Rapid development in mining

2007-12-17

High metal prices are leading many mining operations to explore rapid development techniques to reach and exploit valuable ore reserves as quickly as possible. In the following pages we look at how mines can benefit from techniques traditionally employed by contractors.

The Savio tunnel in Helsinki Finland with an Atlas Copco Boomer XL4C and COP 3038 rock drills. Excavating a wider tunnel than had been specified speeded up completion. Photo courtesy of YIT FINLAND.

Rapid tunnelling has always been in focus for underground construction engineers – the profit is determined by how fast the job can be completed. It is often stated that the costs for tunnelling, when split between time and material are 70/30 respectively (70% of the expenditure being time related).

For the miner, the situation is somewhat different. The goal has always been to fulfil the production targets and have the highest possible ultilization of equipment and manpower.

Now, however, there is a growing interest in the mining industry to achieve rapid drifting in mine preparations and an awareness of the potential benefits it can bring.

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