To meet the needs of underground calcite (calcium carbonate) mining customers in the Italian market, Poland’s FAMUR, part of Grenevia SA, recently carried out technology tests of the R-150 roadheader using two cutting head gearbox versions (FRG132 and FRG160B) and several types of cutting picks.

The project included upgrading the R-150 roadheader for operation in calcite deposits; preparing the design and technical documentation and carrying out cutting performance tests. It involved developing the technology for driving an 8×6 m roadway with the R-150 roadheader and preparing a report summarising the test results.

The main goal of the project was to evaluate the R-150 roadheader’s ability to mechanically excavate calcite and to compare mechanical cutting technology with conventional drilling and blasting methods under the operating conditions of the Monte Bianco mine in Italy. The project also focused on maintaining the required fragmentation size while increasing the efficiency of the cutting process.

This is another FAMUR project in the hard rock mining sector, it says confirming its expertise in delivering solutions tailored to specific geological conditions and our customers’ operational needs.

The conventional R-150 model is intended for drilling of headings of with a cross-section of up to 24 m² in rocks with a compressive strength of up to 90 MPa; and is mainly used in the coal industry. It has a hydraulic system equipped with FAMUR’s Load-Sensing system to ensure lower consumption of electricity; lower hydraulic oil operating temperature; plus longer life and durability of hydraulic system components.