Steel arch supports ensure mine shaft safety

19th April 2013

Mining equipment supplier Becker Mining South Africa (SA) expects sales growth for its steel arch supports to the mining industry to remain positive as long as mines expand and new operations are opened, says Becker Mining SA chief sales officer Johann Smit.

Becker Mining SA, which specialises in the manufacture of steel arch supports, critical for the safety of any mining or tunnelling project, believes that its commitment to providing a critical service to mines and the general industry through the design and manufacture of its prod- ucts and systems, using the latest technology, ensures that quality, performance and safety standards in the local mining sector are met.

“Implementing one, or a combination, of Becker Mining’s specialised multitechnological solutions significantly enhances mine safety,” Smit points out.

“Our specialised consulting, training and support facility also ensures the efficiency of our range of equipment, and, in turn, the safety of workers underground,” he says.

The Becker steel arch support system can be applied in all types of mining owing to the adaptability of the design, which can fit into any shape of excavation. The engineered structure of the steel arch supports is timeless because of the characteristics of the steel used and the mechanical properties derived for the shape of elements of the roof support system.

“More and more applications for these well-engineered and adaptable systems are being developed for customers who require long-term stand-up support solutions for friable ground conditions,” says Smit.

Local applications for the steel arch support systems include gold and platinum mines, as well as underground civil engineering projects such as the Gautrain rapid rail link. Becker Mining’s roof support systems have also been exported into Australasian and African mines, with Zambia being a key user.

Becker Mining SA also provides specialised training for customers for the assembly and installation of steel arch support sets.

Besides Becker Mining’s arch supports, the company’s Germany- and Poland-based subsidiaries manufacture long-wall coal mining shield support systems for European, Asian and North American coal mines.

Becker Mining SA’s manufacturing operation at its Chamdor factory, in Krugersdorp, is committed to stringent quality control procedures during production. These standards conform to the expectations and demands of the global mining industry, including ISO 9001:2008 specifications. Rigorous tests, which include the chemical and mechanical verification of materials, are performed throughout every production process.

The Chamdor factory production line, which is equipped with four bending presses – one of which is semiautomatic – is capable of producing 250 t of steel arch supports each month. All arch sets are preassembled and inspected before delivery, notes Smit.

Becker Mining SA benefits from ongoing research and development programmes undertaken locally and at its headquarters in Germany. Close international ties guarantee the latest product design, manufacturing standards, cost efficiency, safety and reliability of equipment.