GROUND SUPPORT & ROCK REINFORCEMENT
testing in real-world operations, Epiroc reached a breakthrough in 2018. That year, the company introduced its first fully mechanised underground bolting drill rig equipped with a fully integrated pumpable resin system. It told IM that this pioneering solution would go on to redefine efficiency and safety in rock bolting across the globe.
Since then, Epiroc says it has delivered more than 100 bolting machines with pumpable resin systems to underground operations worldwide.“ Whether deployed for primary bolting or with extension Self Drilling Anchors( SDA), the system has been praised for its ease of use and its ability to significantly increase bolting productivity, particularly in challenging ground conditions. Yet, perhaps the most compelling endorsement comes from operators themselves, who take pride in knowing that when they drill and install a pumpable resin bolt, they know that it is installed with a high quality, ensuring the safety of underground workings for all.”
In 2022, Epiroc introduced the first ever underground rock reinforcement drill rig designed such that the bolt type and machine work together in synergy to deliver optimal safety, performance and quality – the Boltec with Auto Bolt Reload( ABR). With this innovation, Epiroc took another significant step forward on its rock
reinforcement automation journey.
At MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, Epiroc showcased the next evolution of this technology: the Boltec E10 S with Auto Bolt Reload. Building on the success of the existing pumpable resin system, the ABR concept introduces a fully mechanised bolt reloading mechanism. This system automatically transfers bolts from a 44- bolt carrier magazine to the 8-bolt feed magazine, eliminating the need for operators to manually reload bolts at the front of the machine during operation.
In addition to significantly reducing operator exposure to risk, the ABR system opens the door to tele-remote and even autonomous bolting. Since MINExpo, Epiroc has delivered Boltec rigs with ABR to operations in North America and Sweden, with additional units on the way.
The versatility of Epiroc’ s pumpable resin system doesn’ t end with the Boltec machines. It has been successfully adapted for use with the company’ s Cabletec cable bolting rigs, where it offers a much faster setting time than traditional cement-based grout systems, delivering both time and safety advantages.
Even the face drilling Boomer M20 S / SG will also benefit from a pumpable resin system, as Epiroc is rolling out an onboard pumpable resin system option for this
popular rig, enabling greater flexibility for customers seeking to use their face drilling rig in a multi-roll applications.
Epiroc adds:“ The pumpable resin solution has already proven itself as a game changer, raising the bar for productivity, safety, and quality in underground bolting. But this is just the beginning. As geotechnical engineers and operational planners continue to embrace the benefits of pumpable resin-based solutions, the potential for further innovation is vast. The‘ High Performance Bolting’ journey is far from over. With each advancement, Epiroc moves closer to its vision of a safer, more productive, and more efficient future for underground operations.”
Jennmar’ s Falcon Bolt – a selfdrilling hollow bolt with unique mechanical anchoring
Jennmar’ s innovative Falcon Bolt aims to deliver several key innovations including reduced installation time, pre-tension during installation and high dynamic capacity.
Rock reinforcement has now become a potential bottleneck in the development process. The mining industry requires a bolt that enables rapid installation while ensuring consistent installation quality. With a history of innovative self-drilling bolts such as the MPA Bolt, Jennmar has developed
International Mining | AUGUST 2025