Mining_Methods_UnderGround_Mining - Mining and Blasting

zaCaTeCaS, MexiCO
G u l f o f C a l i f o r n i a
M E X I C O
raise borers. Furthermore, the mine uses
Secoroc drill steel on development and
production rigs.
Proaño was the first mining operation
in Mexico to employ the Boltec rigs
and the Rocket Boomer 281 rig with
USA
Atlas Copco Distribution
& Service Centre
(Caleras)
Madero Mine
Zacatecas
Atlas Copco Mexicana
(Tlalnepantla)
Proaño Mine (Fresnillo)
G U L F O F M E X I C O
Mexico City
Map of Mexico showing Atlas Copco bases and mine locations.
Schematic of mine layout at Proaño showing sublevel stoping arrangement.
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
telescopic advance, which represent
completely new technology.
Likewise, Proaño owns two Diamec
U6 APC deep hole drill rigs, the first
mine in the Americas to use this type
of machine.
During the first three months of 2006,
the entire Atlas Copco mining fleet at
Proaño achieved a physical availability
of 89.5% against the objective of 90%.
Atlas Copco's commitment with
Proaño goes beyond providing new
equipment, and a few years ago it was
decided to set up a distribution & service
centre in Caleras, Zacatecas.
Mining operations
The underground operations can be ac-
cessed either through two shafts, Central
Shaft and San Luis Shaft, or by one of
the mine's several ramps. The mine has
seven levels and in Level 425 is the San
Carlos orebody, which currently pro-
duces 67% of production.
Proaño carries out about 40,000 m
of development drilling a year. To support
this work, there are three different
contracting companies: Mincamex, Jo-
margo and Mecaxa. All three companies
own Atlas Copco equipment,
mainly Rocket Boomer drill rigs and
loaders.
The mining method is cut & fill using
upwards and downwards drilling. However,
the amount of drilling and the hole
diameter have changed over the years.
134 underground mining methods
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