Modern Quarrying Q2 2019

SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS – DRILLING AND BLASTING

Blasting solutions that take operations into the digital age

automated operations. “Our AXXIS centralised blasting system (CBS), for example, takes the benefits of electronic detonation into the under- ground environment – with active monitoring and detection that gives mines the ability to take corrective action before a blast instead of just remedial action afterwards,” he says. “The system’s data collection capability provides faster insights and improved blast prediction using advanced analytics and data tools; it also allows data visualisation through dashboards and easier infor- mation accessibility,” adds Keenan. In similar fashion, BME’s XPLOLOG technology closely monitors the activ- ity and performance of teams conduct- ing drilling, charging and stemming on a blast site – and controls the utilisa- tion of key resources like emulsions. “XPLOLOG captures detailed information on each hole, picking up inconsistencies or issues that could reduce the quality of a blast,” says Keenan. “This easy-to-use tool can upload and download data, presenting productive drilling requires advanced radio remote control capabilities. The non-cabin Ranger DXR drill rigs flourish on unstable benches and deep cuts typical to applications such as road and railroad construction, foun- dation drilling, trenching and pipeline contracts. The most hazardous of these demanding jobs can be downright impossible without efficient remote radio control, which allows the opera- tor to always choose the best position in terms of safety and visibility. The remote control panel also includes tramming control functionalities for fast hole-to-hole movements and pre- cise hole spotting. The revolving superstructure offers unbeatable drilling coverage and supe- rior stability, thanks to the innovative counterweight solution, and provides a solid foundation for drilling even on extreme terrain. In terms of productiv- ity, the revolving superstructure turns Ranger DXR truly to a powerhouse

As mining and quarrying companies rapidly shift their strategies and operat- ing models to leverage digital transfor- mation, new technologies in blasting and explosives are making an ever more vital contribution to bottom-line improvements. According to Joe Keenan, MD of BME, a combination of market volatility, changing global demand and radically different input economics has contrib- uted to a seismic shift in the industry. “Automation in mines, new ana- lytic capabilities, digital workers and remote operation are just some exam- ples where technologies are disrupt- ing the mining industry today,” says Keenan. “At BME, our turnkey blasting offering is based on our ongoing investment in technology in precisely these fields; combining the power of mobile computing and cloud data storage to enhance safety, productivity and information transparency, allowing quicker and better decision-making.” He highlights the Internet of Things (IoT) as an important driver of mine profitability through safe, efficient and In response to customer requests, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is expanding its Ranger™ DX series of sur- face top hammer drill rigs with two non- cabin Ranger DXR versions for improved safety in quarrying and construction applications. Ranger DX series of surface top hammer drill rigs, suited for construc- tion applications, quarries and open pit mines is now expanded with two new non-cabin drill rigs based on the Ranger DX600 and DX800 models, named Ranger DX600R and DX800R respectively. New Ranger DXR drill rigs can reach places that are off-limits to operators and where other drills fail to operate. They essentially offer the characteristic of conventional Ranger DX series drill rigs, reliability and large drilling coverage area from the standard 17,6 m² to an optional 26,4 m², in a lighter and more mobile package – a superior solution for hazardous conditions where safe and

Joe Keenan, MD of BME.

it on a dashboard for better manage- ment decision-making – and integrates with our powerful BLASTMAP III design software.” Driving this work is BME’s Innovation Hub, a dedicated division that com- mercialises its technology to benefit customers. Staffed by experts includ- ing physicists, engineers and chem- ists, it continuously improves various aspects of the company’s offerings – from emulsion formulations and blast modelling, to mobile app technology and data transparency. l

Sandvik launches non-cabin Ranger DXR series surface drill rigs

enabling up to 60% more holes to be drilled per set-up compared to conven- tional top hammer drill rigs. Together with powerfull rock drills and Rock Pilot+ drilling control system the Ranger DXR series represent the highest pro- ductivity in non-cabin drill rigs. l

The Ranger DX series of surface top hammer drill rigs is suited for construction applications, quarries and open pit mines.

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QUARTER 2 - 2019 MODERN QUARRYING