Capital Equipment News August 2021

DEMOLITION ROBOTS

As the mining industry looks to rewrite its history in terms of safety and environmental impact, remote-controlled demolition machines are providing effective solutions for a number of applications.

Benefits of remote-controlled demolition equipment for mining Precious metals such as gold, platinum and chrome are vital components for everything from cell phones to space shuttles. To secure these resources, miners are digging deeper than ever before. Currently, demand keeps the value of these ores higher than the cost of extracting them. However, long-term profitability of ultra-deep, narrow-vein operations will require a more sustainable approach that increases productivity while minimising the cost of extraction. By Raymond Ippersiel, Training & Application Specialist, Brokk Inc.

T o this end, some operations are exploring robotic solutions. The potential of compact, highly versatile remote-controlled demolition machines in narrow-vein applications is revolutionary. With 80% of underground mining accidents and fatalities occurring at the face, allowing workers to perform drilling, blasting, bolting and breaking remotely will save lives. Not to mention robots increase efficiency in these applications. But that’s only scratching the surface of what these flexible, hard-hitting machines can provide modern mining operations. As the mining industry looks to rewrite its history in terms of safety and environmental impact, remote- controlled demolition machines are providing effective solutions for a number of applications. From deep-vein operations to support tasks such as shaft revitalisation, here is how demolition robots are helping producers increase efficiency throughout the mine. Ultra-deep, narrow-vein applications Safety risks and logistical needs, such as providing air, electricity and other utilities, increase exponentially the deeper a mine goes. By removing the absolute minimum of rock as they chase after ore-rich veins, producers reduce extraction costs and minimise overburden. However, this leads to tight spaces

and difficult working conditions for miners at the face. In addition to low ceilings, uneven floors and a hot, dry, high-pressure environment, miners are also forced to contend with heavy, handheld equipment that greatly increases the physical toll on their bodies. Traditional ultra-deep mining methods rely on hours of punishing physical labour in extreme conditions using manual tools such as jacklegs, stopers and ad-hoc bar & arms. These tools can weigh upwards of 32,4 kg. During operation, miners must maintain close contact with the drill since this method requires physically controlling the equipment – even with proper footing. This increases the miners’ exposure to falling rock, vibrations, sprained backs, pinched fingers and noise. So why do operations continue to use

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