Modern Mining July 2016



MODERN MINING



July 2016

he kimberlitic ground of the dia-

mond mine necessitates dry drill-

ing, as water is known to lead to

the rapid decomposition of certain

kimberlite types which in turn

could lead to larger tunnels than originally

designed, compromised ground support ele-

ments and the pillars between tunnels being

insufficient in size. As an additional measure

to make mining even safer, the new Sandvik

DS411 rock bolters are completely mechanised

and controlled by a single operator from un-

der a ROPS/FOPS safety cabin or FOPS safety

canopy.

Saltiel Pule, Sandvik’s business line man-

ager UG drills, says in addition to being safe,

the bolters are also highly productive and

capable of installing between seven to eight

rock bolts per hour including welded mesh

sheets. This enables production to continue at

a rapid and safe pace in line with the require-

ments of the mine.

Dust suppression

“The new rigs also have a number of tricks up

the sleeve in order to meet productivity crite-

ria as set out by the mine. This includes the

machine’s ability to use its short-but-powerful

Sandvik RD314 rock drill that is able to deliver

Saltiel Pule, Sandvik’s business line manager UG drills.

Safety is a top priority for Petra Diamonds’ Finsch

Diamond Mine in the Northern Cape where a fleet

of Sandvik dry drilling support machines has been

incorporated to support mining operations at the new

Block 5 sub level cave development.

COVER STORY

the best possible ratio between the rock bolt

length and drift height. At the same time the

TBR60 boom is able to install varying types and

sizes of rock bolts from a single carrier setup,”

says Pule.

“Unfortunately, with all that speed and

power comes the potential for a great deal of

dust that could cause health hazards to res-

piration as well as safety hazards by blocking

visibility around the machines. This meant that

a solution needed to be devised in conjunction

with dust suppression experts, Ilmeg, to ensure

that sufficient suction is achieved at the drilling

site to deal with the amount of dust generated.

“Finding the right balance to remove the

Dry drilling

puts safety first

The bolters

install between

seven to eight

rock bolts per

hour including

welded mesh.