GROUND SUPPORT & ROCK REINFORCEMENT
Garock Pty Ltd , founded in 2012 , offers highly innovative ground support & rock reinforcement systems that are fundamental to modern , safe underground mining and civil construction operations . Garock has a manufacturing presence in Wangara , Western Australia and Kurri-Kurri , New South Wales and has 18 employees . Its current offer includes dynamic solid cable bolts ; pre-cut and continuous coil cable bolts ; expansion shell cable bolts ; spiral indented strand cable bolts plus plates and barrel & wedge anchors .
DSI and rock bolt illuMINEation
RHI Magnesita and Sandvik Group company DSI Underground recently installed sensor bolt heads developed as part of the EU Project illuMINEation at the Breitenau underground magnesite mine for the first time . Sensor bolt heads ( add-on nuts ) consist of various sensors , a microprocessor , a rechargeable battery and a device for data transmission to a gateway . This low-cost intelligent rock bolt assembly allows just-in-time recording and visualisation of geotechnical and environmental measures on a large-scale basis – a milestone towards underground digitalisation .
The major focus of these first tests was put on handling and practicability , signal range ( transmission capacities in underground environment ), battery lifetime , and integration of the measurement series into the illuMINEation IIoT‐Platform . All tasks have been successfully accomplished , with the next steps being updates to the systems based on the learnings of the installation tests , and further roll out to geotechnical data acquisition . Additionally , further tests in other use case partner mines are being planned .
Komatsu and JENNMAR cooperation continues
Back in September 2021 , Komatsu Mining Corp and J-LOK Co ( an affiliate of Pittsburgh-based JENNMAR ) agreed to enter into an exclusive development agreement to deliver innovative pumpable resin solutions for underground hard rock mining drilling and bolting customers . This collaboration strengthened Komatsu ’ s underground hard rock mining drilling and bolting offerings for customers by providing an integrated system for new Komatsu bolters , as well as an aftermarket service to retrofit existing bolters with the J-LOK P pumpable resin system . J-LOK Co is working with Komatsu to leverage distribution opportunities for its broader hard rock product suite ( bolts , resin , mesh ) in key strategic global hard rock markets , to further expand availability for additional J-LOK customers around the world .
J-LOK P is capable of over a year shelf life under proper storage conditions . Long stability and storage life can simplify inventory and allows greater capability to keep what is needed in stock for the long haul . Composition is also free of isocyanates , the harsh carcinogenic chemicals found in urea silicates . Compared to urea silicates , J-LOK has several advantages . There is reduced concern for product deterioration or chemical change of materials in the changing and harsh temperature
RHI Magnesita and DSI Underground Group have installed sensor bolt heads developed as part of the EU Project illuMINEation at the Breitenau mine in Austria
The new Komatsu ZB21 bolter has a lot of new innovations – including the ability to integrate the Jennmar J-LOK P pumpable resin injection system
conditions of underground hard rock environments , or when transferring the J-LOK P product . J-LOK P is also less susceptible to corrosion . The cartridge resin is easier to clean and maintain . Plus , J-LOK P is also less sensitive to imperfections in the borehole versus urea silicates . The J-LOK P retrofit solution is compatible with all major and most other OEMs , allowing customers to transform nearly any brand of bolting machine in their fleet . Komatsu states : “ Our drilling experts will work with you to assess the benefit you ’ ll get from retrofitting to the J-LOK P system , as well as help create a plan based on a focused application and solution optimisation approach .”
Epiroc Unigrout M2 Smart
The next generation of grouting technology is coming from Epiroc in the form of its Unigrout M2 Smart , described as a grouting system with a brain . Unigrout M2 Smart combines a compact design with automation , “ offering superb versatility , accurate and automated batching and increased mixing capacity .” This Unigrout range is suitable for applications requiring high quality control and operation excellence .
It also represents the first time that the wellknown Rig Control System ( RCS ) has been used in the Unigrout product family . This means that Epiroc is introducing both digitalisation and automation to its grouting business .
It means that it is now possible to gather detailed drilling data for the Unigrout system in real time from an Epiroc drill rig . The operator can then be better prepared and able to optimise the injection process when knowing the conditions of every drilled hole .
Thanks to RCS the injection will also be automated . The RCS will monitor and
30 International Mining | AUGUST 2022