IM 2022 August 22 | Page 36

GROUND SUPPORT & ROCK REINFORCEMENT
Unigrout M2 Smart unit being transported recently for testing
automatically keep the right pressure and flow for each hole until the concrete has hardened .
Unigrout Smart also combines automation with an accurate mixing system , including possibilities of automated mixing formulas including the possibility of adding additives in the mix or direct in the grouting hole . All being monitored through the on board LOGAC system . The unit includes storage tanks for the cement and for the additives . The Unigrout M2 Smart can be delivered with different set ups of the CEMAG agitator to comply with customer needs for different grout mixes simultaneously and it consists of two double pump systems . The platform can also be equipped with hydraulic legs for easy levelling when working in ramps . mixers at the injection nozzle .
Long-term testing of Minova ’ s UniPass solution ( the name given to the hollow bolt and pumpable resin system ) in LKAB ’ s Kiruna mine in northern Sweden and adoption by Vale Canada ’ s Voisey ’ s Bay mine , has created the platform and confidence leading to uptake in new mines . However , Peter Assinder , Minova Global Head of Strategic Marketing and Technology told IM : “ It remains important to have early stakeholder involvement from all parties ( resin and bolt supplier , rig supplier , mine operator ) when new technologies such as UniPass are first introduced at the mine , as the use of bulk two component resins for fully mechanised rock bolting is still relatively new in the industry and the combination of rig set-up , resin properties and mine conditions must be appreciated to ensure a successful start-up and longer-term adoption .” Minova ’ s 20 years of development , testing and monitoring experience ( across mechanical , environmental and health & safety topics ) it argues provides the required confidence for a successful launch for what is gaining traction and further acceptance in the underground ground support sector . Minova predicts growth in the use of fast-setting resins to provide immediate support of bolting systems , as witnessed by the introduction of several newer products into the market .
Assinder adds : “ The benefits of super-fast set times , immediate support , creation of an inert and stable polyurea grout , and the ability to fill fractures around the drill hole annulus , mean that bulk resins are predicted to have an exponential growth in acceptance in underground mine and tunnel operations , especially as operations continue to mechanise and go deeper into more highly stressed rock .”
Normet and Rock Bolt Grout
Normet ’ s TamPur RBG ( Rock Bolt Grout ) is an injectable , two-component , silicate modified solvent-free , polyurethane grout . RBG has been formulated for securing and sealing rock bolts in mining and tunnelling applications . It is designed to instantly thicken after injection retaining a thixotropic nature within the rock bolt hole to avoid reflux and allow sufficient time for installing solid rock bolts . It is especially effective in vertical bolting applications , and can also be injected through SDA ’ s ( Self-Drilling Anchors ). There are three versions of TamPur RBG available , Slow , Standard and Fast set , in order to meet the requirement for different application conditions and processes . Originally designed for
Minova and CarboThix in mining
This year Minova is celebrating 20 years since the development and launch of CarboThix , the first bulk delivered two-component thixotropic pumpable silicate resin . Much has happened since 2002 in the field of rock bolting . Although CarboThix ’ s three main versions continue to be pumped with the versatility of cost-effective Minova SK90 gear pumps using mine skids and lifts , the last decade of research and development have been committed to working with bolting rig manufacturers to assist in the full mechanisation of bolting utilising Minova ’ s original MAI hollow bolts ( with the option of a drill bit for one step installation in problematic ground ), immediately post-grouted and secured with CarboThix , supplied directly from the onboard resin tanks of the main drill rig , via the rig pumping system and interchangeable static
CarboThix was deployed as part of Epiroc ' s pumpable resin bolting solution for Vale ' s Voiseys Bay operation
34 International Mining | AUGUST 2022