MINEXPO PREVIEW automated drilling process by automatically positioning the boom and drilling to the desired depths .
Attendees will be able to interact with the FletchTech virtual interactive mining simulator on its booth . Featured on the system will be a Fletcher Model J251 ( single boom drill jumbo ) and a J352 ( dual boom drill jumbo ). The simulator will allow visitors to navigate through an entire drill plan either manually or through Fletcher ’ s new AED autonomous mode .
An interactive display that demonstrates the functionality of its new spatial recognition technology will also appear . The system uses LiDAR scanning and point cloud technology to allow the machine to recognise and analyse the mine face topology and surroundings .
As part of Fletcher ’ s partnership with UV Botswana , a Mine Scout supervision vehicle will sit on the stand . This model is designed for transport of two mine personnel frequently travelling between underground and surface . The machine is equipped with ample storage space for tools , spare parts and testing equipment . It is designed with maintenance in mind , with easy to access service points .
Fletcher will also showcase a Model 3224-AD scaling vehicle . This machine ’ s scaling boom is mounted on a heavy-duty slewing table and designed for a maximum boom reach of 24 ft ( 7.3 m ). It includes the capability to operate in tram and scale mode , allowing the operator to scale material during tramming from the operator ’ s compartment .
An additional display will feature Fletcher ’ s wet dust tank assembly . This dust collection system is available for new equipment , as well as a retrofit kit for existing equipment .
Both a wet and dry drill head , as well as Fletcher ’ s Octalock twist-lock socket adapter , will also appear on the booth . This adapter is an optional attachment to the drill head to provide a more “ stabilised roof bolting application ”, Fletcher explained . The design allows for a more secure fit for the drill steel through the hexagonal opening , helping prevent bent steel during the drilling process . The Octalock provides a faster transition between the drill steel and bolt , resulting in a more efficient bolting application . Additionally , when extracting the drill steel from the strata , the Octalock creates a more stabilised retreat of the drill steel to provide a safer work environment for the operator , according to Fletcher .
MacLean Engineering says its focus at MINExpo 2021 will be squarely on the latest outputs from the company ’ s technology development efforts in the areas of electrification , automation and digitalisation .
This will include the latest updates on the MacLean fleet electrification program and remote control and vehicle telemetry technology development , along with a virtual reality training tool demonstration .
Much progress has been made by MacLean since the last edition of the show in 2016 , where MacLean showcased its second-ever batteryelectric rock bolter . Since that time , the company has sold and commissioned over 30 batteryelectric vehicles and logged 80,000-plus hours of underground performance .
With the purchase of an underground test facility in 2018 and the creation of a dedicated R & D team now numbering a quarter of the company ’ s global engineering team , MacLean says its product development pipeline is tailored to meet the industry ’ s safety and productivity needs across the 21st century and beyond .
MacLean President , Kevin MacLean , said : “ We have been doing fit-for-purpose mobile equipment manufacturing for the past 50 years so , in one sense , ‘ Application Intelligence ’ is simply a continuation of the MacLean value proposition to the global mining industry . The only difference is the ramp up of our technology development capabilities and collaboration with producers and other OEMs , to make the underground environment safer and more productive .
The MacLean SS5 battery-electric shotcrete sprayer ( here in action underground at the MacLean Research and Training Facility , Sudbury , Ontario ) is one of the latest vehicles added to the company ’ s fleet electrification program
“ Understanding the mining cycle and designing solutions that fit the job is what the ‘ engineering ’ means in MacLean Engineering .”
Dan Millette , Manager , US Sales , MacLean Equipment USA , said : “ Designing best-in-class production support mining vehicles that are emissions-free , low maintenance and able to be highly automated in a multi-OEM environment – this is what we will be sharing first-hand with booth guests at MINExpo in September .
“ At the same time , this global story of electric , automated and data-rich mobile equipment is complemented by a local story for us in northern Nevada , where we established a branch in 2020 and where we continue to expand our aftermarket support capabilities for customers in the historic Elko mining camp as well as across the western United States .”
The launch of the MacLean ‘ Application Intelligence ’ campaign includes a new corporate website that will be a showcase for information about the MacLean product line , as well as a portal for existing customers to log-in to realtime fleet performance data , along with commercial information , electronic documentation and online parts ordering .
Application Intelligence represents the potential contained within the overlap of onvehicle technology development , mobile equipment manufacturing expertise and deep
AUGUST 2021 | International Mining