Twin Ramp Mining Access with RAIL-VEYOR Ore Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hard-rock mining methods are slow due to large ramp cross-sections requiring extensive drilling, high dependency on human-operated LHD units, frequent machine interference, and slow ground support installation, leading to increased risk and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with two parallel ramps of reduced cross-sectional area interconnected by cross-cuts, using continuous loaders, haulage equipment, an ore sizer, and a RAIL-VEYOR machine, along with a staged ground support installation process to enhance safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional large cross-section ramps are used, then more drilling holes are required for explosive charges, but the access development rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large ramp into two parallel ramps with smaller cross-sections. This segmentation reduces the drilling complexity for each individual ramp while maintaining sufficient access capacity, directly resolving the contradiction between development rate and drilling complexity
2Reliability
If human-operated LHD units are used, then material removal can be performed, but the risk of human error and machine interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated drilling and blasting systems that operate without continuous human intervention. The system self-monitors parameters, automatically adjusts operations, and detects anomalies, thereby improving reliability while maintaining productivity through continuous automated operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If extensive ground support installation is performed, then opening stability is improved, but the access development rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs ground support elements during the excavation process itself rather than as a separate subsequent operation. Bolts and mesh are positioned and installed in advance as the ramp is being dug, ensuring stability is achieved without delaying the overall development rate
4Reliability
If two parallel ramps are implemented, then machine interference is reduced, but the total surface area for ground support increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ground support requirement into two separate ramps, each with its own support system. This allows for more efficient use of support materials in each individual ramp compared to supporting one large ramp, while the modular nature of the support system prevents excessive total material consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly increases the access development rate from 35 meters per week to 143 meters per week, improves safety by reducing human error and machine interference, and allows for a more efficient and automated material removal process.
Implementation Method 1
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Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a set of methods and procedures that may be combined in order to greatly increase the speed of development of an access ramp in a underground hard-rock mine. More particularly, the present invention was designed to target all the bottle-necks comprised by the access operation of a hard-rock mine that employs a RAIL-VEYOR machine. The invention also comprises of an ore production line which consists in the sequential arrangement of a series of mining equipment between the work face and the entrance of a hard-rock mine. The invention also comprises a Hard Rock Mining Access Plan for a hard-rock mine which encompasses two parallel ramps interconnected by cross-cut passageways. Further, invention also comprises a Ground Support Installation method configured to shorten the time required for the installation of ground support inside of a hard-rock mine.