Epiroc launches pumpable resin system for underground rock bolting

By MEq August 13, 2019 15:17

One of the more difficult rock reinforcement tasks in underground mining and tunneling operations is how to install long-term rock bolts in poor rock conditions. Rock bolting, as a result, is often the bottleneck within the drill and blast cycle, leading to difficulties to predict work task scheduling. Together with LKAB, a key Sustainable Intelligent Mining Systems (SIMS) project partner, Epiroc has developed a solution to this problem.

Blocky or friable ground often leaves drilled bolt holes blocked or partially blocked. This slows down, or in the worst case, prevents the introduction of bonding agents such as cement grout or resin cartridges into the bolt hole. The Epiroc and LKAB solution will allow a faster, more reliable and cost-effective bolting alternative for long term rock reinforcement in difficult ground conditions.

“An important factor to achieve a workable rock reinforcement solution is to have a system where the bolt design, bonding agent and bolting rig all work together to provide a robust and reliable bolt installation”, says Peter Bray, Global Product Manager, Epiroc. “To this end, Epiroc has worked hand in hand with a leading bolt and chemical supplier to create a bolting system that addressed the issues faced with long term bolting in poor ground conditions”, continues Bray.

The result of this work is an integrated pumpable two-component resin system that can be used with a Self-Drilling Anchor (SDA) style bolt, in tougher ground conditions or alternately with a two-step hollow bolt, in more moderate ground conditions.
The integrated pumpable resin system from Epiroc is designed to be used on the mechanized bolting machines Boltec M and Boltec E models.