UNDERGROUND RAIL ore production at month 45 of the Elk Creek project , whereas the new twin ramp scenario could achieve full production at month 40 , due to the simplification of pre-development construction activities , it noted .
The design examined by Optimize Group removes the production shaft , ventilation shaft and all material handling infrastructure . The removed infrastructure is replaced with two ramps . Ramp 1 would be for all personnel and equipment movement and has been designed with a maximum gradient of ± 15 %. Ramp 2 would be for the Railveyor haulage system , with the ramp designed with a maximum gradient of ± 18 %. The twin ramp configuration will allow for flow through ventilation of fresh air down ramp 1 and returning up ramp 2 .
“ The beauty of the Railveyor system is its simple and rugged design ,” Scott Honan , NioCorp ’ s COO , said . “ It is well suited to operate in the challenging environment of an underground mine and can be easily operated and maintained by individuals with a basic underground mining skill set .”
According to Railveyor , the haulage system uses a train system with cars that will hold approximately 1.2 t of material . These cars differ from a traditional train system since the cars connect to create a single long trough akin to a conveyor belt . This system allows for simple continuous loading like a conveyor system with the haulage flexibility of a train system .
In addition to the Railveyor system running on electricity , the new design would use batterypowered equipment instead of currently planned diesel-powered equipment , which the study found would significantly reduce emissions .
“ We are thrilled to see NioCorp exploring the integration of the Railveyor system for the Elk Creek Mine ,” Tas Mohamed , CEO of Railveyor said . “ Our technology not only provides a costeffective and efficient material handling solution , but also aligns perfectly with the industry ’ s move towards sustainability . By reducing power consumption and emissions , the Railveyor system supports NioCorp ’ s goals of economic efficiency and environmental responsibility , making it an ideal choice for modern mining operations .”
Minrail , SAMS up for grabs
Another company that aims to provide the automation and electrification backbone the underground rail sector is after is Quebec-based Minrail .
The owner of a patented process and equipment specifically designed for the extraction of ore from underground , shallow dipping deposits , Minrail recently put itself up for sale .
SAMS™ , or the shallow angle mining system , has been in existence since 2012 when Minrail consolidated several patents associated with loading and mucking from a safe distance under previous iterations of a mechanised mining supported ground is also attached to the technique developed for narrow , shallow dipping overhead rail . deposits oriented at 10-45 °.
The typical mining cycle sees the orebody
The rail-based system starts with the drilled , explosives placed and blasted material excavation of a niche and draise ( a drift / raise transported to the ore access drift using the hybrid ) through conventional methods . After this , excavator module in combination with a slusher . workers install double overhead rail that tracks From here , loading and hauling takes place . the angle of mineralisation throughout the
According to Minrail , the system offers the excavated area . potential to significantly reduce dilution , Various units to carry out mechanised mining operating costs and mine capital development of the mineralisation – a hydraulic drill for costs . Marc R Beauvais , President and CEO of development , longhole drill for production , rock Minrail , told IM : “ What makes SAMS stand out breaker , a scraper / excavator , power unit , so much is it allows companies to significantly air / water spool , etc – hang off this rail , which is reduce the need to excavate tightly spaced securely bolted in place . A work platform where access drifts . Other mining methods require operators can carry out drilling , explosives reduced vertical separation between each level ,
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SEPTEMBER 2024 | International Mining 73