At BHP’s Jansen potash mine in Saskatchewan, Canada, Thyssen Mining recently announced that its raise bore team, in collaboration with TRL Mining Construction LP, recently completed two 8 metre diameter raise bore excavations – setting a new record for the company.

The twin raises were excavated for an underground raw ore storage bin that Thyssen Mining says demonstrates what is achievable when innovation is paired with rigorous planning and safe execution.

The scope involved excavation of the bin between underground mine levels with final dimensions of 8 m wide x 15 m long x 34 m high – achieved using a dual‑barrel raise‑boring configuration to create an oblong profile, resulting in 5,576 t of rock excavated and 64 days of schedule savings compared to conventional excavation methods. The project was executed in full compliance with site safety systems and performance expectations, achieving zero recordable incidents.

Based on the dimensions achieved, Thyssen Mining believes this excavation matches the world record for the largest diameter hole pulled using raise‑boring techniques, representing a significant technical milestone for underground mining. The project was completed with the company’s Robbins 123RVF raise bore drill utilising a reamer designed and fabricated by Epiroc.

It adds: “The successful outcome was the result of close collaboration between BHP, site contractors, suppliers, and engineering teams – all supporting a willingness to challenge conventional mining techniques in favour of operational excellence. Thyssen Mining is proud to contribute to projects where measurable performance gains, safety, and operational excellence are delivered as one.”