IM 2019 August 19 | Page 27

ROCK REINFORCEMENT software automatically compares both measurements and presents in real time the thickness of the applied shotcrete. This information is shown in easy to understand colours which directly gives an overview of the targeted thickness and the under- or overspray areas. Fast deployment and scan time help to operate without breaks and the results can be automatically generated for a concrete thickness report. Normet argues that talented operators at the concrete spraying machine are becoming more and more rare with the result of huge differences in the quality of the sprayed concrete. Due to this fact, Normet developed the process automation SmartSpray to minimise the operator effect and increase the productivity of spraying. SmartSpray is available in the three versions Lite, Pro and ProPlus. SmartSpray Lite allows the operator to control only one spraying nozzle by using only one joystick to perform basic spraying movements instead of handling two or four joysticks. The nozzle position is maintained to align the Normet developed the process automation SmartSpray to minimise the operator effect and increase the productivity of spraying concrete spray towards the surface. With this automation support of SmartSpray Lite, the operator achieves consistent and high-quality spraying results. With SmartSpray Pro automatic movements are possible for regular spraying. The spraying nozzle moves from point- to-point and the spraying is automatic. The operator only needs to adjust the distance to the surface and to move to the next spraying segment. Large and smooth surfaces in tunnels are the result of the SmartSpray Pro. SmartSpray ProPlus is designed to spray automatically a before defined area. The system automatically keeps the distance between the spraying nozzle and the wall profile, maintains the speed and achieves the demanded layer thickness. SmartSpray ProPlus automatically calculates the path for the nozzle movement and sprays the concrete, turning the sprayer operator from beginner to seasoned master. Sandvik MD bolt exceeds targets at Dugald River A safer, easier-to-install ground reinforcement solution from Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology has improved cycle times and helped mining services provider Barminco exceed ambitious development targets at MMG’s Dugald River mine – one of the world’s largest known zinc deposits. The Sandvik Mechanical Dynamic (MD) bolt “has revolutionised ground support” for Barminco at MMG’s Dugald River mine says Sandvik. Dugald River will be one of the world’s top 10 zinc mines at full production, and the operation is ramping up faster than expected. It achieved commercial production in May 2018 – less than five months after the first concentrate was produced as part of commissioning activities. The mine produced more than 140,000 t of zinc in concentrate in 2018. With a nameplate annual capacity of 1.7 Mt, Dugald River is expected to produce 170,000 t of zinc, plus silver and lead as byproducts. Barminco has been instrumental in developing Dugald River since it won a 2012 contract to advance two exploration declines and establish production levels and other infrastructure. A