How Does the Mining Industry Use Waterjet Cutting in UAE Industry?

The UAE mining and quarrying sector, though smaller compared to global mining hubs, is increasingly adopting advanced technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Among these innovations, CNC waterjet cutting is gaining traction for its precision, low environmental impact, and non-explosive extraction capabilities.

While traditional mining operations depend heavily on mechanical excavation and drilling, waterjet cutting technology offers a non-invasive method that reduces operational risks and improves productivity. This cold-cutting technique is particularly useful in selective mining, pre-fracturing of hard rock, and material shaping, making it ideal for diverse applications across the UAE’s mining and natural stone industries.

Applications of Waterjet Cutting in the Mining Industry

Enhancing Safety Standards in Mining Operations

Mining is historically associated with high-risk environments. The introduction of waterjet cutting significantly reduces these risks by minimizing vibration, eliminating explosive materials, and lowering dust levels. The ability to pre-fracture rock formations without causing structural instability or airborne particulate matter is a game-changer for underground mining safety.

Waterjet cutting is particularly effective in:

• Reducing stope height while maintaining extraction volume

• Decreasing structural damage to surrounding rock

• Lowering respiratory hazards due to reduced dust emissions

Use Cases of Waterjet Technology in UAE Mining

Beyond traditional ore extraction, waterjet systems support a variety of specialized applications, including:

• Selective mining and ore recovery

• Slurry material extraction

• Borehole hydraulic mining for soft rock

• Pre-fracturing of hard rock to reduce tool wear

• Shaping, trimming, and cutting extracted stone for construction

Mining Materials That Waterjet Technology Can Cut

Gold

Gold mining was one of the first areas to integrate waterjet cutting. Gold ore is soft and fragile, making it ideal for extraction using pure waterjet streams. The water breaks down the surrounding ore without damaging the gold itself, allowing for efficient recovery with minimal waste.

Sandstone

In quarrying applications, pure waterjet cutting (no abrasives) is used to disintegrate sandstone and pump it to the surface. This technique is favored in selective mining and borehole hydraulic mining, where precise disintegration is required without excessive fracturing of adjacent layers.

Coal

Coal mining has transitioned from traditional blasting to waterjet-assisted mechanical mining. In this approach, waterjets are used to pre-fracture the coal seam, softening the material before mechanical tools extract it. This method improves productivity and reduces the risk of coal dust explosions.

Marble

While less common than sandstone, marble mining sometimes incorporates waterjet cutting for precise block extraction. Waterjet systems are more frequently used in marble slab cutting and surface etching after quarrying, particularly in architectural and interior design applications.

Granite

Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, and traditional cutting methods require high energy density. Waterjet-assisted drilling is used to pre-fracture granite, reducing tool wear and energy consumption. For finished granite slab cutting and shaping, abrasive waterjet systems are used to achieve clean, accurate cuts without chipping.

Advantages of Waterjet Cutting in Mining Applications