MINEXPO PREVIEW
Master Builders Solutions intends to demonstrate the “ unique ” thixotropic behaviour of its MasterRoc RBA 380 product series for resin grouted bolting systems at its MINExpo booth
This includes products and systems for rock bolting and anchoring , strata control , water control , chemical solutions for mine backfill , as well as the effective use and application of sprayed concrete in a virtual mine setting .
The company says it has a comprehensive range of products for early- and long-term strength in ground support , all tailored to suit specific site requirements and offer compatibility to local cements and “ excellent long-term durability ”.
“ Moreover , our innovations in alkali-free accelerators are a safe and essential part of modern sprayed concrete ,” Jim Lindsay , Head of Underground Construction , North America , Master Builders Solutions , said .
In addition to the availability of experts at its booth , Master Builders Solutions will allow MINExpo attendees to spray concrete via the Edvirt ® VR Shotcrete Simulator™ .
When it comes to injection solutions , Master Builders Solutions focuses on pre-injection to diminish unexpected water ingress and poor ground conditions . It uses micro cements and colloidal silica , as well as polyurethanes and polyurea silicates , to combat water ingress quickly , and effectively consolidate ground .
“ With decades of experience in these chemical technologies , our injection experts will be at MINExpo to offer ideas and solutions for your toughest applications , including crack sealing , rehabilitation , ground consolidation , water stopping and water sealing ,” Lindsay said .
Master Builders Solutions intends to demonstrate the “ unique ” thixotropic behaviour
of its MasterRoc ® RBA 380 product series for resin grouted bolting systems at the booth .
This fast-reacting , two-component polyurea silicate injection resin is used for rock bolt installations . With varying conditions underground – where rock temperatures range from -5 ° C up to 60 ° C – reacting resins cure at different speeds . Different pumping lengths require different set times .
The MasterRoc RBA 380 ’ s thixotropic behaviour allows for overhead applications without additional sealing , able to fill even the smallest cracks ( ≥0.14 mm ) over distances of up to 30 m .
“ The system is designed for higher mine efficiency , more efficient use of equipment , increased development rate and keeping miners safe during bolting operations due to its fast curing and strength development ,” Lindsay said .
Master Builders Solutions will , lastly , display its mine backfill solutions in Las Vegas .
Mine backfill is becoming increasingly important as mines go deeper , miners look to optimise ore recovery , as well as water recovery , while improving the mine cycle , optimising production and decreasing both the environmental impact and overall costs .
“ Master Builders Solutions takes a scientific approach to this challenge that can help mining companies understand and run backfill operations at lower risks and costs ,” Lindsay said . “ With over 30 years of experience in backfill , Master Builders Solutions has been a pioneer in utilising admixtures to optimise backfill in the mining industry , whether cemented paste backfill , cemented hydraulic fill or cemented rock and aggregate fill .
Minova will be exhibiting and introducing an “ exciting range ” of new bolts , resins and grouts for underground mining operations at the show .
One of the key attractions will be the introduction of the recently launched UniPass Bolting Technology , an innovative ground support system for one- and two-step rock bolting , combining Minova hollow bolts and selfdrilling anchors , with their patented pumpable resin , CarboThix .
UniPass is a result of over eight years of product testing and development , and provides many answers to the growing trends of increased automation , greater mine mechanisation , improved productivity and , most importantly , improving safety by moving miners further from the working face , Minova said .
“ With existing rock reinforcement solutions susceptible to reduced ductility , installation problems and limitations on efficiency and productivity , Minova ’ s UniPass Bolting Technology brings a fresh way of addressing the problems found in difficult hard rock environments ,” Peter Assinder , Minova ’ s Global Head of Strategic Marketing and Technology , said .
This bolting system comprises Static , Yielding and Dynamic Hollow Bolt options in one pass ( including sacrificial drill bit ) or two pass ( rig drill string drills the hole ), and includes three main CarboThix resins ( Standard , Fast and Rapid ) to provide an “ all-in-one bolting system ” that has been engineered to suit the most demanding underground environments .
Minova ’ s team at MINExpo will also be presenting the latest developments for ultra-thin layer dry process shotcrete , Tekcrete Fast M . This unique sprayable gunite is a low-dust version of Tekcrete Fast , which was developed in combination with the University of Kentucky and provides an extremely fast hardening material with exceptional compressive and flexural strength , according to Minova . The reduced required thickness of sprayed material significantly decreases installation time and mitigates the risks associated with potential dust exposure , providing a safer environment , while also providing the benefits of reduced material movements and quicker installation . With an established partnership across multiple states in the US with REED pumps , TekCrete Fast M and Minova ’ s other powderbased products are installed with state-of-theart pumping equipment . The option of a remotecontrolled robotic arm further reduces the applicator from potentially exposed areas , the company said .
Minova will also use MINExpo to introduce the recently established Field Services team for the Americas region to the marketplace . This team further supports customers who use Minova ’ s products underground . Comprised of injection resin specialists , ACI certified nozzlemen and ACI trainers of shotcrete
AUGUST 2021 | International Mining