African buzz
Automation technology for copper mine
New technology for Kubi
A LHD at Lubambe Copper Mine.
Autonomous solutions provider RCT has entered into a project
to provide autonomous technology to the Lubambe Copper
underground mine in Zambia.
The deal involves RCT commissioning its ControlMaster
Guidance Automation on three Epiroc ST18 and two Sandvik
LH517 underground loaders at the mine.
More exploration funds are flowing into Africa.
Asante Gold will use a new mining technique called sustainable
mining by drilling (SMD) at its Kubi project in Ghana.
SMD is a two-stage drilling method that enables direct mining
of narrow deposits. The technology is being developed and
commercialised by Anaconda Mining, in collaboration with the
Memorial University of Newfoundland, and uses technology
proven in other industries. Anaconda’s SMD technology was
placed second in the Goldcorp Inc. #DisruptMining challenge
held at the PDAC in Toronto earlier this year.
According to Anaconda, the concept is a complete surface mining
option with a drilling rig as a main surface piece of equipment used
in conjunction with several field-proven down-hole technologies.
The mining process will be divided into two campaigns: drilling
the pilot holes and accurately mapping the vein, then enlarging
the pilot holes to predetermined sizes to recover the ore. Using
an inclined mast drilling rig, an inclined pilot hole is to be drilled
along the centre line of the vein (equidistant between the hanging
wall and the foot wall) with directional drilling system.
Steering the pilot holes live with survey tools will determine the
current orientation and refine the 3D model of the vein used to
plan the pilot hole enlargement. Once the pilot hole has been
drilled, progressively larger hole-openers can be used to drill along
the pilot hole’s trajectory up to 2m.
Anaconda notes that the SMD technology is a “disruptor” in that it
reduces the cost to extract ore by 50% over conventional UG narrow
mining techniques; it places the operator in a safe location on the
surface; it can access areas not open to conventional mining; reduces the
environmental footprint; and bypasses the crushing and grinding circuits
by moving the ±2mm drill cuttings in a slurry direct to the mill. b
www.africanmining.co.za
MAY - JUNE 2019 AFRICAN MINING 13
The machines will be managed via five automation stations
located in tele-cabins. Guidance lets operators remotely control
the machine from a comfortable air-conditioned cabin. The system
automatically steers the machine to avoid collisions, enabling
higher speeds, eliminating damage, and improving productivity.
The technology will be installed in June 2019 with operator
training to occur simultaneously. b