Mining_Methods_UnderGround_Mining - Mining and Blasting

on the latest Boomer and Simba series
of drill rigs, offers simplified fault detection,
operator interactivity, and the
basis for logging, storing and transferring
of bolt installation production and
quality data.
The Boltec is equipped with the new
rock drill, the COP 1132, which is short
and compact, and features a modern
double damping system which, combined
with the RCS, transmits maximum
power through the drill string. The
long and slender shaped piston, which
is matched to the drill steel, permits
high impact energy at high frequencies
resulting in long service life of drilling
consumables and efficient drilling.
Furthermore the COP 1132 is fully
adjustable for various rock conditions.
Versatility and ergonomics
Modern bolting rigs can handle installation
of most types of rockbolts commonly
used today such as Swellex, as
well as resin and cement grouted rebars.
Using the new Boltec series based on
RCS, the operator copes easily with the
more demanding cement grouting and
resin cartridge shooting applications, by
controlling all functions from the cabin
seat.
Up to 80 cartridges can be injected
before the magazine needs refilling.
Also, because meshing is often carried
out in combination with bolting, an op-
tional screen handling arm can be fitted
parallel to the bolt installation arm, to
pick up and install the bulky mesh scre-
ens. Up to 5 different pre-programmed
cement-water ratios can be remotely
controlled.
The new generation rigs offer the ope-
rator a modern working environment in
a safe position. Low positioned, powerful
lights provide outstanding visibility
of the entire drilling and bolting cycle.
The new Boltec family has two mem-
bers equipped with RCS and the fully
automated cement handling system: the
Boltec MC, for bolt lengths of 1.5-3.5 m
and roof heights up to 8 m; and the
larger Boltec LC for bolt lengths of 1.5-
6.0 m, primarily for large tunnelling
projects having roof heights of up to 11
m. The positive response from operators
and mechanics confirms that this latest
generation of Boltec will pave the way
Boltec LC with screen handling arm.
for further acceptance of mechanized
bolting.
Screen installation
In Canadian mines the combination of
rockbolts and screen, or wire mesh, is
commonly used for rock support. Since
rock reinforcement is potentially one of
the most dangerous operations in the
work cycle, mechanized rockbolting has
become more popular. A Boltec MC
using RCS, equipped with screen handling
arm, has been in use for a couple
of years at Creighton Mine installing
screen with split-set bolts.
In general, the screen is 3.3 m-long x
1.5 m-wide, and is installed in both roof
and walls, down to floor level. Typical
MeCHanized BOlTing
spacing of bolts is 2.5 ft. Three different
types of bolts are used, depending
on rock conditions, and all bolting must
be done through the screen, with the ex-
ception of pre-bolting at the face. In
general, galvanized split-set are used
for wall bolting, while resin grouted
rebar or mechanical bolts are used in
the roof, and Swellex in sandfill.
Once the screen handling arm has
picked up a screen section and fixed
it in the correct position, the powerful
COP 1132 hydraulic rock drill quickly
completes the 35 mm diameter, 6 ft
and 8 ft holes. The bolting unit remains
firmly fixed in position after the hole
is drilled, and the cradles are indexed,
moving the bolt, with plate, into position.
The bolt feed, combined with the
underground mining methods 31