• TECHNOLOGY
VERTICAL DROP GAME-CHANGER
Edited by Leon Louw
In a recent expansion project of its Chambishi mine in Zambia , Non-Ferrous China Africa ( NFCA ) opted to install AECI Mining Explosives ’ emulsion vertical delivery system ( EVDS ) as part of its aim to develop a cost-effective mining operation . Delivering both the emulsion and sensitiser at depths of up to 980m .
NFC Africa Mining ( NFCA ) is one of the largest underground mines in Zambia ’ s Copperbelt province . The Mine was initially called Chambishi Copper Mines under the management of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines currently called ZCCM-IH . China Nonferrous Metal Company ( CNMC ) took over later in the year 1998 while it was under care and maintenance .
NFCA has three main mining areas : Main Orebody ( MOB ), West Orebody ( WOB ) and the new South East Orebody ( SEOB ). The SEOB is a massive project which has attracted capital investment of about USD830-million ( USD ). NFCA and Sandvik Mining and Construction entered into a partnership to develop a highly automated and digitalised mine . At the SEOB , they are using Sandvik ’ s latest equipment with new technology . This investment is for equipment , infrastructure and other costs involving mining .
NFCA recently developed a new shaft at Chambishi that included several leading-edge technologies , such as AutoMineLite , AutoMine fleet , OptiMine and a fuel vertical drop aimed at developing the most cost-effective mining operation .
Having previously engaged AECI Mining Explosives on this system in 2012 , NFCA was already aware of the benefits of the EVDS . This integrated system delivers the base emulsion , and sensitiser required directly to a storage facility underground . These storage facilities are designed to be close to the underground production areas . This is achieved through a piping system installed in a borehole that connects the underground storage facility to the surface infrastructure .
The company was already using AECI Mining Explosives ’ emulsion product underground – the UG200S ( sticky ) product ideal for up hole charging – and wished to continue reaping the benefits of this emulsion . The mine requested that both emulsion and sensitiser products be delivered to its 680m and 980m mining levels .
AECI Mining
AECI Mining Explosive ’ s vertical emulsion drop is a game-changer for the global mining industry .
18 • African Mining • June 2021
Project scope and timelines AECI Mining Explosives analysed the space available , product demand , and blasting schedule of the client in order to provide an optimal surface and underground storage capacity , as well as a tailormade delivery system . Various installation options
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