Articles By Subject: Drilling and Blasting
The scoop on BAUMA 2010
Defying the odds, this year’s BAUMA on 19-25 April, looks set to be another record event, reports Paul Moore
Poland’s promise
Paul Moore visited the Tychy operations of Sandvik Mining and Construction Poland, the company’s key underground mining hub in central Europe, which serves the significant coal and hard-rock mining industry in Poland and the Czech Republic
Europe’s copper hub
KGHM’s Polkowice-Sieroszowice near Lubin, Poland, is one of the world’s most important underground copper mines and one of three major KGHM group mines, along with Rudna and Lubin. As such it is a key focus for mining equipment and technology developmentSandvik signs Pascua-Lama deal
Sandvik has announced an agreement with Barrick regarding the supply of several classifications of equipment for the Pascua-Lama open-pit mine, located south of Atacama and straddling the border between Chile and ArgentinaMineARC Systems acquires Shairzal
In a major consolidation of the underground mine refuge market, leader MineARC Systems has announced the acquisition of Shairzal Safety Engineering.Iron ore wrangles
The merger of Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton’s iron-ore operations and assets in Western Australia seems as far from completion as ever
Home sweet home
Carly Lovejoy explores the logistics behind setting up and operating mine villages in remote locations, and the types of services on offerBoart Longyear’s new rig flies forth
Leading integrated drilling services and product provider Boart Longyear has released the new flyable SC11 rig
Mining Magazine reunion celebrates centenary
Mining Magazine celebrated its centenary last year with the publication of the special September 2009 edition, which detailed our own history as well as that of the world’s leading global mining-equipment players.
Rio Tinto expands Mine of the Future
Rio Tinto is expanding its Mine of the Future programme to develop new equipment and systems for deep underground mines and has selected three partners to work on the project.
Sandvik kits out Pascua-Lama
Sandvik has signed an agreement with Barrick regarding the supply of several types of equipment for its Pascua-Lama site.
MineARC acquires Shairzal Safety
MineARC Systems has announced the acquisition of Shairzal Safety Engineering Pty Ltd, a leading supplier of safety engineering solutions to mining operationsSandvik-Cubex dealer agreement
On November 20, 2009, Sandvik Mining and Construction announced that it had entered into a dealer agreement with Winipeg, Canada-based Cubex to market, distribute and support its underground mining product line.
The Midas touch
Gold prices reached a high of nearly US$1,200 at the beginning of December 2009, before declining to around US$1,100.
Bolivia’s silver standard
Perhaps unexpectedly, one of the largest and newest world-class mining operations can be found in southern BoliviaPlanning for the future
Scheduling is crucial to the successful running of any mining operation, whether surface or underground, in both practical production and financial accounting terms.Northern real estate
Probably the least known of Canada’s diamond mines, the Jericho mine in Nunavut operated from 2006-08, producing 786,000ct of gem-quality diamonds.
Mining Magazine Congress moves down under
Following its highly successful launch last year, plans for the 2010 Mining Magazine Congress have been finalised, which will see this unique conference move down under to Perth in Western Australia
Antamina expansion approved
The operator of Antamina has approved a US$1.3 billion investment to expand ore processing capacity at its mine site by 38% to 130,000t/d.
Sandvik supplies Bolter Miners to Shendong
Sandvik has received a major order from Shenhua Energy Co’s Shendong coal production centre in China.
Bucyrus buys Terex Mining for $1.3 billion
Terex has signed a definitive agreement to sell its mining business to Bucyrus International Inc. for US$1.3 billion in cash, creating a premier supplier of mining equipment.
CSIRO enters alliance with Orica
CSIRO has signed a five-year, AU$25m strategic research alliance agreement with Australian company Orica Ltd.
VDMA report
The VDMA Mining Equipment Association has reported that 2009 has seen a 10% increase in turnover across the German mining equipment manufacturing sectorLeighton bags Mongolia development
Mongolian coal miner Mongolia Energy Corp has selected Leighton LLC as its international mining contractor for the development of its Khushuut coal mine in western MongoliaCopper for Christmas
The price of copper has more than doubled this year as US$11.9 trillion of stimulus measures pledged by the world’s governments has helped to ease credit availability and revive economic growthCongo's iron ore
Lesser known than its much larger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Congo, often referred to as Congo Brazzaville, is also rich in mineral resources – and iron ore in particular.
Cobham adds to mining communications range
UK-based Cobham Surveillance has added the Mine Asset Protection surveillance system and the Mine Shaft Communication system to its range of underground and surface mining communication products.
Rio Tinto and Codelco form tech alliance
Rio Tinto and Codelco have announced the Rio de Cobre technology alliance agreement, which would aim to deliver “safer, more energy-efficient and lower-cost production from both current and next-generation open-cut and deep underground mines”.
Snap Lake ramps up production
De Beers Canada has announced plans to ramp-up production at its Snap Lake mine in the North West Territories, with full production targeted for the end of 2012.
Atlas Copco update
Atlas Copco has announced a series of new product releases and updates to its customer care programmes.
CIS contract for Sandvik
Sandvik Mining and Construction and Russian steel and mining company Severstal, have signed an agreement for the supply of submerged drilling equipment to the LLC Beresitoviy Rudnik mining operation.
Green light for Ernest Henry development
Xstrata Copper has announced corporate approvals for a total investment of US$542 million to extend the life of its Ernest Henry mining operations in Queensland, Australia
Sandvik Cubex tie-up
Sandvik has announced that it has entered into a dealer agreement with Canadian-based Cubex Ltd to market, distribute and support its underground mining product lineMining think-tanks
This issue of Mining Magazine is no different to any other, with varied articles on global mining technology and equipment development as always
Rio and CODELCO form the Río de Cobre alliance
Rio Tinto and CODELCO have entered into the Río de Cobre (River of Copper) technology alliance agreement.Notes from Niagara
The Mining Magazine Congress on October 8-9 saw the great and the good of the mining equipment, component and operator worlds come together for two days of discussion and knowledge sharingThe harder they fall
Monitoring open-pit walls is crucial in all large surface mines and is achieved using a variety of methods, both surface and subsurface, reports Paul MooreDollar dilemmas
The unsteady dollar has affected the trade of every metal recently, none more so than copper and gold.A deepening success story
Dumas Contracting is one of North America’s most successful full-service, underground mining, contracting and engineering companiesClever connections
Good communications networks can enhance the productivity, safety and performance of surface mines, reports Carly Lovejoy
BHP opens Newman Mining Hub
BHP Billiton has officially opened the Newman Mining Hub in Western Australia.
New Gemcom MineSched 6.1
Gemcom Software International has released MineSched 6.1, the latest version of its next generation scheduling software for surface and underground mines.
Larox opens Chinese subsidiary
On October 16, Larox celebrated the inauguration of its new production plant in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu province, China.
AEGL commissions explosives plant
African Explosives (Ghana) Ltd (AEGL)has commissioned a new bulk emulsion plant at Gold Fields' Tarkwa operation in Ghana
China Minmetals constructs copper mine
China Minmetals plans to begin the construction of its US$1 billion Galeno copper mine in Peru in 2010, with production expected to commence in 2012.
Cobham: new communications system
Cobham, a leading provider of wireless digital video, audio and data transmission systems, will introduce its new underground communication system at the Mines & Money 2009 exhibition in December.
Aker signs service contract for Toromocho
Aker Solutions has been awarded the detailed engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services contract for Minera Chinalco’s Toromocho project in Peru.Cubex tools up Morobe Mining for success in Papua New Guinea
Cubex has reported that Morobe Mining Joint Ventures, owned by Harmony Gold Mining Co and Newcrest Mining, has successfully completed its first year of reverse-circulation drilling and horizontal dewatering using the Cubex QXR 1120 drill at the Hidden Valley gold mine located in Morobe province, Papua New GuineaBoart prepares newest rig for launch
Paul Moore spoke to Boart Longyear’s Craig Mayman about the company’s progress with the new, advanced 4200 surface-coring rig, which is undergoing final testing prior to commercial availabilityHands off
On May 1, 2009, Australian rare earths company Lynas Corp announced that it had signed a binding heads of agreement with China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co (CNMC), whereby CNMC proposed to become a new majority shareholder in the company, which owns the Mount Weld rare earth deposit, claimed to be world’s largestAutomation at the face
All of the main suppliers, including Atlas Copco, Sandvik, Oldenburg, JH Fletcher, Mine Master, Terex Mining, offer a degree of automation on their jumbos.Contracting down under
In the final instalment of the series of articles on contract mining, Paul Moore looks at some of the major operators in the world’s leading contracting market – AustraliaAtlas Copco makes long-hole advance
Atlas Copco has introduced a completely new hydraulic rock drill – the COP 3060MUX – for use in underground long-hole drillingSandvik opens biggest plant in Jiading, China
On September 17, Sandvik Mining and Construction inaugurated its largest Chinese production facility to date in the Shanghai Jiading Industrial Zone
Rio invests in Mongolian copper project
Rio Tinto has signed an investment agreement with the Mongolian Government for the development of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold complex in the South Gobi region
Radio controlled rigs from Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco has announced the release of two new rock drill rigs with built-in radio remote control (RRC) systems: the ROC D3-01 RRC and the ROC D3-03 RRC.
Sandvik inaugurates new factory
On September 17, Sandvik Mining and Construction inaugurated its largest production facility to date in the Shanghai Jiading Industrial Zone, China.
AEL shock tube conversion
AEL Mining Services has announced that it has achieved close to a 75% shock tube conversion success in the narrow reef sector to date
First remote blasting at BHP
BHP Billiton's Cannington mine in North West Queensland has become the first in the world to introduce remote blasting
New rock drill from Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco has introduced a new hydraulic rock drill for use in underground long-hole drilling.
Green light for Corumbá mine sale
Rio Tinto has received approval from the Brazilian National Defence Council on the pending sale of its Corumbá iron ore mine in Brazil to Vale S.A.
Cubex QXR drill success
Cubex has reported that Morobe Mining Joint Ventures (MMJV) has successfully completed its first year of reverse circulation drilling and horizontal dewatering using the Cubex QXR 1120 drill at the Hidden Valley gold mine
Atlas Copco releases new DTH hammer
Atlas Copco has announced the addition of the Secoroc COP 44 Gold to its already popular range of Secoroc DTH hammers
Improved cab for Bucyrus 49HR drill
Bucyrus has introduced an enhanced, state-of-the-art operator’s cab for its 49HR line of rotary blasthole drillsBoart Longyear: truly global
One of the most famous names in drilling, Boart Longyear developed the first diamond-drilling bits and still leads the exploration-drilling market today, both as a contractor and supplier of equipment and consumablesA diesel powerhouse
Since 1919, Cummins has been providing engine solutions to industry, and its products are behind some of the world’s most powerful mining equipmentBucyrus: 125 years of innovation
From its foundation in Ohio in 1880 as a railroad-car manufacturer, Bucyrus has grown into a global powerhouseThe Atlas mountain
Atlas Copco began in the rail industry but its mining focus began with pioneering work on hard-rock drilling and the acquisition of exploration, load/haul and drilling assetsA worthy enterprise
Queensland’s Mount Isa mine celebrates its 85th anniversary this year and continues to play a vital role in supporting the local community it helped to build100 years young
This issue is something of a one-off, but then a centenary is a major milestone for any publication.Copper canyon
Vast resources at Bingham Canyon mine have allowed Kennecott Utah Copper to become a world-leading copper producerWaihi – a golden performer
One of Australasia’s longest operating mine complexes, New Zealand’s Waihi continues to produce under its owner since 2002, NewmontCullinan: star of Africa
Cullinan is one of the world’s most celebrated diamond mines and the second largest indicated diamond resourceSweden’s Iron Maiden
Over 300 years since the discovery of a vast magnetite deposit in northern Sweden, LKAB’s Kiruna mine has become the world’s largest underground iron-ore operationBlast masters
Dyno Nobel and Orica are today’s leading global mining explosives providers, with a heritage tracing back to Alfred Nobel’s invention of dynamite and beyond
Mining Magazine at 100
Current Editor Paul Moore outlines highlights of Mining Magazine’s history, and eight previous editors share their experiences, which collectively span over 45 yearsSandvik: Swedish giant
While having its own highly successful rock drilling business dating back to 1907, the most significant step in Sandvik’s mining equipment business was the Tamrock purchase in 1997Poland's powerhouses
Famur and Kopex are the country’s top underground coal equipment players and are now major exporters to the global marketRock-tool retrospective
Founded on expertise in hardened steels and steelworking, Brunner & Lay, Padley & Venables and Rockmore International all have varied histories
Sandvik- BASF MEYCO global agreement
Sandvik Mining and Construction and BASF’s unit MEYCO Equipment have signed an agreement for a global cooperation in the field of tunnelling and mining.
Rio and Terex global supply agreement
Rio Tinto has signed a global supply agreement with Terex Mining. The heavy mobile equipment (HME) agreement provides a basis for continued capital equipment sales, simplifying the procurement process for both companies.Boart sells Roodepoort arm
Boart Longyear has sold some of its sub-Saharan African drill manufacturing operations to Tranter Energy and Mining Services (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Tranter Holdings.Asian alliances
In the second part of Mining Magazine’s coverage of the global contract mining industry, Paul Moore looks at the coal industry in Asia, as well as surface contract mining in Africa
Cross examined
Carly Lovejoy visited Scottish Coal's Broken Cross site to find out about the newest additions to the largest open-cast mining fleet in the UKScratching the surface
Paul Moore looks at the surface contract market and players in Africa, where logistical issues and the availability of parts are key issuesNew magnetite master rises in Australia
Noel Dyson visited the Sino Iron magnetite mine, port and processing operation being developed in northwest AustraliaAtlas Copco takes Simba W6 C global
Paul Moore reports on the rollout of Atlas Copco’s ITH drill rig, which uses water-powered Wassara hammers to achieve the industry’s longest and most accurate holes
BHP expands Mt Arthur coal
BHP Billiton has announced that the New South Wales Government has granted approval for the expansion of Mt Arthur coal mine.
MM Congress – the miners’ meeting place
The first ever Mining Magazine Congress is an unmissable event for the operational mining industry, with a focussed exhibition and two full days of high quality presentations covering the latest industry equipment and technology trends from automation to in-pit crushing
Boart Longyear sells SA operations
Boart Longyear has announced the sale of its Sub Saharan African operations to Tranter Energy and Mining Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Tranter Holdings.
Atlas Copco launches ROC T35M
Atlas Copco has announced the release of its new ROC T35M surface crawler drill rig which combines the straightforward design concept of its former CM line with the well-tested features of the ROC range.
Bucyrus 49HR compressor commissioned
Bucyrus has announced the commissioning of a Bucyrus 49HR rotary blast hole drill equipped with a 107CMM (cubic metres per minute) air compressor at Collahuasi Copper mine in Chile, South America.
AEL emulsion plant for Sukari Gold
AEL Mining Services, has announced that it has successfully established a presence in North Africa with the installation of an emulsion plant at Sukari Gold Project, Egypt.
Atlas Copco W6 C ITH drill rig rolls out globally
After more than two years of successful production use at LKAB's Kiruna and Malmberget iron ore mines, Atlas Copco's Simba W6 C in-the-hole production rig is now being offered on the global market
Rio and BHP join iron ore forces
Mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have announced that they have signed an agreement to establish a production joint venture covering the entirety of both companies' Western Australian iron ore assets.Outsourcing matters
Paul Moore reviews the contract mining industry, both the reasons why mine owners choose to use contractors, and a detailed review of contract mining in two of its three strongholdsOutsourcing: America's surface contractors
The North American surface contract mining market spans everything from the Alberta oil sands to Arctic diamonds and nickel, Appalachian coal and many other areas
Ancient to modern
Centamin Egypt Ltd is close to reaching full production at Sukari, Egypt’s first modern gold mine, in the country’s eastern desertBolting up
Carly Lovejoy investigates the use of strata support in underground coal mines,and takes a look at the latest equipment innovationsSKM outlines El Teniente TBM plans
Codelco's El Teniente underground copper mine is to use tunnel boring machine technology in the excavation of a conveyor haulage tunnel, part of the New Mine Level ProjectBucyrus improves 49 series
Bucyrus International has unveiled a new rotary-bit change carousel and forked-pipe wrench for its 49 series of rotary blasthole drillsOutsourcing: Underground American expertise
From the Xstrata, FNX and Vale Inco operations in Sudbury to the Northwest Territories’ diamond mines, underground contracting is widely used in North AmericaOutsourcing: Africa deals below the surface
The underground contract mining industry in Africa is dominated by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, however, there is also significant activity in West and Central AfricaFlexible crawlers
Crawler DTH and top-hammer rigs have applications both in the quarrying and mining industry and it is their versatility that is key to their success.
New auto tools in Bucyrus drill range
Bucyrus has announced the introduction of a new Rotary Bit Change Carousel and Forked Pipe Wrench for its 49 Series of rotary blasthole drills, part of the company’s EDGE Technology range.
BHP to expand Olympic Dam
BHP Billiton is seeking the approval of the Australian, South Australian and Northern Territory governments for a significant expansion of its existing mining and processing operation at Olympic Dam in southern Australia.
Lumwana lights up
To coincide with the official opening of Equinox Minerals’ Lumwana mine on April 17, Richard Thompson reviews the operation
Cleaning up their act
Mining companies are under increasing pressure to minimise the impact of their operations on the surrounding environment. Carly Lovejoy explores the process of mine-closure planning and remediation
Austria's cutting edge
Paul Moore visited the Zeltweg, Austria, facility – the heart of cutting technology development and research within Sandvik
The Big Bang
Carly Lovejoy looks at the science of surface rock blasting and the range of services on offer to mining companiesA safe bet with Barminco
Australia’s underground mining contractors are some of the world’s most respected and skilled, which has allowed that particular industry to develop there more than anywhere else. Paul Moore spoke to Neil Warburton, CEO of Barminco, one of the largest and most experienced contractorsChina’s mining choices
For most, the global recession spells bad news, but for those on the look out for a bargain there are deals to be struck, the Chinese state included.
Dyno and Sandvik work on blasting model
The technical co-operation and development alliance between Sandvik Mining and Construction and Dyno Nobel, which was strengthened in 2008, is ongoing. Mining Magazine contacted the two groups for an update on their progress with joint projects.
Mining Magazine announces Congress Event
Aspermont UK is proud to announce the Mining Magazine Congress event, which will be held in Niagara-on-the-Lake near Toronto, on 8th and 9th October 2009.Block cave drilling
The way in which ITH and top hammer underground drill rigs are used to develop and produce ore in block cave environments varies widely, and can greatly affect a mine’s success
Industrea secures Chinese coal contract
Australian mining service and equipment provider, Industrea Ltd. has announced that it has won a A$20m contract to supply Chinese miner, Shenhua Energy Company Ltd. with some of the world's largest and most advanced long wall mining equipment for Shendong underground coal mine.
Trackless mining equipment for Lonmin Platinum
Mining Weekly has reported that engineering company, Hydro Power Equipment (HPE) is to supply Lonmin Platinum with six flat-end systems, two long-hole rigs and two monorail raise rigs to develop the main haulages and crosscuts at its South African mines.
Thiess wins Indonesian contract extension
Mining contractor Thiess Indonesia has been awarded a US$1.52 billion contract extension by PT Arutmin Indonesia, a subsidiary of Bumi resources, for the operation of the Senakin and Satui coal mines in South Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Michilla closes Lince copper mine
Antofagasta plc has announced that its subsidiary, Minera Michilla S.A. expects to continue underground operations at its Michilla copper mine, located 1500km north of Santiago, Chile during 2009.
CSIRO receives coal mining research funding
The Australian Commonwealth Scientific Research Organisation (CSIRO) has recently been awarded A$3m in funding from the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP), to aid its efforts in improving safety, efficiency and environmental impact throughout the Australian coal mining industry.
Kennametal Completes Tricon Acquisition
Kennametal Inc. has announced the completion of the acquisition of assets belonging to Tricon Metals & Services Inc. The business will now be known as Kennametal Tricon Metals & Services and will be part of Kennametal's Advanced Materials Solutions Group (AMSG) business.
Boom manufacturer gains new facility
Greg Hinshaw, executive vice president and COO of J. H. Fletcher & Co, has announced that the company has acquired a new manufacturing facility, adding 1,486m2 of production space to its current capacity.
Atlas Copco roll out Diamec drill rig and care programme
Atlas Copco has announced the release of the Diamec MCR (mobile carrier rig), a highly mobile underground core drilling rig. The wheel-based Diamec MCR offers the full advantages of the traditional Diamec, with extra reach and higher flexibility.
Wolf Run shuts Sago for good
International Coal Group Inc. a leading coal producer in central and northern Appalachia, has announced that its Wolf Run Mining Company subsidiary will permanently close Sago coal mine in Buckhannon, West Virginia.
New MSHA guidelines for mine communications
MSHA has drafted a guidance document for MINER Act compliant communications and tracking systems, with assistance from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).REGIONAL NEWS
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