Improvements in Rock Bolt and Mesh Installation Efficiency

Improvements in Rock Bolt and Mesh Installation Efficiency had it’s first demonstration June 2018 where the High performance Boltec machine from Epiroc exceeded expectations.  

Optimization of production blasting parameters using the latest research

Research lead the way by enhancing blasting  methods. The new Elastic Wave Effect Amplification will make the mines of the future evan safer than before.

Extraction Face Material and Roof Crack Detection

Material recognition will be advanced, enhancing mine operation planning. Improvements in roof crack detection capability will increase mine safety as potential roof falls can be detected. 

WP7

Ground control

Objectives

This WP will demonstrate state-of-the-art ground support methodology, ground control techniques and monitoring technology for in use in a mining environment. This technology will enable fast and safe ground control throughout the demonstration mines, and will seek to improve control of underground seismic vibrations and seismic damage. The package will improve the safety and stability of entries through improved ground-control methods. In combination with WP5, this WP will also strive towards the eventual goal of having a fully-integrated and automated ground support process. At the same time, material recognition will be advanced, enhancing mine operation planning. Improvements in roof crack detection capability will increase mine safety as potential roof falls can be detected. Interaction with WP2 and WP8 will help to ensure that all work is disseminated thoroughly. Target demonstration mines include: LKAB, K+S Zielitz mine, and KGHM mines.

Tasks

1. Optimization of production blasting parameters conducted for a group of faces, aiming for elastic wave effect amplification.
2. Improvements in Rock Bolt and Mesh Installation Efficiency.
3. Extraction Face Material Detection.
4. Roof Crack Detection.
5. Field Trials Evaluation and Exploitation.

Improvements in Rock Bolt and Mesh installation Efficiency

The second task, Improvements in Rock Bolt and Mesh Installation Efficiency had it’s first demonstration June 2018 where the High performance Boltec machine from Epiroc exceeded expectations.  

For more production data from the tests, see the following video: 

Tristan Jones

Tristan Jones

Reserach Engineer, LKAB

Growing up I had one professional goal, “Have a job that I enjoy.” My logic? If you enjoy your work, you do it better, with more enthusiasm and commitment, and are willing to work harder, ultimately, having better results. Plus, you enjoy it! BONUS!

High performance bolting in 360°

Dive down 1400 meters below ground and take part as the  Epiroc High Performance Boltec performs. Shot in 360 degrees. If you have access to a VR headset, this video can play in VR mode.

Dive down 1400 meters below ground and take part as the  Epiroc High Performance Boltec performs. Shot in 180° Stereoscopic. If you have access to a VR headset, this video can play in VR mode.

Efficiency Optimization of production blasting parameters conducted for a group of faces, aiming for elastic wave effect amplification

Research leads the by enhancing blasting  methods. The new Elastic Wave Effect Amplification will make the mines of the future evan safer than before.  

Piotr Mertuszka

Piotr Mertuszka

Rock Engineering Researcher

Material Recognition and improvements in Roof Crack Detection capability will increase mine safety as potential roof falls can be detected. 

 

Tobias Wendel

Tobias Wendel

Research Assistant, RWTH Aachen