres. Typically the outer sleeve is 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25 or 30 metres. More typically the outer sleeve is six metres in length.

Typically the bore hole is drilled to a depth of approximately 15-100 metres, more typically 20-70 metres, even more typically 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 or 70 metres and is approximately in the range of 0.05 to 2 metres, more typically 0.2 to 0.5 metres in diameter. The bore hole is generally drilled at an angle and left unattended until the results of analyses of the contents of the bore hole are completed.

Occasionally the bore hole may be partially filled with water.

The liquid impermeable sleeve is typically a plastic sleeve and is generally an elongated, 15 flexible sleeve. The length of the sleeve varies depending on the length of the bore hole.

The length of the sleeve is at least as long as and is generally longer than the bore hole (typically liquid impermeable sleeve length bore hole length or depth (0.5 metres to metres longer). The closed end of the sleeve is generally heat sealed, but may be sealed by other methods. The closed end may be sealed in a straight line or in a variety of shapes described hereinbefore.

The liquid impermeable sleeve or the outer sleeve may be weighted by using stones or sand or soil or any other like material. The weights may be placed inside the liquid impermeable sleeve but are generally added to the pouch of the outer sleeve. The pouch may be formed by adhering or including integrally as part of the same material as that forming the liquid impermeable sleeve, or may be a pre-construed pouch proximate the closed end on the outside surface of the outer sleeve. The closed end of the pouch may be sealed or sewn in a variety of shapes, typically those described herein on page two. Alternatively, prior to sealing the closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve, the pouch may be formed by folding one end of the sleeve back onto itself and adhering said end to the outside surface of the sleeve to form the desired shaped end and pouch which, as already mentioned may be a tapered shape. The sealed closed end of the liquid impermeable sleeve may be reinforced to withstand any downward pressure as a result of the explosive travelling down the sleeve after the sleeve has been lowered down the bore hole. For example, the reinforcement may be in the form of strong adhesive tape to the closed end of the sleeve.

Typically the liquid impermeable sleeve is a liquid impermeable plastic sleeve. Generally one or more anti blocking agents are included in the plastic and thus a substantially liquid [N:\LIBV]OO00027C:S&F impermeable sleeve fabricated from such plastic has non sticking inner surfaces thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end of the sleeve in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end The liquid impermeable sleeve is preferably formed from high tensile strength plastic and it is light in weight. Hyperlon could be used to coat the plastic instead of a separately attached outer sleeve. Usually the outer sleeve is a thin film in the range 50 500 uLm thick, typically 50 300um thick, or 50 150 m thick, or 150 300pim thick, or 150 500 [im thick, or 300 500 um thick; thicker films of 2 to 10mm thick, preferably 2 to 6mm thick may be used if desired) of a polymer such as polyolefin (C 2

-C

10 olefin), copolymers of different polyolefins, terpolymers of different polyolefins and blends of polyolefins.

Examples of such polymers include polyethylene, polyethylene polymer with C 3 to C 10 alkenes, polyethylene/butadiene, polyethylene/vinyl acetate, different types of polyethylene including high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear-low f density polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures and blends of different types of polyethylene 15 with each other and other copolymers, polypropylene, copolymers of polypropylene and blends with polyethylene and blends with polyethylene and polyethylene copolymers, propylene/butadiene, polyethylene polypropylene block copolymers and ethylene propylene

C

4

-C

6 diene terpolymers. Other suitable polymers include polyurethane blends, poly(vinylchloride), polyvinylchloride blends (see flexible polyblends listed in Table 1 page 20 461-463 of "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology", Kirk Othmer, 3rd edition, Volume 18, John Wiley Sons 1982, incorporated herein by cross reference), and poly(ethyleneterephthalate). The major materials for the sleeve are coextrusions, usually layers of polyethylene types over a nylon core (trapped nylon). Combinations of grades of polyethylene could also be effective depending on strength required. Typically, the liquid 25 impermeable sleeve is multi-layered. Plastic materials from which suitable multi-layer bags may be fabricated include rubber or other elastomerics, nylon/surlyn coextrusions, polythylene, polypropyleneor polythylene/nylon/polythylene coextrusions which have suitable strength and suitably low gas permeability. Low linear low density polyththylenes are preferable to other types of polythylene. Where nylon is included in the material of the containers, it should be of extrusion grade. Generally the liquid impermeable sleeve of this form of the invention is a double-layer nylon coextrusion bag, coated with linear low density polythylene. Low liquid permeability can also be achieved by the use of a polyester inner layer or metallised plastic film. Typically the polymer of the liquid impermeable sleeve includes one ore more antistatic agents to prevent, reduce or minimise sparking from the polymer. The liquid impermeable sleeve is generally water impermeable. Generally, the liquid impermeable sleeve is impermeable to diesel oil which is the normal fuel used for commercial explosives.

[N:\LIBV]00027C:S&F As mentioned above the liquid impermeable sleeve also has an anti-blocking agent or abherent applied to the inner surface of the plastic or incorporated into the plastic to prevent the sleeve from sticking to itself. Examples of anti-blocking agents are silicones; waxes for example hydrocarbon waxes, such as petroleum waxes, natural waxes such as carnauba or spermaceti, waxy amides such as ethylene bis(stearamide), oleamide or erucamide; stearates for example zinc stearate, lead stearate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, barium stearate, cadmium stearate, aluminium stearate, lithium stearate; cellulose derivatives for example cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate or methyl cellulose; natural products such as flour, confectioners sugar, rice flour, sodium alginate, potassium alginate, or calcium alginate; inorganic abherents such as talc, mica, fumed silica, kaolin or attapulgite.

The plastic itself may be an anti-blocking plastic such as polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(1-butene), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(ethylene terephthalate), fluorocarbon polymers. Further examples of abherents are described in "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology", Kirk Othmer, 3rd edition, Volume 1, John Wiley Sons 1982, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

As mentioned above the liquid impermeable sleeve may also have an anti-static compound applied to the outside surface or incorporated into the plastic to prevent sparks being generated when the sleeve is inserted into a bore hole. Examples of anti-static compounds are amines such as ethoxylated amines or ethoxylated fatty amines; quaternary ammonium 20 compounds; anionic surface active agents such as sulfonates or phosphates; or miscellaneous antistats such as glycol esters, sulfated waxes, fatty amides, polyhydric alcohol derivatives or inorganics. Further examples of antistatic compounds are described in "Chemical Additives for the Plastics Industry Properties, Applications, Toxicologies", Radian Corporation, Table A-2, Noyes Data Corporation 1987 and "Encyclopedia of 25 Chemical Technology", Kirk Othmer, 3rd edition, Volume 3, John Wiley Sons 1982, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

The liquid impermeable sleeve typically being a plastic sleeve may also have additives applied to a surface or incorporated into the plastic. Examples of the types of additives which may be included are antioxidants, blowing agents, colorants, coupling agents, fillers, reinforcers, flame retardants, heat stabilisers, lubricants, preservatives, or stabilisers.

Specific examples of plastics additives are described in "Chemical Additives for the Plastics Industry Properties, Applications, Toxicologies", Radian Corporation, Noyes Data Corporation 1987 and "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology", Kirk Othmer, 3rd edition, John Wiley Sons 1982, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

According to a another embodiment of this invention there is provided a combination of the bore hole lining of the invention and means to support the open end to maintain open the [N:\LIBV]00027C:S&F open end to facilitate insertion of explosive into the lining and to support the open end proximate the mouth of a bore hole.

The support means may be of any shape, however it is preferable that the support means is a cone shaped support means (generally a hollow cone shape). The support means is of such size as to dip into the sleeve yet jam into the top of the bore hole. Typically the support means is made from cardboard; corrugated cardboard; plastic, for example a flower pot with the closed end removed; wood; metal or ceramics. Typically the support means is made of cardboard or plastic. The cardboard may be wax impregnated by a hot wax dipping process.

In another form the support means is a cone or ring or other suitable shape with a means to support the cone or ring (which may be circular, rectangular, square, elliptical or other suitable shape) which could be legs two, three, four or five legs). In yet another form the support means is an annularly splayed device. Said device is fundamentally the same and similar in shape to the previously mentioned hollow cone support means but is in the reversed position to that of said previously mentioned support means, when in use as a 1is means of support for the bore hole lining of the present invention when said lining is o.:**disposed within a bore hole. In this arrangement the maximum longitudinal diameter of the annularly splayed support means device is positioned over the opening to a blasthole flush with ground surface and encasing said blasthole while the minimum longitudinal diameter at the opposite end of said device provides a ring for the open end of the water impermeable 20 sleeve to be inserted through, in an upward direction and folded over. Clamping said sleeve to said means of support by attaching a lid to the support means, seals the open end of bore hole and the open end of bore hole lining so as to keep both from filling up with dirt and rainwater.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a means to 25 support the bore hole lining with an inflatable bore hole plug assembly in combination with an inflatable substance disposed within said lining. One form of said assembly may include an inflatable bore hold plug comprising an inflatable bag having an inlet, and an optionally flexible, conduit having one end of said conduit coupled to the inlet (by means of a one-way valve) in an optionally releasable fashion and the other end of the conduit being adapted to be connected to a source of pressurised gas or inflatable substance which can inflate the bag or a pressurised source of a co-reagent which can react with a further co-reagent in the bag to form an inflatable substance which can inflate the bag.

Typically the source of the pressurised gas or inflatable substance which can inflate said bag is an aerosol container respectively containing same or pressurised source of a co-reagent being an aerosol container containing same. The aerosol container typically has pressure releasing means. The pressure releasing means is typically a nozzle coupled to an aerosol container via a conduit, with the other end of said conduit coupled to the inflatable bag via a one-way valve in an optionally releasable fashion. Descriptions of examples of the [N:\LIBV]0OO27C:S&F 11 variations of combinations of co-reagents that can react together to create an inflatable substance and the means to enable said reactions to be started when required are described in Australian patent nos. 579395 and 595887 and Australian patent application no. 93295/98 the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference.

In another form the invention provides a combination comprising the inflatable bore hole plug assembly of the hereinbefore mentioned invention, being an inflatable gas-tight container or bag and a substantially non-elastic outer support for said inflatable container or bag. In this form the inflatable container may be a bag comprising multiple layers of plastic.

The outer support for said bag may be constructed of a material selected from a group io consisting of woven polythylene and woven polypropylene. Said outer support may comprise a hole through which the conduit passes.

It can be seen that in these simple arrangements an uninflated bag can be lowered into the open end of a bore hole, which bore hole is lined by a bore hole lining of the preferred embodiment of this invention, that has previously been substantially inflated by an inflatable 15 substance, comprising a combination of a co-reagent and a further co-reagent disposed o within said lining, whereby said combination comprises one co-reagent being a solvent (preferably water) and a further co-reagent being a solid mixture of citric acid (or other similar acid) and sodium bicarbonate (or other similar bicarbonate) and said inflatable S* substance is completely sealed within said lining by tying the end of said lining, then the inflatable bag of said bore hole plug assembly can be inflated to provide a means of support to the bore hole lining.

S"In the above forms, the combination of the bore hole lining and support means in the form of an inflatable bore hole plug is advantageous in that the support means locks off the top of the bore hole using a simple, inexpensive, easily discardable and non-sophisticated material.

25 Another advantage of the support means is that it keeps the sleeve open for a long distance when used in combination with an inflatable substance disposed within the bore hole lining, said inflatable substance substantially inflating the entire length of said bore hole lining.

Use of the outer sleeve is particularly advantageous when in this embodiment, the inflatable container of the bore hole plug assembly is prevented from bulging and stretching when inflated inside the sleeve, causing the inflatable bore hole plug to be retained particularly securely against the sides of the bore hole (compared to inflatable plugs which lack a nonelastic woven outer support) and enabling a longer retention of internal pressure.

Additionally, when the inflatable container is disposed within the outer support, the rough texture of the woven material of the support provides an efficient frictional grip of the inflated bore hole plug against the sides of the bore hole. Further, when the material of the outer support is white or opaque any temperature rise inside the pressured vessel is (N:NLIBVOOo27C:S&F minimised when assembly is left in the sun. Still further, the outer support can protect the inflatable container against damage when the assembly is pushed into a bore hole.

It is preferred that the inflatable container should be able to withstand 10 to 300 kPa internal pressure and to maintain that pressure for up to six months. More typically, the inflated bore hole plug will be required to retain a pressure of from 100 kPa to 170 kPa for up to four weeks. In this way, when the inflatable bore hole plug assembly of the present invention is inflated in a bore hole, it is typically capable of supporting a direct weight of up to five tonnes, more typically up to three tonnes, loaded on its upper surface.

In the bore hole plug of the present invention, the inflatable container is dimensioned for io dropping or lowering down a bore hole and is adapted for the containing of an inflatable substance or pressurised gas after it is released from the pressurised vessel. The inflatable container is further characterised in that it is adapted so as to allow for operation of the pressure release means before the borehole plug is dropped or lowered into the bore hole.

::o..Suitably, this may be achieved by the application of manual pressure to the pressure release means through the plastic bag or bags of the inflatable container.

According to a seventh embodiment of this invention there is provided a method of lining a bore hole which method comprises: taking the bore hole lining of the invention having a pouch of the invention; placing a weight in the pouch of the liquid impermeable sleeve or the pouch of the outer sleeve to facilitate the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining; lining the bore hole with the bore hole lining to the required depth in the bore hole S•whilst maintaining an excess length of the lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole; supporting the bore hole lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole with the means to support.

In one form supporting the bore hole lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole may include: inserting the means to support the open end into the open end of the liquid impermeable sleeve until the means to support is located proximate the mouth of the bore hole to support the bore hole lining and to maintain open the open end to facilitate insertion of explosive into the liquid impermeable sleeve; and passing the excess length through the means to support and folding said length inside out thus folding said length back onto itself to support the open end proximate the mouth of the bore hole.

According to another embodiment of this invention there is provided a method of lining a bore hole which method comprises: taking the bore hole lining of the invention or the combination of the invention; [N:LIBV]0027C:S&F placing a weight in the closed end sufficient to facilitate the lining of the bore hole with the lining or the combination to the required depth in the bore hole; lining the bore hole with the lining or the combination to the required depth in the bore hole whilst maintaining an excess length of the lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole; supporting the the lining or the combination proximate the mouth of the bore hole with the means to support.

In one form supporting the the lining or the combination proximate the mouth of the bore hole may include: inserting the means to support into the open end of the liquid impermeable sleeve until the means to support is located proximate the mouth of the bore hole to support the lining or the combination and to maintain open the open end to facilitate insertion of explosive into the liquid impermeable sleeve; and folding the excess length over the means to support and into the sleeve to support the 15is open end proximate the mouth of the bore hole.

**According to a another embodiment of this invention there is provided a method of lining a bore hole which method comprises: taking the bore hole lining having a pouch or the combination of the invention; forming a pouch and adhering said pouch to liquid impermeable sleeve proximate the 20 closed end of said sleeve to receive a weight; placing a weight in the pouch to facilitate lowering of the lining into the bore hole; lowering the lining into the bore hole so as to substantially line the bore hole whilst maintaining an excess length of the lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole; inserting the means to support the open end into the open end of liquid impermeable **25 sleeve until the means to support is located proximate the mouth of the bore hole to support the lining and to maintain open the open end to facilitate insertion of explosive into the lining; and folding the excess length over the means to support and into the sleeve to support the open end proximate the mouth of the bore hole.

According to a further embodiment of this invention there is provided a method of lining a bore hole which method comprises: taking the bore hole lining having a pouch or the combination of the invention; placing a weight in the pouch to facilitate lowering of the lining into the bore hole; lowering the lining into the bore hole so as to substantially line the bore hole whilst maintaining an excess length of the lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole; inserting the means to support the open end into the open end of the sleeve until the means to support is located proximate the mouth of the bore hole to support the lining and to maintain open the open end to facilitate insertion of explosive into the lining; and [N:\LIBV]00027C:S&F 14 folding the excess length over the means to support and into the sleeve to support the open end proximate the mouth of the bore hole.

Typically the required depth assumed by the liquid impermeable sleeve in the bore hole is in the range of 10%-100%, typically 25%-100%, more typically 50%-100%, even more typically 75%-100% and yet even more typically 90%-100% of the depth of the bore hole.

Advantageously the full length of the bore hole is lined by the sleeve. Generally the sleeve is made to suit any bore hole length and the side of the sleeve usually has calibrated markings. The calibrated markings are advantageous because bore holes are usually drilled to a certain depth and the sleeve may be unrolled into a dry bore hole until the calibrated lo marking corresponds to the known depth of the dry bore hole and usually the length of sleeve unrolled into the bore hole is longer than the bore hole. If the sleeve is unrolled into a bore hole containing water, the sleeve is unrolled as far as possible to avoid too much water from over flowing the bore hole. Usually the open end of liquid impermeable sleeve o *is affixed to a rod to provide a compact package. In this case the sleeve is rolled around the 15 rod with the closed end being located on the outer surface of the rolled sleeve. With the sleeve rolled in this fashion, the formation of and adherence of a pouch to the liquid oo: impermeable sleeve, on site, is facilitated. Alternatively, with the bore hole lining of the invention rolled in this fashion, the pouch is readily accessible by the user on site without having to unroll the sleeve. A weight such as stones, soil, sand or any other weight is then 20 placed in the pouch. The pouch also acts as a scuff barrier to maintain the integrity of the sleeve.

°o The bore hole may be lined with the bore hole lining by one person. Typically a person stands at the open efid of the bore hole, places a dowel through the rod to which the sleeve is affixed. The person holds onto the dowel and lets the weighted sleeve unroll into the bore *:sei 25 hole. The person unrolling the sleeve can also control the speed at which the sleeve unrolls to the bottom of the dry bore hole or to a position that is as far as possible in a bore hole containing water. When the sleeve reaches the bottom of a dry bore hole, as indicated by the markings on the side of the sleeve, or as far as possible in a bore hole containing water, a support means is placed into the open end of the sleeve and is pushed down into the sleeve until the support means abuts the open end of the bore hole. The excess length of sleeve is then folded over the support means and into the sleeve and this acts as a clamp as well as maintaining the open end of the sleeve open. The sleeve is then ready to receive the explosive which can travel the entire length of the sleeve substantially unrestrictedly.

Typically the explosive is ANFO or other desirable explosive material. Additionally a lid may be placed over the bore hole lining to prevent the bore hole lining from filling up with dirt and rain water. Usually the lid will be made of any material such as cardboard, plastic, corrugated cardboard, wood, metal or ceramic.

[N:\LIBV]000oo27C:S&F An advantage of one form of the bore hole lining of the invention is that the liquid impermeable sleeve is composed of high tensile strength light-weight plastic so that it can carry 1 to 1.5 tons of explosive without the plastic being very heavy. Another advantage of the bore hole lining of the invention is that non water-proof explosives are used which are relatively cheaper than water-proof explosives. Another advantage of the bore hole lining of the invention is that the sleeve has an anti-blocking compound to stop the plastic from sticking to itself and this also stops the explosive from clumping due to kinks in the sleeve when said explosive travels down the entire length of the sleeve.

Pyritic rock can oxidize and burn. Bore holes in such strata are only loaded if the hole temperature is less than 50"C. In cases where the bore hole is above ambient and less than 0 C, a lining is used. The lining material is generally chosen so that it does not lose its overall strength characteristics at such temperatures. Advantages of the lining of the oo invention having an outer sleeve is that the outer sleeve keeps the explosive away from the *o hot rock and stops the explosive running off into fissures and thereby concentrating in 15 fissures as well as providing strength to the liquid impermeable sleeve and protecting it from abrasion and breakages.

In one preferred form the liquid impermeable sleeve is a plastic layflat extrusion designed to open in the bore hole forming a continuous tubular lining which acts as a barrier protecting ANFO from water damage, hot rock or loss of explosive into cavities. Typically the leading 20 end of the liquid impermeable sleeve is heat sealed and then folded into a V-shape (or any of the hereinbefore mentioned shapes (see page Formation of the V shape is achieved by firstly folding the sealed end once to form a triangular shaped end portion, one of the apexes of the triangle at this point being located at the centre of the sealed end followed by two other folds made by folding each of the other apexes of the triangle located on either side of o° 25 the sleeve across to approximately the central longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The V-shape ~is then taped to hold it in position. An outer sleeve which is dimensioned to be slightly larger than the liquid impermeable sleeve it is intended to cover and having a similarly shaped end to the liquid impermeable sleeve (see page being V-shaped in this form of the lining, includes a pre-constructed V-shaped cutting pouch incorporated into the V-shaped end, being on the outside surface of the outer sleeve and capable of holding one or more weights disposed proximate to the closed end of said sleeve, is placed over the liquid impermeable sleeve in order to protect the liquid impermeable sleeve when said sleeve is lowered down a bore hole. Typically, in this form of the invention the V-shape, preconstrued cutting pouch of the outer sleeve is formed by firstly folding the sealed end once to form a triangular shaped end followed by two other folds made by folding each of the other apexes of the triangle located on either side of the sleeve across to approximately the central longitudinal axis of the sleeve. One can see that in this form of the invention both the liquid impermeable sleeve and the outer sleeve are folded exactly the same way. The V [N:\LIBV]00027C:S&F 16 shape end of the outer sleeve forms a pouch which is held together by sewing or welding the two folded portions together.

Typically the outer sleeve is 1-20 meters, more typically 3-8 meters and even more typically 6 meters in length. The V-shaped cutting pouch allows the lining to be weighted for correct location of the lining at the bottom of dewatered vertical or angled blastholes. The open end of the bore hole lining is secured proximate the open end of the bore hole by a simple light weight frame which holds the layflat extrusion open for easy loading with bulk ANFO. The lining is rolled onto a cardboard or plastic core in lengths according to customer requirements. Typical lengths are in the range of 20 metres to 60 metres in increasing io increments of 5 metres. Typical diameters used are those to suit 150mm, 230mm, 270mm, 311 mm and 350mm. The preferred plastic used for the liquid impermeable sleeve is a combination of polythylene resins coextruded to produce a film impermeable to water, resistant to diesel oil and with much greater tensile strength, tear and puncture resistance ]than that of commercially available low density polythylene layflats.

Anti-stat is combined with the combination using the following procedure: Pass a suitable rod PVC wooden dowel) through cardboard/plastic core.

Place sufficient drill cuttings into the "cuttings" pouch.

Hold ends of rod in either hand and allow the lining to unroll at a controlled rate down :the bore hole until it rests on the bottom of the hole. Control speed by using legs or chest as 20 a brake.

Remove rod and cardboard core from end of the lining.

Prime bore holes at normal height.

i Pass open end of lining through the centre of the stand. Fold at least 200mm of layflat over the outside of the stand or through the inside of the stand and clamp firmly to prevent the lining being dragged down the bore hole during loading.

Load with ANFO.

"Settling" of the lining e.g. 100mm, may occur.

After loading unclamp lining from stand, moving lining to one side of the hole and stem.

In one particularly preferred form the liquid impermeable sleeve is colour coded according to hole diameter and has printing or other printed matter a line) or other indication running down the central longitudinal axis or substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the liquid impermeable sleeve. Typically a combination of plastics is used to form a coextruded liquid impermeable sleeve which has the desired overall strength characteristics required for use as a bore hole lining with the following characteristics: Ultimate Tensile Strength Circumferential MD 69.2 Longitudinal TD 100.4 [N:\LIBV00027C:S&F Ultimate Elongation MD 380 Tear Resistance (gF) MD 1168 Puncture Resistance Maximum Force to Break 76.9 Energy to Break (Nm) 2.9 Static Electricity Two additives are typically present in the extrusion, Anti-block and Anti-static. Anti-block prevents the film sticking to itself. Anti-static helps dissipate electrical charges.

Surface Resistivity (ohm/sq) 1.0 x 1011 io Static Decay (11% Relative Humidity) 1.08 secs Relative Humidity) 0.52 secs Diesel Resistance Good typical of polythylene based materials.

UV Resistance :i 15 Pigmentation increases the UV resistance of plastics. Typically the liquid impermeable sleeve is coloured to indicate size of bore hole in which it is to be used. Usually the liquid impermeable sleeve should be kept in a box until required for use. Embrittlement of the plastic will occur after extended periods of exposure (months).

Brief Description of Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bore hole lining of the preferred embodiment; "'"Figure 2 is a perspective view of a support means of the preferred embodiment; iFigure 3 is a perspective view of a rolled up bore hole lining of the preferred embodiment, with a dowel passed through the rolled up lining; Figure 4A is a perspective side view of a bore hole lining of the preferred embodiment in a dry bore hole; Figure 4B is a perspective side view of a bore hole lining of the preferred embodiment in a dry bore hole and a support means of the preferred embodiment; Figure 4C is a perspective side view of a bore hole lining of the preferred embodiment in a dry bore hole and a support means of the preferred embodiment with the bore hole lining folded over the support means and into the lining; and Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of a bore hole lining of the preferred embodiment in a dry bore hole and a support means of the preferred embodiment with the bore hole lining folded over the support means and into the lining.

Figure 5 is perspective view of a bore hole lining in the form of another embodiment of this invention.

IN:\LIBV00027C:S&F 18 Figure 6 is a perspective view comprising the bore hole lining having an outer sleeve for the bore hole lining in yet another embodiment of this invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a rolled up bore hole lining combination of one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 6, with a dowel passed through the rolled up lining.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the combination illustrated in Figure 6 when located in situ in a dry bore hole.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a lining of one embodiment (illustrated in Figure 6), combined with a means to support said lining, in accordance with a further embodiment of this invention, when located in situ in a bore hole.

Figure 10A is a cross sectional view of said bore hole lining (illustrated in Figure 6) located in situ in a bore hole.

Figure 10B is a perspective view of said combination (illustrated in Figure 9) when located in situ in a bore hole.

Figure 10C is a cross sectional view of said combination additionally combined with an 15 inflatable substance, whilst said further combination is located in situ in a bore hole.

Figure 10D is a cross sectional view of said combination additionally combined with said inflatable substance and illustrates the sealing of said additional combination, whilst said S"additional combination is located in situ in said bore hole.

SFigure 1 OE is a cross sectional view of a further additional combination combining said 20 additional combination with a means to support said additional combination, while said additional combination is located in situ in a bore hole.

o:oo• Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a bore hole lining of this invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bore hole lining of this invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bore hole lining of this invention.

Best Mode For Carrying Out The Invention Referring to Figure 1, a bore hole lining comprises plastic sleeve 1 which is substantially longer than a bore hole (which is not illustrated) and has a closed end 2 and an open end 3.

Plastic sleeve 1 is generally substantially water impermeable. Plastic sleeve 1 is also generally impermeable to diesel oil. The closed end 2 is generally heat sealed in a variety of shapes, typically a rectangular or triangular shape. A triangular shaped end 17 is formed by adhering a 0.1 to 1 metre long rectangular plastic cuff 4 proximate closed end 2. Generally cuff 4 is 0.5 meter long and is typically adhered to plastic sleeve 1 with sealing tape. Cuff 4 is usually the same material as that forming plastic sleeve 1. On one side of sleeve 1 (not illustrated), sealing tape is placed so as to completely seal cuff 4 onto sleeve 1. As illustrated for the other side of sleeve 1, cuff 4 is adhered to sleeve I with two pieces of IN:\LIBV]00027C:S&F 19 sealing tape 5, 5a. The lower portion 6, 6a of cuff 4 is formed by bringing together two horizontally opposing corners of cuff 4 to form a triangular shaped end 17. The lower portion 6, 6a of cuff 4 is then sealed, preferably by heat sealing. The triangular shaped end 17 is adhered to cuff 4 with sealing tape 7 approximately midway on cuff 4. A pouch 16 is thus formed between cuff 4 and plastic sleeve 1. Sleeve 1 is illustrated (not to scale) as having calibrations 8, 8a and 8b on one side.

An alternative means of forming a pouch 16 may be used. Prior to heat sealing closed end 2 in a variety of shapes, typically a rectangular or triangular shape, more typically a triangular shape. Triangular shaped end 17 is formed by folding a portion of sleeve 1 inside out so that it forms a cuff 4 around the outside circumference of sleeve 1. The dimensions of cuff 4 may vary depending on the depth of the bore hole. Cuff 4 is usually the same material as S -that forming plastic sleeve 1. Cuff4 is adhered to sleeve 1 by sealing tape. As stated above, :sealing tape is placed so as to completely seal one side of cuff 4 to sleeve I and on the other side of sleeve 1, cuff 4 is adhered by two pieces of sealing tape 5, 5a. The lower portion 6, 15 6a of cuff 4 is formed from two opposing corners of cuff 4 which are brought together to form a triangular shaped end 17 and heat sealed. The triangular shaped end 17 is adhered to cuff4 by sealing tape 7. End 17 thus forms a pouch 16. Sleeve 1 may also be calibrated with markers 8, 8a and 8b.

Referring to Figure 2, a support means is illustrated as a piece of cardboard which has been i20 folded into a cone 9 and fixed in place by two pieces of sealing tape 10, 10a. The dimensions of cone 9 will vary depending on the size of the bore hole opening. Generally the dimensions of cone 9 are 1 to 1.5 metres by 0.3 to 0.5 metres. Typically the dimensions are 1.1 by 0.4 metres.

To line a bore hole with plastic sleeve 1, a user must determine the length of the bore hole and select a plastic sleeve 1 length which is longer than the length of the bore hole. Plastic sleeve 1 is typically rolled about a rod 11 with end 17 being on the surface of rolled plastic sleeve 1 (as illustrated in Figure A user places stones, sand or soil or other weights suitable to weigh plastic sleeve 1 in pouch 16 which is conveniently located on the surface of rolled plastic sleeve 1. Pouch 16 is located proximate closed end 2. The user places a dowel 12 through rod 11 and whilst holding dowel 12, the user stands at the bore hole opening and lets sleeve 1 unroll into the bore hole until the closed end of plastic sleeve 1 reaches the bottom of a dry bore hole. As plastic sleeve 1 unrolls in this fashion, the user can control the speed at which plastic sleeve 1 unrolls to the bottom of the dry bore hole.

The weighted pouch 16 facilitates the unrolling of sleeve 1 into the bore hole so as to line the bore hole. The user generally knows when plastic sleeve 1 reaches the bottom of a dry bore hole because the user generally knows the length of the bore hole and plastic sleeve 1 has calibrated markings to enable a user to determine when the closed end has reached the [N:\LIBV]00027C:S&F bottom of the dry bore hole. If the bore hole contains water, the user unrolls plastic sleeve 1 as described above. However, the user knows when plastic sleeve 1 has reached the water line in the bore hole because the displaced water from the bore hole overflows from the bore hole opening. Furthermore, it is preferable to unroll an excess length of sleeve 1 into the bore hole, whether the bore hole is dry or contains water.

When plastic sleeve 1 has been unrolled in the dry bore hole, the user removes dowel 12 from rod 11 and then removes rod 11 from plastic sleeve 1. The rod 11 and dowel 12 may be discarded after use. If the bore hole is to be left unattended for some time, the excess length of plastic sleeve 1 at open end 3 may be placed to one side of the bore hole opening io so that open end 3 is folded to one side of the bore hole opening. A weight such as sand, soil or stones or other like weights may be placed on the surface of the folded over excess length of plastic sleeve 1 at open end 3 to prevent plastic sleeve 1 from either falling down the bore hole or prevent the bore hole from filling up with dirt and rain water. Alternatively a lid may be placed over the bore hole opening to prevent the bore hole from filling up with s15 dirt and rain water. Figure 4A shows plastic sleeve 1 after it has been unrolled by a user into a dry bore hole 13. Figure 4A also shows an excess length of plastic sleeve 1 at bottom 15 of the dry bore hole 13 as well as an excess length at bore hole opening 14. If the bore hole contains water, the same procedure as described above is used to remove rod 11 and dowel 12 from plastic sleeve 1. Similarly, open end 3 may be weighted as described above 20 to prevent plastic sleeve 1 from falling down the bore hole containing water. However the user should avoid having water enter open end 3, otherwise, any explosive which is placed in plastic sleeve 1 will become wet, thereby inactivating the explosive.

After plastic sleeve 1 has been unrolled into the bore hole 13, a cone 9 to support open end 3 is selected which has a cross section along its principal longitudinal axis whose diameter corresponds approximately to the diameter of bore hole opening 14. Cone 9 is a piece of cardboard which has been folded into a cone shape. If weights have been placed at the surface of the folded over open end 3 to prevent plastic sleeve I from falling into the bore hole 13 or to prevent bore hole 13 from filling up with dirt and rain water, then the weights are removed prior to inserting cone 9. Alternatively if a lid has been placed over bore hole opening 14, then the lid is removed. The user holds open end 3 open whilst placing cone 9 into open end 3 of sleeve 1. The user pushes cone 9 down into sleeve 1 until cone 9 abuts bore hole opening 14. Figure 4B shows cone 9 abutting bore hole opening 14 after it has been placed into plastic sleeve 1. In this position, cone 9 is jammed at bore hole opening 14 thereby jamming plastic sleeve 1 at bore hole opening 14. This procedure is followed whether bore hole 13 is a dry bore hole or a bore hole containing water. If bore hole 13 is to be left unattended for some time, a lid may be placed over bore hole opening 14 to prevent bore hole 13 from filling up with dirt and rain water.

[N:\LIBV]oo00027C:S&F 21 If a lid has been placed over bore hole opening 14, then the lid is removed. The user takes the excess length of plastic sleeve 1 and folds it over cone 9 and into plastic sleeve 1. The folding over of the excess length of plastic sleeve 1 acts as a clamp and allows open end 3 to remain open. Figure 4C shows plastic sleeve I after the excess length has been folded over cone 9 and into plastic sleeve 1. This procedure is followed whether bore hole 13 is a dry bore hole or a bore hole containing water. An explosive, such as ANFO or other desirable explosive material, may then be placed into sleeve 1. The explosive will travel substantially unrestrictedly down the entire length of sleeve 1 to closed end 2 without stopping. The reason for the substantially unrestricted travel is that the inner surfaces of sleeve 1 are non sticking that is they do not stick to themselves. Since inner surfaces of plastic sleeve 1 do not stick to themselves, it also does not clump and thus on insertion of the explosive into sleeve 1 in situ the explosive travel substantially unrestrictedly the entire length of sleeve 1 to the closed end of sleeve 1. The explosive may then be detonated or alternatively, the explosive may be left for some time at closed end 2 of plastic sleeve 1. If the explosive is 15 left unattended, a lid 18 (as illustrated in Figure 4D) may be placed over bore hole opening 14 to prevent bore hole 13 from filling up with dirt and rain water. However if bore hole 13 contains water, the explosive should not be left in plastic sleeve 1 for an excessive length of time otherwise the explosive may become wet and thereby become inactivated.

Alternatively, once plastic sleeve 1 has been folded over cone 9 and into plastic sleeve 1, a .i 20 lid 18 may be placed over bore hole opening 14 to prevent bore hole 13 from filling up with dirt and rain water. Bore hole 13 may be left unattended in this manner until required.

However if bore hole 13 has a tendency to rapidly fill up with water, bore hole 13 should not be left unattended for a considerable length of time. When bore hole 13 is required, lid 18 is °removed and an explosive, such as ANFO or other desirable explosive material, is placed into plastic sleeve 1. The explosive may then be detonated or alternatively, the explosive may be left for some time at closed end 2 of plastic sleeve 1. If the explosive is left unattended, a lid 18 may be placed over bore hole opening 14 to prevent bore hole 13 from filling up with dirt and rain water. However if bore hole 13 contains water, the explosive should not be left in plastic sleeve 1 for an excessive length of time otherwise the explosive may become wet and thereby become inactivated.

Referring to Figure 5, a bore hole lining of a length suitable for lining a bore hole in which it is intended to be used comprises plastic sleeve 101 which is typically five to ten percent or more typically eight percent longer than said bore hole (which is not illustrated) and has a closed end 102 and an open end 103. Plastic sleeve 101 is generally substantially water impermeable and its inner surfaces are substantially non sticking thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end of sleeve 101 in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end of sleeve 101. Plastic sleeve 101 is also generally impermeable to diesel oil. The closed end 102 is generally heat sealed in a rectangular shape. A triangular shaped [N:\LIBV]000O27C:S&F 22 end 106 is formed by folding together two horizontally opposing corners 104 and 104a of sleeve 101 proximate closed end 102 and adhering them together with sealing tape 105 and 105a. Sleeve 101 is illustrated (not to scale) as having calibrations 107, 107a and 107b on one side.

Referring to Figure 6 bore hole lining 108 comprises liquid impermeable and scuff resistant outer sleeve 109, and plastic sleeve 101, where outer sleeve 109 is typically 6 meters in length indicated at 114, 114a, 115, and I I5a. Outer sleeve 109 covers a portion of sleeve 101 and is adhered to sleeve 101 proximate sealed end 102 of sleeve 101 with adhesive tape at 113 and 113a. A pouch 112 is formed on the exterior of outer sleeve 109 proximate triangular end 106 of sleeve 101, by bringing together two horizontally opposing comers S: '"110 and 1 10 Oa of outer sleeve 109 which can be either heat sealed or sewn together. Corners 110 and 110a, when sealed together, form said pouch 112 and a triangular end 111 to outer ~:.:°sleeve 109. Inner sleeve 101 can be of varying length indicated at 116 and 1 16a.

Referring to Figure 7 bore hole lining 108 is rolled about hollow rod or tube 117 so as to leave end 111 accessible once bore hole lining 108 is fully rolled on tube 117. To line a bore hole with bore hole lining 108 a user places one or more rocks, stones, sand or soil or a mixture of two or more thereof or any other weights suitable to weight plastic sleeve 101 into pouch 112 (and thereby facilitates lining a bore hole with bore hole lining 108) which is :conveniently situated on the outer surface of outer sleeve 109 when bore hole lining 108 is 20 fully rolled on tube 117 and provides ready access to the user. The user places dowel 118 through tube 117 and whilst holding dowel 118, the user stands at the bore hole opening and lets sleeve 101 unroll into bore hole until the closed end of plastic sleeve 101 reaches bottom of said bore hole. As plastic sleeve 101 unrolls in this fashion, the user can control the speed and duration of descent of sleeve 101 in same manner as which is described with reference to Figure 3.

Illustrated in Figure 8 is a dry bore hole 119 lined with the bore hole lining 108 illustrated in Figure 6, where 120 is the bottom of said bore hole 119, 121 is the open end of said bore hole 119 and 122 and 122a are indicators of the variable depth of bore hole 119.

Bore hole lining 108, as provided by one embodiment of this invention, is illustrated in Figure 9 as being completely unrolled into bore hole 119 and supported in place proximate open end 121 of bore hole 119 by support means 123. Open end 103 of bore hole lining 108 is secured at the top of the blasthole by a simple light weight stand 124 (which may have two, three, four or five legs) and ring (or cone) 125 (which may be circular, rectangular, square, elliptical or other suitable shape) supported by said stand 124, together combining to provide support means 123 intended to support bore hole lining 108 and holds the layflat extrusion open for easy loading into sleeve 101 bulk ANFO. Open end 103 of sleeve 101 N:\LIBV]00027C:S&F 23 can be affixed to support means 123 in a manner such that the user holds excess length of sleeve 101 at open end 103 open while inserting said length through the underside of ring 125 then folding said length over, back down and around ring 125 so as to enable excess length to fold back upon itself (101). The folding over of the excess length acts as a clamp and allows sleeve 101 to remain substantially open along the entire length of bore hole 119.

Furthermore, to prevent plastic sleeve 101 from falling into bore hole 119 and to prevent plastic sleeve 101 from filling up with dirt and rainwater a lid 126 is snapped onto ring 125 of support means 123. Said lid 126 is marginally larger than said ring 125 so as to clamp onto support means 123 by fixing to ring 125 thereby enabling bore hole lining 108 to be left in situ in bore hole 119 unattended. Support means 123 lid 124 is typically fabricated from plastic, metal or ceramic.

In accordance with a further embodiment of this invention a weight is placed into pouch 112 of outer sleeve 109 of bore hole lining 108 to facilitate lowering of said lining into borehole 119 so as to substantially line said borehole 119 whilst maintaining an excess length of inner 15 sleeve 101 proximate open end 121 of said borehole 119 illustrated here in Figure Referring to Figure O10B the user then secures open end 103 of plastic sleeve 101 to support means 123 as described hereinbefore, providing bore hole lining 108 with a support means and the ability to maintain open open end 103 of plastic sleeve 101 to facilitate insertion of explosive into said sleeve.

20 With reference to Figure 10C, another embodiment of the invention provides that bore hole lining 108 is lowered into borehole 119 and substantially lines said borehole 119 whilst maintaining an excess length of inner sleeve 101 proximate open end 121 of bore hole 119 S. whereby open end 103 is secured to support means 123. An inflatable substance 127 of a quantity that will substantially inflate sleeve 101 while sleeve 101 is disposed within bore hole 119, is preferably comprised of a co-reagent and a further co-reagent in which a combination of said inflatable substance comprising one co-reagent being a solvent (preferably water) and a further co-reagent being a solid mixture of citric acid (or other similar acid) and sodium bicarbonate (or other similar bicarbonate) is disposed proximate closed end 102 of sleeve 101. The combination of both co-reagents liberates a gas (preferably C0 2 which in turn effectively expels all oxygen present in sleeve 101, and at the same time inflates sleeve 101 and thus lining 108 so as to form a tubular bore hole lining capable of supporting itself while disposed inside a borehole. Sleeve 101 is then sealed proximate open end 103 of sleeve 101 with a form of valve 128, illustrated in Figure replacing support means 123 and being one in which can be tied using cables or other like strong materials used for tying nots.

Figure 10E refers to inflated bore hole lining bore hole lining 108 and a means to cover open end 121 of bore hole 119, said means being bore hole plug 129. Plug 129 is positioned [N:\LIBVI00027C:S&F 24 uninflated in the entrance to open end 121 of borehole 119 and then inflated to secure open end 103 of bore hole lining 108 against inner surface of borehole 119 wall proximate bore hole opening 121. In this embodiment of the invention a combination of bore hole plug 129 and the disposal of inflatable substance 127 within plastic sleeve 101, is used to support bore hole lining bore hole lining 108 and seal the entrance to bore hole 119.

In this arrangement inflatable plug 129, which is to be used as a means of support for bore hole lining 108 when said lining is lining bore hole 119 and is also a method of sealing bore hole opening 121 whilst bore hole 119 is lined by said lining, is inserted into open end 121 of borehole 119 so as to secure plastic sleeve 101 end 103 against inside surface of borehole 119 when said plug 129 is substantially inflated by the preferred inflatable substance or pressurised gas. Typically the source of inflatable substance or pressurised gas which can inflate plug 129 is aerosol container 130 containing same. Aerosol container 130 typically pressure releasing means. The pressure releasing means is typically nozzle 131 coupled to plug 129 via conduit 132 with conduit 132 incorporating a valve 133 which is preferably 15 a one way valve to be sure the inflatable substance does not travel back along conduit 132 toward aerosol container 130. Typically nozzle 131 is activated by being depressed by a user. Typically once activated by a user nozzle 131 continues to discharge contents of container 130 even after release of nozzle 131 by the user, until the contents of container 130 have been substantially discharged and plug 127 is substantially inflated. Inflatable S"20 substance or pressurised gas being the contents of aerosol container 130, intended to be used .°oooi S"for the inflation of borehole plug 127 is described in Australian patent application no.

93295/98 the whole content of which is incorporated herein by cross reference. The use of inflatable plug 129 once inflated in open end 121 of borehole 119 prevents or substantially reduces or reduces ingress of air into borehole 119. Thus the amount of oxygen which comes into contact with pyritic rock in borehole 119 is reduced and consequently the amount of oxidisation of pyritic rock in borehole 119 is reduced thereby reducing the amount of heat which would otherwise be released from the reaction of oxygen in the air which would otherwise come into contact with pyritic rock in borehole 119 in the event that inflatable plug 129 was not included in borehole 119.

Borehole plug 130 in addition to being dimensional for dropping or lowering into borehole 119 should be gas-tight. Preferred borehole plugs are multi-layered plastic bags which have suitable strength and suitably low gas permeability. It is preferred that the bags be able to withstand 20 to 25 psi internal pressure and to maintain that pressure for up to 4 weeks.

Low gas permeability is achieved in borehole plug 127 by use of a polyester inner layer or metallised plastic film. Examples of suitable inflatable bore hole plugs are described in Australian patent nos. 579395 and 595887 and Australian patent application no. 93295/98 the whole content of all of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

IN:LIBV]000oo27C:S&F Referring to Figure 11, a bore hole lining 200 of a length suitable for lining a bore hole in which it is intended to be used comprises plastic sleeve 201 which is typically five to ten percent or more typically eight percent longer than said bore hole (which is not illustrated) and has a closed end 202 and an open end 203. Plastic sleeve 201 is generally substantially water impermeable and its inner surfaces are substantially non sticking thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end 203 of sleeve 201 in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end 202 of sleeve 201. Plastic sleeve 201 is also generally impermeable to diesel oil. The closed end 202 is generally heat sealed. Sleeve 201 is illustrated (not to scale) as having calibrations 204, 204a and 204b on one side. When a particular calibration point is aligned with the mouth of a bore hole into which lining 200 has been inserted it is indicative that the length indicated on the calibration is in the boe hole. Thus if a calibration mark of 40 metres were lined up with the mouth of a bore hole into which it had been inserted then this would be indicative that 40 metres of bore hole lining had been inserted into the bore hole.

o..

15 Scuff resistant outer sleeve 205 is attached to sleeve 201 by adhesive tape at locations 206 and 207, and is typically 6 meters in length. A slot 208 is formed in triangular shaped end 209 of sleeve 205 into which material rocks, dirt, sand etc.) can be inserted to provide weight in sleeve 205 and thereby facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining 200.

Triangular end 209 is located below end 202.

In use bore hole lining 200 is prerolled about a hollow rod or tube (not shown but see Figure To line a bore hole with lining 200 a user places one or more rocks, stones, sand or soil or a mixture of two or more thereof or any other weights suitable to weight plastic sleeve 201 into pouch 208 (and thereby facilitates lining a bore hole with lining 200) which is conveniently situated on the outer surface of outer sleeve 205 when lining 200 is fully rolled on the tube and provides ready access to the user. The user places a dowel through the tube and whilst holding the dowel, the user stands at the bore hole opening and lets sleeve 201 unroll into bore hole until the closed end 209 of sleeve 201 reaches the bottom of the bore hole. As plastic sleeve 201 unrolls in this fashion, the user can control the speed and duration of descent of sleeve 201 in same manner as which is described with reference to Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 12, a bore hole lining 300 of a length suitable for lining a bore hole in which it is intended to be used comprises plastic sleeve 301 which is typically five to ten percent or more typically eight percent longer than said bore hole (which is not illustrated) and has a closed end 302 and an open end 303. Plastic sleeve 301 is generally substantially water impermeable and its inner surfaces are substantially non sticking thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end 303 of sleeve 301 in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end 302 of sleeve 301. Plastic sleeve 301 is also generally [N:\LIBV]00027C:S&F 26 impermeable to diesel oil. The closed end 302 is generally heat sealed. One half of a zip 304 extends across end 302. Sleeve 301 is illustrated (not to scale) as having calibrations 305, 305a and 305b on one side. When a particular calibration point is aligned with the mouth of a bore hole into which lining 300 has been inserted it is indicative that the length indicated on the calibration is in the boe hole. Thus if a calibration mark of 30 metres were lined up with the mouth of a bore hole into which it had been inserted then this would be indicative that 30 metres of bore hole lining had been inserted into the bore hole.

A layer of scuff resistant material hyperlon) is coated on the outside of outer sleeve 301 up to line 306 and is typically 6 meters in length from closed end 302. A separate triangular lo shaped pouch 307 has one half of a zip 308 which mates with zip 302. Slot 309 is formed in triangular shaped pouch 307 into which material rocks, dirt, sand etc.) can be inserted to provide weight in pouch 307 which when attached to sleeve 301 facilitates lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining 300.

In use bore hole lining 300 is prerolled about a hollow rod or tube (not shown but see Figure To line a bore hole with lining 300 a user attaches pouch 307 to sleeve 301 via zips 302 S-and 308. The user then places one or more rocks, stones, sand or soil or a mixture of two or more thereof or any other weights suitable to weight plastic sleeve 301 into pouch 307 (and thereby facilitates lining a bore hole with lining 300). One half of zip 302 is conveniently *situated on the outer surface of sleeve 301 when sleeve 301 is fully rolled on the tube and 20 provides ready access to the user to enable the user to easily attach pouch 307 to sleeve 301.

The user places a dowel through the tube and whilst holding the dowel, the user stands at the bore hole opening and lets sleeve 301 unroll into bore hole until pouch 307 reaches the bottom of the bore hole. As plastic sleeve 301 unrolls in this fashion, the user can control the speed and duration of descent of sleeve 301 in same manner as which is described with reference to Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 13, a bore hole lining 400 of a length suitable for lining a bore hole in which it is intended to be used comprises plastic sleeve 401 which is typically five to ten percent or more typically eight percent longer than said bore hole (which is not illustrated) and has a closed end 402 and an open end 403. Plastic sleeve 401 is generally substantially water impermeable and includes an anti blocking agent such that its inner surfaces are substantially non sticking thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end 403 of sleeve 401 in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end 402 of sleeve 401. Plastic sleeve 401 is also generally impermeable to diesel oil. The closed end 402 is generally heat sealed to form a triangular shape. Sleeve 401 is illustrated (not to scale) as having calibrations 405, 405a and 405b on one side. When a particular calibration point is aligned with the mouth of a bore hole into which lining 400 has been inserted it is indicative that the length indicated on the calibration is in the boe hole. Thus if a calibration mark of [N:\LIBV]OOO27C:S&F 27 metres were lined up with the mouth of a bore hole into which it had been inserted then this would be indicative that 60 metres of bore hole lining had been inserted into the bore hole.

A layer of scuff resistant material hyperlon) is coated on the outside of outer sleeve 401 up to line 406 and is typically 6 8 meters in length from closed end 402. Eyelets 407, 408 and 409 are located at various locations on end 402 as illustrated String or wire can be inserted into eyelets 407, 408 and 409 to attach a weight to end 402 which when attached to sleeve 401 facilitates lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining 400.

In use bore hole lining 400 is prerolled about a hollow rod or tube (not shown but see Figure 10 To line a bore hole with lining 400 a user attaches a weight to end 402 via eyelets 407, 408 and 409 the weight may be in a pouch or a rope basket, for example) which are conveniently situated on the outer surface of sleeve 401 when sleeve 401 is fully rolled on the tube and provides ready access to the user to enable the user to easily attach a weight to sleeve 401. The user places a dowel through the tube and whilst holding the dowel, the user stands at the bore hole opening and lets sleeve 401 unroll into bore hole until end 402 reaches the bottom of the bore hole. As plastic sleeve 401 unrolls in this fashion, the user .can control the speed and duration of descent of sleeve 401 in same manner as which is described with reference to Figure 3.

An advantage of using a bore hole lining of the invention is that the sleeve is lowered in less than 1 minute and the support means is inserted in the sleeve and abuts the bore hole opening in less than 2 minutes. Thus a bore hole is lined before there is considerable water in the bore hole thus avoiding the use of water-proof explosives.

Industrial Applicability A bore hole lining of the invention can be readily utilised in the mining industry and the building industry to line a bore hole to make that bore hole water-proof. Furthermore the bore hole lining of the invention does not stick together so that when a heavy object, such as an explosive, is placed in the lining, the lining does not kink and allows the heavy object to travel substantially unrestrictedly the entire length of the lining.

IN:LIBVoo]00027C:S&F

Claims (18)

1. A bore hole lining comprising a substantially liquid impermeable sleeve adapted to substantially line a bore hole, which sleeve has an open end, a closed end, an outer surface and non sticking inner surfaces thereby allowing explosive material inserted into the open end of the sleeve in situ to travel substantially unrestrictedly to the closed end.

2. The bore hole lining of claim 1 wherein the sleeve further comprises means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

3. The bore hole lining of claim 2 wherein the means proximate to the closed end for 10 facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining is means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

4. The bore hole lining of claim 3 wherein the means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining is selected from the group consisting of a fixed pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, a removable pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, and means to which a weight may be attached proximate to the closed end. .o

5. The bore hole lining of any one of claims 2 4 wherein the means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining is profiled, 20 shaped or tapered to facilitate lowering of the bore lining down a bore hole.

6. The bore hole lining of claim 1 further comprising means to substantially protect at least a part of the outer surface from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole, the means to substantially protect being disposed over at least a portion of the bore hole lining.

7. The bore hole lining of claim 6 wherein the means to substantially protect at least a part of the outer surface from damage is an outer sleeve.

8. The bore hole lining of claim 7 wherein the outer sleeve is disposed over at least the closed end so as to substantially protect the closed end from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole.

9. The bore hole lining of claim 7 wherein the outer sleeve is disposed over the closed end and over at least a portion of the bore hole lining proximate the closed end so as to substantially protect the outer surface at and proximate the closed end from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole. [N:~LIBV00027C S&F A 29 The bore hole lining of claim 7 wherein the outer sleeve is disposed over at least a portion of the bore hole lining proximate the closed end so as to substantially protect the outer surface proximate the closed end from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole.

11. The bore hole lining of claim 7 wherein the outer sleeve is disposed over the closed end and substantially over the bore hole lining so as to substantially protect the outer surface from damage as the bore hole lining is lowered down a bore hole.

12. The bore hole lining of claim 6 wherein the means to substantially protect at least a part of the outer surface from damage is disposed over the bore hole lining at least proximate o the closed end and further comprises means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

13. The bore hole lining of claim 12 wherein the means proximate to the closed end for ooeg facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining comprises means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with 15 the bore hole lining.

14. The bore hole lining of claim 13 wherein the means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining is selected from the group consisting of a fixed pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, a removable pouch disposed proximate to the closed end, and means to which a weight 20 may be attached proximate to the closed end.

15. The bore hole lining of claim 12 wherein the means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining comprises means proximate to, but disposed below, the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate lining a bore hole with the bore hole lining.

16. The bore hole lining of claim 12, 14 or 15 wherein the means proximate to the closed end for facilitating the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining is profiled, shaped or tapered to facilitate lowering of the bore lining down a bore hole.

17. The bore hole lining of any one of claims 1 4, 6 15 further comprising means to support the open end to maintain open the open end to facilitate insertion of explosive into the lining and to support the open end proximate the mouth of a bore hole.

18. A method of lining a bore hole which method comprises: taking the lining of any one of claims 3, 4, 13 16 and a weight; placing the weight in the means proximate to the closed end for supporting a weight to facilitate the lining of a bore hole with the bore hole lining; and (N:\LIBVooo00027C:S&F lining the bore hole with the bore hole lining to the required depth in the bore hole.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: maintaining an excess length of the lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole; and supporting the bore lining proximate the mouth of the bore hole. DATED this FOURTEENTH Day of DECEMBER, 1999 Sanleo Holdings Pty Ltd Soothjet Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicants/Nominated Persons SPRUSON FERGUSON IN-IBVJ00027C S&F