Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
Combining more than three decades of mechanized cable bolting engineering, the cutting edge Sandvik DS422i cable bolter is designed to enable better process control through assistive and automatic technologies and connectivity. Sandvik DS422i is built on the same platform as the award-winning Sandvik DD422i, providing lower total cost of ownership through parts commonality, easy serviceability and high productivity.
The new Sandvik DS422i is engineered for intelligent rock reinforcement, providing seamless integration with other key underground mine systems. The cable bolter is a converging point for multiple logistics chains. To efficiently perform its duty it needs to be in the right place at the right time with the right consumables and correct operator information on board. Sandvik DS422i provides the ideal solution for all of these challenges.
Ground support is a quality-focused, statistics-driven and operations-critical process in a mine. The common denominator, which almost all cable bolter users share, is a desire for information: exactly how and where bolts were installed, how much grout was pumped, the mixing ratio of the grout used and other key details of the mechanized bolt install process. Sandvik DS422i can provide this information, store it and pass it on to a mine’s systems for analysis through its intelligent control system and connectivity.
“Our customers are constantly asking us for solutions giving them documented ‘as planned’ and ‘as installed’ data from the bolting process,” says Anssi Kouhia, Product Manager for Sandvik DS422i. “Handling hole location information has long been in practice for both development and production drilling, but not yet properly utilized in bolting. Our latest intelligent product brings the potential of data integration to our customers.”
“Efficient task management with regards to bolter operation is usually more complex to achieve compared to other drill and blast cycle operations,” says Petri Mannonen, Product Manager for OptimineTM products. “In addition to managing that the machine has a free heading to operate in, the bolter also has to manage the replenishment of concrete and other consumables. Our OptimineTM task management package provides great advances in this respect through two-way communication with the task management system.”
The new Sandvik RD414 rock drill provides a 30 percent higher penetration rate and a longer shank and drill steel life through its advanced rock drilling technology. Key value adding features of Sandvik DS422i also include automatic rod handling, a quiet and ergonomic cabin and Sandvik intelligent controls and automation with both operator assistive and automated functions.
