GROUND SUPPORT
Sandvik DD422i Dual Controls with Pumpable Resin System( PRS)
Holding fast
From the latest solutions combining pumpable resin with bolting, to scaling and resin injection technology, Paul Moore looks at some rock reinforcement developments for underground mining
As underground mining continues to push into deeper and more challenging environments, ground support is emerging as one of the industry’ s most important drivers of safety, operational efficiency and long-term mine performance.
The modern ground support market is highly diverse, with solutions varying according to ground conditions, mining methods, regional preferences and total cost of ownership. At the same time, the industry is placing greater emphasis on integrated solutions that combine reinforcement products, installation technologies and digital tools to optimise performance throughout the mining cycle. To discuss these trends and Sandvik’ s approach to innovation in ground support, IM spoke with Federico Scolari, Director Innovation & Technology at Sandvik Ground Support.
“ In general, Sandvik supports customers with end-to-end solutions, and ground support is no exception,” says Scolari.“ We work closely with other Sandvik divisions to create integrated solutions that maximise productivity, safety and rock reinforcement performance while supporting customers throughout the entire mining process.
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Pumpable resin bolting is one of the best examples of this approach.”
He adds:“ By combining ground support products, installation technologies, automation and digital quality-control systems, we help customers optimise their rock reinforcement processes and get the highest value from their underground assets.”
According to Scolari, ground support can account for up to 30 % or 40 % of an underground drill-and-blast cycle, and even more when rehabilitation activities are included. In many operations, this makes ground support one of the most significant bottlenecks in the excavation process.
“ If ground support takes such a large proportion of the cycle, it doesn’ t make sense to focus only on reducing drilling or loading times,” he explains.“ Integrated ground support solutions are one of the most powerful tools available for optimising the entire rock reinforcement sequence.”
A cornerstone of Sandvik’ s strategy is pumpable resin technology. The company has developed a broad portfolio of installation methods and reinforcement options designed to provide mines with flexibility without compromising safety or productivity.
“ What we have done with pumpable resin is to take a very comprehensive and holistic view,” says Scolari.“ We support different installation methods, bolt types and injection sequences. The goal is to offer a solution for virtually any application while ensuring the integration between our chemicals, steel products and installation technologies is thoroughly tested and optimised.”
One of Sandvik’ s objectives has been to achieve productivity levels comparable to high-performance friction bolt systems while maintaining the versatility needed to address varying ground conditions.
“ Even in dynamic rock environments, pumpable resin provides the flexibility to use different bolt types and capacities depending on the specific requirements of the application,” Scolari says.
Beyond DSI Hollow Bar systems used with the DD422i / iE Dual Controls jumbo, Sandvik has continued to develop solutions for cable bolting applications and dynamic reinforcement technologies such as Versabolt TM. The company has introduced technologies that improve bonding performance, support capacity and dynamic energy absorption while helping mines address increasingly demanding geotechnical conditions. One example is a system that optimises the bonding strength between Mineral Bolt thixotropic pumpable resin and cable bolts.“ We have developed a helical, spirally
International Mining | AUGUST 2026