Modern Mining July 2016

COVER STORY

commissioned, each unit was able to be manned by operators with experience and a good technical understanding of the new tech- nology. Having experienced operators deployed on the machines from the outset was critical for project manager Brent Alting, who was clear about the scope and the targets for the new sup- port drill rig. Working together The challenge Alting had set required the same artisans to be migrated to the new machines while at the same time ensuring only a minimum increase in stockholding or parts required. “In this case we were easily able to comply thanks to prior training of artisans, as well as the machines being compatible with other Sandvik units on site with regard to com- ponentry,” Pule says. “Also, as a key partner to Finsch Diamond Mine it has been particularly heartening to know that the solution we have supplied is easily able to keep up with production require- ments, while simultaneously ensuring a safer underground environment for all employees concerned. In future, we also look forward

to working with the mine to further increase bolting efficiency with the introduction of tech- nologies such as our automatic resin injection system that eliminates human error when load- ing resins or shooting resin in the hole.” He concludes that the success of the Finsch Diamond Mine project is based on working together with the customer to understand their challenges and achieve results based on their output requirements, while maintain- ing responsibility for the environment, health and safety. 

The DS411 rock bolter is completely mechanised and controlled by a single opera- tor from under a ROPS/FOPS safety cabin or FOPS safety canopy.

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