The benefits of remote-controlled equipment have long been understood in mining applications. This technology increases safety in hazardous undertakings such as securing ore production. However, common mining machines tend to be cumbersome and highly specialized – a great tool for drilling in large, open areas, but not suited for all mining methods. Looking to apply mechanized solutions to ultra-deep, narrow-vein applications, some operations are employing a different kind of remote-controlled machine with a more sustainable approach that increases productivity while minimizing the cost of extraction. Compact, highly versatile remote-controlled demolition machines are uniquely suited for the demanding conditions deep underground. These compact machines offer exceptional power-to-weight ratios – on par with classic excavators three times their size – while an advanced three-part arm provides unrivaled range of motion for drilling, scaling, breaking, and bolting in any direction.
Technically, there is a lot more these flexible, hard-hitting machines can offer modern mining operations. In addition to ultra-deep applications, the power and versatility of remote-controlled demolition machines makes them an ideal solution for support tasks such as shaft revitalization and maintenance. Miners are finding that employing a demolition robot not only speeds up progress in these situations, but it also increases safety by taking on much of the physical work while keeping employees out of harm’s way.
Revitalization versatility
Mining techniques have changed over the years, and tonnes per man have decreased steadily since the 1960s. Notwithstanding technological innovations since then, the increased safety culture in present day practices is also a key factor. For many operations, returning old shafts to profitability with more modern equipment can revitalize assets and supplement production. However, getting these shafts in shape to meet modern safety regulations can be a complicated process requiring substantial work. Most are found in a very deteriorated state, littered with rubble, collapsed supports, and downed utilities, making the process of opening them up slow and dangerous.
In these types of situations, the versatility of remote-controlled demolition machines can minimize equipment and personnel requirements for highly efficient renovations. Armed with a suite of attachments, a demolition machine can perform almost any required task.
Commonly, a hydraulic hammer is used for scaling. Owing to the power these machines carry, they can also serve on a grizzly or for breaking oversized, in the place of task-dedicated machines like scalers or stationary mounts. When breaking is complete, operators can easily switch out attachments without requiring additional crew members. Various shears including grapple saws are available to remove sets and services and dismantle
old supports, either steel or timber. Simply attach a bucket for material handling and mucking out. Secondary blasting, support units, and suspension can all be managed with drill attachments.
A beam grapple can be used to help erect support ribs. Installing safety netting or wire mesh, as well as setting new services such as rails, pipes or cables, other types of grapples can be easily adapted for use. Dedicated sorting and demolition grapples with continuous rotation are tailor-made for loading, sorting, and separating debris. A grapple saw attachment replaces handheld equipment and leaves a nice, clean cut. This reduces handling and cuts the steel to premium scrap lengths safely while working off a Galloway or in underground structural demolitions.
Primary and secondary blasting and rock bolting can all be managed with the drill attachments while keeping the operators away from the face or the back. Cameras assist in line-of-sight, and full remote operation is commonly used for some ground conditions. Remote-controlled demolition machines are also used for retrievals in stopes, either tethered power, battery- or diesel-powered. The same basic machine has been adapted to carry a laser measuring device for immediate production data transfers to surface, pre and post blast. Finally, shotcrete attachments are also available.
More efficient maintenance
These attachments also make it easier for mines to maximize productivity for shaft and tunnel maintenance tasks. Replacing large crews with a small team and a remote-controlled demolition machine can result in significantly more efficient processes when digging safety niches and sumps, dealing safely with rock creep problems at a distance, or wherever there are hazardous conditions that warrant extreme safety precautions.
One operation was able to eliminate all manual labour in a shotcrete removal application and advance their maintenance schedule by months. They positioned the demolition machine on a platform that rotated around the core of a shaft boring machine. After the shotcrete was removed, they used the unit to pin and bolt new screening.
In addition to making shaft maintenance easier, demolition machines are increasing safety and efficiency for widening operations. They can be underhung from a Galloway stage, hammer, drill and blast, drill and split, and replace old clam buckets for mucking out.
The future of mining
With extensive equipment and attachment options available from innovative manufacturers, there is an opportunity to use demolition machines in about every high-risk, heavy-labour shaft maintenance situation.
With full-remote capability and instant data retrieval for maintenance and troubleshooting, demolition machines are ideally positioned to bring the industry into the modern era. Modern mining has many exciting challenges in store for the new generation of technologists who will need creative solutions to supply the world’s ever-growing demand for metals in support of green technologies and more. Working with remote-controlled demolition machine manufacturers to provide mechanized mining and maintenance solutions promises to improve productivity and ensure a safer, sustainable future operations. CMJ
Raymond Ippersiel is a training and application specialist for Brokk Inc.
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