Global autonomous system firm Advanced Navigation recently announced the launch of Chimera Land. A new class of navigation, the 3D Laser Velocity Sensor, is specifically designed to solve the primary challenge for underground mining: maintaining precise vehicle positioning in deep, dark, and unmapped environments where GPS cannot reach. Traditional navigation relies on GPS signals, which disappear the moment a vehicle…
Read MoreTag: underground mine
NioCorp to begin Mine Portal project at Elk Creek
Critical minerals developer NioCorp Developments Ltd. said its board of directors has approved the company’s Mine Portal project, a major initiative to advance the Elk Creek critical minerals project in Nebraska. The Mine Portal project will establish the main entrances to the Elk Creek underground mine and will serve as the primary access point for personnel, equipment and materials. The…
Read MorePan American reports multiple high-grade silver zones at La Colorada
Pan American Silver has announced new drill results for its La Colorada underground mine in Zacatecas, Mexico, including multiple high-grade veins that indicate the potential for expansion of silver mineral resources, extension of mine life, and improved economics. “Our exploration efforts have identified high-grade intercepts below and along the strike of the known La Colorada vein system, east of the…
Read MoreEpiroc to supply BEVs at Hudbay Minerals mine
Epiroc has won a large order from Hudbay Minerals for a fleet of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to be used at its Lalor underground mine in Canada. The machines will be used to strengthen productivity and work conditions while lowering emissions. The miner has ordered BEV versions of the Boomer M20 SG face drilling rig, the Scooptram ST18 SG and Scooptram…
Read MoreGuitarra hits commercial production
Precious metals miner Sierra Madre Gold and Silver commenced full commercial production at its Guitarra mine complex in Mexico’s Silver Belt on January 1. The processing plant, underground mine, and all aspects of the operation have now been running at the current capacity of 500 wet metric tonnes per day for the past 90 days. “I am very proud of…
Read MoreDiavik mine starts underground production
Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories has moved into commercial production at its A21 underground operation, which was developed beneath the previously mined A21 open pit. The construction of the underground mine involved the development of over 1,800 meters of underground tunnels to access the orebody. With safety as the core focus, the miner noted that there…
Read MoreThe strength of Twin Branch
It was once a quietly operated surface operation, like many of its contemporaries in southern West Virginia. Today, under the ownership of Coal-Mac and Mitch Potter, it is in its prime and exemplifies a safe, efficient, well-organized operation that others look to as an example of how to do things well. By Donna Schmidt Coal-Mac was once the only purely…
Read MoreA new Guardian for miner safety
By Jeanne Grunert Mines pose unique safety challenges. Dark and damp conditions, low ceilings, poor visibility, and a noisy environment make it imperative that mine owners do everything they can to prevent accidents and fatalities. In the demanding conditions of an underground mine, even the most cautious and vigilant miner can meet with an accident. According to the Mine Safety…
Read MoreNevada Copper files for Chapter 11
Pumpkin Hollow mine owner Nevada Copper has confirmed its filing of a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The miner filed in the Bankruptcy Court of the District of Nevada. The company had already hinted at its plan in recent filings, noting it was in discussions with its key stakeholders and other parties to obtain funding and/or enter into…
Read MoreUnearthing potential
The West Virginia Training and Conference Center sees thousands (24,000 in 2023) through its doors each year, each with the desire to elevate their skills with cutting-edge education and facility features. North American Mining magazine took a tour of this Appalachian coal country education gateway. By Donna Schmidt A group of miners are in the center of a mine emergency,…
Read More