North American Mining spoke to two raise borer OEMs and three drilling contractors about the current state and future direction of the raise boring sector. by Jonathan Rowland When you think of raise boring in underground mining, you probably think about the construction of ventilation and access shafts. But they are not the only application. With more advanced and increasingly…
Read MoreUnderground mining services company Barminco has enlisted RCT to carry out what is believed to be the world’s first agnostic remote installation on Caterpillar’s Hybrid underground loader. Barminco will be using the Cat R2900XE loader, which has a diesel engine and electric driveline, at the IGO-owned Spotted Quoll underground nickel mine in Western Australia. “Technology and innovation are two of…
Read More
Orica is taking another step toward its purpose to sustainably mobilize the earth’s resources by announcing the commercial release of what it said is the world’s first lead-free non-electric detonator range, Exel Neo. Orica has upgraded its Exel product range to a safer, more sustainable product by removing lead while maintaining the same consistent and reliable product performance. Neo is…
Read More
The equipment maker is now the only OEM in North America that provides equipment for both longwall and continuous mining systems, bringing material from the operating face to the conveyor belt. NAM spoke with soft rock/AMNO sales and service vice president Dan Spears for how Komatsu’s history will build on the momentum of its future. Komatsu has a storied history…
Read More
Deep Automation is Epiroc’s cutting-edge set of automation systems and applications used to orchestrate loaders and trucks in underground mining operations. Developed with interoperability in mind, customers can take control of safety zones, production assignments and autonomous traffic in real time – boosting safety, consistency and productivity. Epiroc has a long history of developing and implementing automation solutions in mines…
Read MoreBy Chad Barnett Understanding that reliable communication and accurate tracking is vital to underground mine safety, the U.S. government mandated new, more reliable systems be implemented as part of the 2006 MINER Act. This mandate, which followed a series of mine fatalities, has made a significant impact on underground coal mining operations with improved safety and enhanced production. However, it…
Read MoreHow do you use drones and robots to make underground mining less risky for workers? Virginia Tech researcher Richard Bishop and his West Virginia University collaborators are working to answer this question. A recent two-year, $569,149 Alpha Foundation grant will allow the team to study ways to use autonomous drones to predict and prevent roof collapses underground. It’s urgent work.…
Read More
OEM cites portfolio growth for its transition to underground offerings. Will others follow the trend? Bell Equipment recently announced its plans to create a dedicated OEM business division for underground mining, as it has identified it as an opportunity for further growth as the global industry continues its movement underground. The company’s plan includes expanding its existing product range as…
Read More
Ahead of directing their Power of One platform and philosophy underground, North American Mining spoke to Hexagon’s Mateus Quintela for this exclusive interview about the company’s solutions and vision for underground mining. By Jonathan Rowland Hexagon launched the Power of One for surface mining at MINExpo in September 2021. Designed as a holistic, life-of-mine solution, it provides a single digital…
Read MoreNow commercially available from Orica: the WebGen 200 Surface wireless initiating system, which enables new mining methods and blasting techniques to improve safety, increase productivity and reduce operating costs. Released this month, WebGen 200 Surface is based on the success of more than 5,000 WebGen 100 blasts around the world, containing over 150,000 primers. Orica’s WebGen 200 Surface, the company…
Read More