Portugal’s mining strategy may favour copper over lithium
Portugal already has the largest copper mine in the European Union, operated by Lundin Mining.
With the Bolter Miner MB610, Sandvik Mining introduces a more powerful generation of longwall gateroad development machines at MINExpo.
The first Sandvik Bolter Miner was put into operation in Australia in 1991. Since then, a large variety of models have been introduced, to meet specific demands of mines all over the world. All Sandvik Bolter Miners have a unique sump mechanism, which enables them to cut and bolt at the same time. This is the key to high-speed gateroad development.
What’s new on the Bolter Miner MB610?
Efficient dust and noise control at the face during the cutting process
Managing good control over dust at the face is a prime concern for the operator’s health and safety. Sandvik know-how in cutting tools and machine design helped in designing a cutter drum with a very low cutting speed of 31 rpm, compared to the competition’s 60 rpm. The lower cutting speed delivers high torque and higher cutting forces, as well as generating considerably less dust during the cutting process. Lower cutting speed also ensures low noise levels.
The new machine for the US market is stronger in rock cutting ability and also low in height
The MSHA approved MB610 was specifically developed for the US market to meet the demand of maximum time between rebuilds. Most machines in the market need to be rebuilt within one or two years of operation. The robust design of this machine will at least double this time. With a weight of 112 short tons, it also provides ample cutting stability. The low minimum tramming height of 2 meters allows efficient tramming of the machine within the mine infrastructure.
This heavyweight is easy on the floor
The mine floor has to be kept in good condition during cutting, when the maximum forces are transferred to the floor. The MB610 features 4 auto-stabilizers (2 front and 2 rear) which ensure a very low ground pressure of 25 psi (17 N/cm2).
Cutting tight and clean corners
The MB610 features a unique movement of cutter drum and loading pan, which allows independent movement of the cutter drum and loading table, enabling excellent maneuverability to cut a nice clean 90 degrees cross cut within a short radius.
Roof bolting flexibility in pattern
The MB610 roof bolters can tilt 37deg, allowing more flexibility in bolting patterns.
High-Speed performance
The MB610 prototype was commissioned at CONSOL Bailey end of October 2011 and has consistently been the top performer since then. From 1 November 2011 to 31 July 2012, the machine has cut and bolted a total of 40,460 feet (12,230 meters) of gateroad.
