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Vertical-drop system mitigates underground mining challenges

5th April 2013

By: Zandile Mavuso

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

  

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Explosives and initiating systems supplier AEL Mining Services says the company aims to target the African market with its vertical-drop emulsion delivery system this year.

The company believes that increasing complexities in mining processes call for advanced technology, which will alleviate the challenges in the sector.

“The vertical-drop emulsion system delivers the required base emulsion and sensitiser directly to the storage facility, in close proximity to the underground production areas, through pipes installed in a borehole,” AEL bulk systems product manager Mark Cross explains.

He adds that the company is making the vertical-drop emulsion delivery system accessible to mines that are mining down to 500 m. “However, with this technology, we can transport emulsion deeper than 500 m in incremental steps not exceeding 500 m,” he says.

Cross notes that the emulsion and sensitiser are delivered to the surface delivery point and deposited into secured pipes suspended in a 250 mm borehole. Ultimately, the products are delivered to storage tanks under- ground. This method of emul- sion transportation is simple and efficient.

“The emulsion explosives transported through vertical drop comply with mining explosives regulations, enabling mines to meet legal requirements. AEL works with consultants that specialise in emulsion rheology to develop a product-specific solution that accurately determines the flow rates and pipe pressures for different underground mining scenarios,” he says.

Cross points out that the company has a large footprint in the African mining sector, which enables AEL to supply technology to remote areas. “We believe we will have a great market in Africa this year, given the growth of mining sectors in South Africa’s neighbouring countries.”

AEL believes that safety is a priority for all its products, as mining requires fewer incidents and more vigilant work to extract valuable minerals.

“Mining is also going deeper and deeper, particularly in the gold and platinum sectors, which requires technology that guarantees safety. As there are very few people involved in the vertical-drop process, it means that fewer people are exposed to explosives, thereby improving safety and logistics,” he says.

Through emulsion transportation from the surface to the underground workings, AEL has realised that the system saves time in terms of inventory control and reduced interface with explosives, which add to the safety of the system.

With continuous investment in research and development, the company is aiming for better results in asset care and use, which will result in the improved life cycles of assets.

Vertical-Drop Benefits
The vertical-drop emulsion delivery system reduces the flow of explosives in the main arteries to the mine, which guarantees a higher level of security and more control over products.

The interface with explosives, which are manufactured at the working face during charging, is reduced. The risk of explosives theft, as a result of the streamlined delivery channel, is also reduced, as less time and fewer labour resources are needed because of the direct delivery of the product to the workplace.

AEL states that this direct delivery ensures that mines save on maintenance, fuel and asset wear of the equipment used.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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