Epiroc, together with LKAB, has developed a new solution for installing long-term rock bolts in poor rock conditions.

The pumpable resin system for underground rock bolting, designed for the mechanised bolting machines Boltec M and Boltec E models, is a result of the mining OEM and mining company’s collaboration within the EU-led Sustainable Intelligent Mining Systems (SIMS) project.

Epiroc says: “One of the more difficult rock reinforcement tasks in underground mining and tunnelling operations is how to install long-term rock bolts in poor rock conditions. Rock bolting, as a result, is often the bottleneck within the drill and blast cycle, leading to difficulties to predict work task scheduling.”

Blocky or friable ground often leaves drilled bolt holes blocked or partially blocked. This slows down, or in the worst case, prevents the introduction of bonding agents such as cement grout or resin cartridges into the bolt hole.

“The Epiroc and LKAB solution will allow a faster, more reliable and cost effective bolting alternative for long term rock reinforcement in difficult ground conditions,” Epiroc said.

Peter Bray, Global Product Manager, Epiroc, said: “An important factor to achieve a workable rock reinforcement solution is to have a system where the bolt design, bonding agent and bolting rig all work together to provide a robust and reliable bolt installation. To this end, Epiroc has worked hand in hand with a leading bolt and chemical supplier to create a bolting system that addressed the issues faced with long-term bolting in poor ground conditions.”

The result of this work is an integrated pumpable two-component resin system that can be used with a Self-Drilling Anchor style bolt in tougher ground conditions or, alternately, with a two-step hollow bolt in more moderate ground conditions.

“Having the ability to choose a long-term rock bolt that suits the ground conditions means that customers are able to achieve an optimal rock reinforcement regime in terms of function and budget,” concluded Bray.