GROUND SUPPORT
The new Normet battery-electric Spraymec MF 050 VC SD , specifically tailored for the needs of underground mining
“ With the Spraymec MF 050 VC SD , we created a product for sprayed concrete experts , combining all their valuable knowledge and feedback , incorporating even the smallest details that make
a big operational difference .”
Designed with decades of experience , but also with a strong emphasis on the aforementioned operator feedback , the Spraymec MF 050 VC SD is purpose-built for modern mining operations in small and medium-sized tunnels . “ It comes with a cutting-edge dosing system and our revolutionary low-pulsation concrete spraying pump with a maximum theoretical concrete output capacity of 10.5 m 3 with battery-powered operation or , alternatively , 27 m 3 / h with electric operation .”
With the MF 050 VC SD , productive concrete spraying is possible from both inside the FOPS / ROPS certified cabin with significantly improved ergonomics and control features , and outside of it with a wireless remote controller . In addition , the advanced remote driving system ( RDS ) enables safe and easy machine relocation .
Designed for unmatched operator comfort , the new cabin is fitted with features like ergonomically located spraying controls , a water spray supply system to keep the windscreen clean during spraying and a NorSmart 3 dashboard with a touchscreen MID display , together taking both process productivity and the operating experience to a whole new level .
The vehicle is equipped with a high-volume on-board compressor and the extremely durable and accurate SB 500 C spraying boom “ with strengthened steel structures , superb rebound protection and outstanding manoeuverability , allowing for smooth concrete spraying operations . Furthermore , the boom ’ s selectable vertical tracking and nozzle nutation functions ensure uniform spraying results .” The MF 050 VC
SD was also designed with a strong emphasis on easy access to all service points and outstanding cleanability and , therefore , is fitted with features like hydraulically operated concrete pump hatch for safer cleaning .
Normet says it provides its customers with everything they need to get the best possible results with sprayed concrete for mining and tunnelling applications , both underground and on the surface . Its offering includes equipment for concrete spraying and transportation , construction chemicals and , additionally , supporting technologies and lifecycle services .
Normet SmartDrive ® is a modular batteryelectric vehicle ( BEV ) architecture designed to optimise energy consumption and performance in underground mining and tunnelling applications . “ Built with the latest fast charging capable Li-ion battery technology , SmartDrive machines offer higher productivity , significantly lower operating costs , and a cleaner underground environment while their easiness of use and carefully engineered controls guarantee that they are also safe and effortless to operate . The high-torque electric motors both reduce tramming time to reach work sites faster and recover energy in downhill driving .”
The new Spraymec MF 050 VC SD the OEM says “ reflects Normet ’ s never-ending passion for continuously developing new solutions and technologies to meet and exceed customer and industry expectations for safety , productivity and sustainability . Designed and built with minimising its environmental impact as a key driver , Normet ’ s broad equipment offering pioneers the transformation into greener underground operations .”
The all new MacLean Abi-Bolter
When the original MacLean Engineering 900
Series scissor bolter was introduced to the Canadian hard rock mining industry in the 1980s , the engineered semi-mechanised design ushered in a paradigm change for safety and productivity in ground support installation . More than three decades later and approaching 600 MacLean bolters sold and commissioned around the globe , the company ’ s focus is now on the next generation of the MacLean bolter , through the integration of industrial robotics .
The 985 ‘ Abi-Bolter ’ ( a nod to Founder Don MacLean ’ s childhood years in the Abitibi mining towns of Malartic and Chibougamau ), builds on the 30 + years of the MacLean Scissor Bolter ’ s value proposition to the mining industry – bestin-class productivity ( bolts per hour , and all shift consumables able to stored on unit ), best-inclass versatility of bolt-type installation , and consistent quality of installation based on the operator being able to clearly see what they are doing while using the unit to drill holes and then insert bolts .
The 985 Abi-Bolter product development process is moving through its final stages of systems testing at the company ’ s underground Research & Training Facility in Sudbury , Ontario , and will be followed by customer trialling of commercial units in the new year .
The 985 Abi-Bolter will deliver the 975 Scissor Bolter ’ s value proposition but with ‘ no boots on the deck ’ for drilling and bolting . This is achieved by integrating ruggedised industrial robotics capabilities and vision system precision that allow the operator to guide the drilling , screen handling , and bolt insertion from the safety and comfort of a cab , which can subsequently evolve to full ‘ tele-remote ’ surface-controlled operation . “ What the mining industry will get with the 985-Abi is a bolter that builds on three decades of experience in designing , manufacturing , and supporting our bolter product line globally ,” notes Steve Denomme , MacLean Product Manager for the Bolter product line . “ So , it is both a revolutionary and evolutionary design – taking the best from the current MacLean bolter ’ s value proposition – its versatility and productivity – and combining it with something new and novel , the integration of robotics , which allows for operation from the protection of a cab then eventually from surface via tele-remote operation . We ’ re excited to bring this to the mining world in 2024 .”
“ We know that as mines go deeper to access harder-to-reach ore bodies around the world , they need to deal with heat and ground stress issues , so more and more , producers are turning to electric fleets and increasing levels of automation and remote-to-autonomous mining vehicle operation ,” adds Maarten van Koppen , MacLean Vice President of Product Management . “ The 985 Abi-Bolter is part of this wave of the future in underground mining , a future that is here now , where the mining industry globally is looking for ways to decarbonise and at the same time , improve safety and productivity . The
40 International Mining | AUGUST 2023