SHAFT SINKING
Shaft safety systems
Canada-based Timberland Equipment Limited not only supplies essential hoisting and winching equipment for shaft sinking contractors but has also developed specialised mine rescue systems for both emergencies and shaft inspections .
These systems are designed with a focus on safety and include features such as dual braking systems and Timberland ’ s Electronic Hoist Monitoring System , which monitors overtravel , overspeed and slack rope , providing real-time feedback via a programmable display .
Timberland ’ s Mine Rescue Hoists can be mounted in various ways to suit different mine sites , including skid mounting for permanent installation , dedicated truck chassis , or purpose-built trailers . These systems can accommodate different loads , cage sizes and operate efficiently at depths of up to 10,000 ft ( 3,048 m ).
with no fatalities , earning it a coveted award for seven million fatality-free shifts . Its sustainability efforts , meanwhile , focus on reducing carbon footprints by using recycled materials in concrete and favouring boring techniques over blasting where possible .
“ In our work , we often use large quantities of concrete , and are cognisant of the energyintensity of cement ,” Chamberlain says . “ We therefore look for opportunities to use recycled material like fly ash as an extender in cement , to reduce the volume of pure cement in concrete for shaft linings .”
He concluded : “ Our strategic use of technology , collaboration with clients and OEMs , comprehensive training programs and commitment to safety and sustainability continue to drive our success in the demanding field of shaft sinking .” arrangements in two shafts below the potash levels .
Cementation USA , also part of Cementation Canada , has been going beyond convention too , as Eric Smith , Managing Director Cementation
Americas , explained : “ We are involved in the construction of two ventilation shafts in Nevada – one is a short , 140-m deep x 6.6-m internal diameter shaft , however , it is being constructed in very poor ground conditions . To mitigate challenges , Cementation has developed a very innovative sinking methodology that does not require a full sinking headframe , which has saved the client in cost and has shortened the construction schedule .” The second shaft is currently in the design phase and will be a 6.7-m internal diameter shaft that will be conventionally sunk to a depth of over 450-m deep .
Such methodologies may also be employed outside of North America in the future should an agreement with Orefields Raise Boring bear fruit .
Grounded in innovation
Cementation Canada , part of the same Murray & Roberts Group as Murray & Roberts Cementation , also leverages strong OEM relationships to offer up best-in-class services for clients .
Its innovations go beyond equipment selection , with its team having demonstrated a willingness to ‘ think outside the box ’ in numerous shaft projects .
For example , the company has just recently completed a deep shaft sinking project down to 2,600 m below surface in the Sudbury nickel basin where a combination of pilot and slash for the top half and a blind sink for the lower section was employed .
“ Shaft steel equipping was concurrent with sinking activities versus sinking bald and equipping after sinking operations were completed ,” Eric Kohtakangas , Senior Executive Vice President Cementation Canada , added .
The shaft in question had a 7.2 m internal diameter and was finished with concrete ahead of being handed over to the mine ’ s production team recently .
In another project – this time in western Canada – Cementation crews have been installing pre-assembled units instead of the traditional steel stick building to configure the steel
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SEPTEMBER 2024 | International Mining 109