DRILL & BLAST
Explosives charging is one of the
most hazardous work processes in modern underground mining
DEFENCE DYNAMITE
Robotics allow mining companies to remove operators from high- exposure danger zones
T
here are fewer easily available ore deposits than there once were, forcing mining companies
to go deeper underground. But with depth comes increased potential for accidents such as rock falls and rock burst incidents. So how can companies improve the safety of operators in these high exposure danger zones? One answer is to remove the operator from the unsupported tunnels and replace them with robotic technology. Technology company Normet has
recently launched a charging system that does this. Called Charmec Revo, the tool comprises a remote-controlled robotic arm that places the initiating system into the borehole and, together
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with the emulsion kit, dispenses emulsion, allowing the operator to remain in a supported tunnel area. “During tests, the Charmec Revo
technology demonstrated its ability to improve operational safety while retaining similar productivity,” says Anssi Mykkänen, product line director of Explosives Charging at Normet. “Ease of use and low learning curve ensure eff ortless implementation of this technology.”
DESIGNED WITH INTENTION The remote charging system is
designed for tunnel sizes from 4x4m to 6x6m which covers most mining tunnels. Meanwhile, the charging manipulator includes an in-house
Robotics is a way to improve operational safety without loss of productivity
developed, agile servo-robotic arm, specifi cally built for underground mining. Normet also designed its
manipulator arm to ‘pick-and- deliver’ the priming unit (detonator- booster package) from the ground level’s reduced exposure area or, alternatively, the priming magazine and deliver it to the face wall.
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