An underground mine requires a number of different types of machinery to function. From drills, to excavators and more, there are many pieces of equipment needed. Despite the technology available, there are a few common pieces that every underground mine has.
Below, you’ll find 5 of the most common pieces underground miners use.
1. Mining Drills
Mining drills are undoubtedly the most common underground mining technology equipment. These drills are also vital in the underground mining practice. These drills are simply used to create holes in the ground. The drills are also used to ensure that pathways are large enough for workers and equipment to get through.
Recent technology has allowed miners to use directional drilling to reach wells. This technology uses drills that penetrate the ground in multiple directions. This technique is typically used because it can better impact the well. Plus, it is also a more environmentally friendly solution to drilling as it minimizes the environmental impact.
2. Blasting Tools
Blasting tools are used to break down rocks in the mining process. This process is calculated and requires an exact among of explosives. Plus, blasting is used to eliminate areas that have useless material. Meaning, blasting can clear an area that interferes with the miner’s work. Despite its necessity, blasting is known to be a hazardous part of the mining procedure. Therefore, it is essential for workers to use an exact number of explosives, as excessive use can have devastating consequences.
3. Plow Systems
Underground mines often use plows to a clear a lane. Plows are large pieces of machinery that have been used in mining for many years. The latest addition to plow mining systems is the introduction of automatic plows. These plows have been designed with more powerful motors, increased speeds and a higher level of force.
This means that the production of the miners will increase. Traditional plow systems require an operator to steer, but an automated plow system does not. This advancement mean that miners can now control the equipment from a safe distance. With this system, workers will be able to maneuver, shift and steer the plow system. In turn, making it a safer choice for miners worldwide.
4. Crushing Equipment
Crushing tools are used by miners to crush both rock and stone. This is done to make transporting rocks and other materials easier. When rocks and other materials are easy to transport, it can have a favorable impact of the mine. This is because costs associated with labor will decrease. That’s because, larger sized items require more physical labor to move as well as larger pieces of equipment. But, crushers can save the mine both time and energy.
5. Feeding Equipment
In order to transport material, a feeder or conveyor is often used in a mine. This is another vital piece of mining equipment that can decrease the cost of labor on a site. This machine is used by underground miners to carry rocks to the crusher. While being carried it is designed to sort the material until it is processed down in size. Though used to sort and stream material it also maintains a constant flow of removal.
To provide miners with a quality analysis of material that is loaded onto it, cross belt analyzers should be used. While streaming the material these machines can automatically control the sorting process. In turn, creating an effective flow of production for the mine.
