Mining_Methods_UnderGround_Mining - Mining and Blasting

flexibility during drilling and bolting.
The COP 1432 rock drill was, before being
replaced with COP 1132, the shortest
in its class, with modern hydraulic
reflex dampening for high-speed drilling
and excellent drill steel economy. It
has separately variable frequency and
impact power, which can be adapted to
certain drill steel/rock combinations.
The BUT 35 HBE heavy-duty boom
is perfect for direct, fast and accurate
positioning between holes, and, at Zinkgruvan,
this has been extended by 700
mm. Large capacity working lights and
a joystick-operated spotlight ensure that
the operator has outstanding visibility.
Profitable collaboration
The Rig Control System (RCS), originally
developed for Boomer rigs, is now
also installed on Simba and Boltec rigs,
so the mine benefits from the common-
ality. Atlas Copco has total responsibility
for all service and maintenance operations
on its equipment at Zinkgruvan,
and has three service engineers stationed
permanently at site. The company
is also under 3-5 year contract for
the supply, maintenance and grinding of
Secoroc rock drilling tools, overseen by
a Secoroc specialist.
From the mine point of view, they be-
lieve they have profited by their collaboration
with Atlas Copco, particularly in
the field testing of the new generation
rigs. Early exposure to the capabilities
of these machines has allowed them to
adapt their mining and rockbolting
methods to the new technology, giving
them a head start on the savings to be
achieved. Also, by leaving the long-term
maintenance and supply of rock drilling
tools in the hands of Atlas Copco, they
are free to concentrate on their core
business of mining. Above all, it enables
them to make accurate predictions
of drilling and bolting costs, which will
improve overall cost control.
acknowledgements
This article is based on a paper written
by Gunnar Nyström. Atlas Copco also
gratefully acknowledges the inputs of
Jonas Södergren, Hans Sjöberg and
Conny Öhman, all of Zinkgruvan
Mining.
Typical
cable
bolting
∅ 51 mm
drill bit
Crown pillar
Typical cross section of the orebody looking east.
Primary stope drilling layout.
30 m
Front view
zinkgruVan, Sweden
underground mining methods 57
4.5 m
8-15 m
Production
drilling
∅ 74 mm
drill bit
Drawpoint level
Opening slot
Top view
Opening raise
Cut off raise