Sandvik Mining has commissioned what it says is “the first fully mechanised rock bolter to operate in the South African mining industry at Gold Fields’ South Deep gold mine, about 45 km south-west of Johannesburg.” The Sandvik DS210L-M, a completely mechanised, one-man operated electro-hydraulic low profile rock-bolting rig, enables several rows of bolts to be installed without moving the machine. On arrival at the mine in November 2011, the new machine was dismantled on site by a Sandvik technical team and reassembled and commissioned underground. The Sandvik team also completed training a group of South Deep operators to operate the new rock bolter.
Sandvik’s Sam Kader says the local mining industry is increasingly focusing on mechanised mining, which has proved to be safer than conventional mining methods in many applications. “We intend to enhance and improve on these safety gains with our product offering,” he says. “Safety is our number one priority and we strive to assist our customers to continually improve their safety performance.”
The Sandvik DS210L-M, weighing in at 13,100 kg, is capable of executing rock reinforcement in excavations with headroom as low as 1.6 m. Key features include the machine’s robust rectangular profile telescopic boom and its FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) canopy beneath which the operator sits. This well protected operator environment, together with added automatic functions, gives the operator the freedom to concentrate on safe, fast and accurate drilling and bolt installation. All functions are piloted by an electric cable remote control.
“The machine’s exceptional ‘V’ shape design allows for good visibility and balance,” Kader says, “which, in conjunction with its powerful four wheel drive articulated carrier, ensure fast and safe manoeuvring – even in low headroom conditions.”
The high performance drilling system achieves optimum drilling capability with good drill steel economy and high machine reliability.
Following the successful commissioning of the DS210L-M, Gold Fields placed a new order with Sandvik in December 2011 for five LH514 14,000 kg LHDs, which will also go into commission at South Deep. The five new LH’s will supplement three existing LH514 units already in service at the mine. International Mining, February 2011, includes a very full technical article on the mine.