New life for Canadian mine - Atlas Copco

EditorialContents383FeaturesA new road network takes shape inArgentina in the home of the dinosaurs.12Looking through this issue ofM&C you will be interestedto see how we are investing inapplication know-how (page 14). Thissignifies one of the strongest trendsin the market today and confirms myown beliefs about the importance ofvalue added solutions.It is gratifying to note that moremining and construction companies arenow engaging us in conversations aboutTCO – Total Cost of Ownership – ratherthan the cost of equipment. At the sametime, it is understandable that somebecome blinded by price, especially inthese tough economic times.There is certainly no lack of lowcostproducers in the market today, alleager to sell products far below what itcosts for us to make them. And that’sfine, as long as buyers are aware thatthese low-cost producers might notpossess the necessary service andlogistics networks, technical supportor application knowledge and have nopossibility to invest in the future.Atlas Copco has been in businesssince 1873. We think long term. Wework together as a long term partnerwith our customers and constantlystrive to generate opportunities forthem. At the end of the day, we canhelp our customers to save or makefortunes.Application know-how creates valueadded solutions. It’s about safety, availabilityand utilization. It’s about howmuch it will cost to put a tonne of rockon the ground, or how much more canbe achieved by using the same equipmentfor different tasks.We also talk about “applicationintegrity”. It means focusing on whatis needed, not on what is requested.Don KingVice President, MarketingUnderground Rock Excavation812182213161721251426Environmental operations a priorityat Canadian Malartic gold mine.Raiseborer gets a refit ahead of newshaft project at Italy’s Sedrina mine.Spanish tunnelers find the solutionclose at hand to stabilizing poor ground.Nordic drillers give their opinionson the new SmartROC surface drill rig.Products & progressAutomation on show at AIMEX. Newpedestal boom system launched.Introducing T-WiZ threads for tough environments.New drill rig concept for China.Boomer M1 L is the ideal rig for low seamroom and pillar mining.The complete package for pipe roofingapplications.Improved silencer kit for SmartROC.Rollover boom offers new opportunities.Technically SpeakingAtlas Copco strengthens ApplicationsTeam with four new specialists.Marketplace & in briefNews from around the world.Mining & Construction is pub lished by AtlasCopco. The magazine fo cus es on the company’sknow-how, prod ucts and meth ods used for drill ing,bor ing, rock re in force ment and load ing world wide.Published by Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB,SE-701 91 Örebro, Sweden. www.atlascopco.comTel: +46 (0)19 670 70 00.Publisher Ulf Linder,e-mail: ulf.linder@us.atlascopco.comEditor Terry Greenwood, e-mail: terry@greenwood.seAdvisory Board Ulf Linder, Mikael Wester, P-G Larén,Lars Bergkvist, Gunnar Nord, Anna Dahlman Herrgård.Editorial Production & DesignGreenwood Com munications AB, Box 50,SE-121 25 Stockholm, Swe den.Tel: +46 (0)8 411 85 11. www.greenwood.sePrinted by Alloffset AB, Bandhagen, Sweden 2010.ISSN 0284-8201.WEBSITE www.miningandconstruction.com1822TRADEMARKS AND reproduction of articlesAll Atlas Copco product names (including but not limitedto Pit Viper, ROC, Boomer, Elemex, Symmetrix, Smart-Rig, SmartROC, COP and Secoroc) are registered trademarksof one or more Atlas Copco Group companies.For questions regarding free reproduction of articles,photos or artwork in this magazine, please contact theEditor or the Publisher.Safety firstAtlas Copco is committed to comply with or exceed allglobal or local safety rules and regulations for personalsafety. However, some photographs in this magazinemay show circumstances that are beyond our control.All users of Atlas Copco equipment are urged to thinksafet y first and alwaysuse proper ear, eye,head and other protectionas required t ominimize the risk ofpersonal injury.

Modern technology for a difficult task: The first Atlas Copco Boomer XE3 C rig in Argentina with the Atlas CopcoRig Control System (RCS) drilling blast holes in the mountains of northwestern Argentina.Jose Cartellone Construcciones Civiles (JCCC) of Argentina is currently driving road tunnels in a locationfamous for its hostile climate, difficult drilling conditions – and a precious collection of dinosaur remains.The mountains of Ischigualasto inArgentina’s northern province of SanJuan, boast the world’s largest collectionof dinosaur remains from the Triassicperiod (195–225 million years ago). Butthere’s nothing prehistoric about the yellowgiants that are now making their waythrough the rock.These are Atlas Copco drill rigs – aBoomer E2 C and a Boomer XE3 C, the firstof its kind in Argentina – that are being usedto drive a series of six road tunnels alongRoute 150 near the Chilean border.When the project is complete in 2013,the tunnels will help to link up thecomple x national road network ofArgentina and will also eventually providea modern road system stretching acrossthe entire continent from the Atlantic tothe Pacific.Extreme challengesRoute 150 runs through a section of theIschigualast o mountains with geologica lCHILEBOLIVIAPARAGUAYRoute 40La SerenaCoquimboSantiagoRoute 150Buenos AiresARGENTINABRAZILPort AlegreURUGUAYMontevideoTunnel N°4Tunnel N°5Tunnel N°3Tunnel N°2Tunnel N°1Route 150Route 40Tunnel N°6A TLANTIC OCEANA better route: The tunnel building and road improvement project at San Juan in northern Argentina will eventually make it possible to drive straightacross the continent from the Atlantic coast of Brazil to the Pacific coast of Chile, a distance of approximately 2 000 km.4 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

his recommendation that the latest AtlasCopco rigs be used.In February when simultaneous excavationof the tunnels was in full process,there were more than 600 workers at thesite. Today there are 480. Drilling crewswork 14-day shifts with seven days offwhile ground engineering and civil constructionteams work 11 day-shifts andthree days off.JCCC has a turnkey contract to deliver anew 24 km stretch of road complete with sixtunnels and five bridges and is responsiblefor all civil works.Atlas Copco rigs bring to our fleet and tothe Ruta 150 project were clear.“The cost is substantial but in my opinionit is worth it. And the same goes for ourdrillers, and they also trained our serviceand maintenance technicians within thecontext of a three-month support contract.“This meant that the crews were able toPioneering spiritFounded 90 years ago by José Cartellone,JCCC was the first company in the Argentinemining industry. Today, it has extensiveactivities in heavy engineering, tunnels,hydroelectric plants and road constructionwith operations in almost all Latin Americancountries as well as in Saudi Arabia.Mario Laudani, of Atlas Copco Argentina,comments: “Cartellone is a company witha prestigious past and a very interestingfuture. Its commitment to quality, safety,and the environment has put them in an outstandingposition and the fact that it is nowthe first company to use this Boomer XE3 Cin Argentina is no coincidence.”Daniel Castro says he is impressed withthe performance of the rigs. “We are veryproud to be the first to get this three-boomjumbo. It is the new generation Boomerwith the RCS control system and a laserguidedfunction that allows the drillerto select the coordinates x, y and z and aprogam that defines the exact position foreach hole.“We use the rig in the ABC Regular modeand I think it is excellent. The performanceis high, even for our high safety and qualitystandards. The driller works in a comfortableand protected environment – theway everybody should work in a moderncompany.”He continues: “We tested the new rigsagainst older rigs of a different brand insimilar conditions, and the benefits that theThe performance ofthis three-boom rigis very good, even for our highstandards.Daniel Castro, Manager Road Construc tion and Mining, JCCC.Boomer E2 C, which has the same technologybut with only two booms and which isbeing used in the shorter tunnels.”The rigs are equipped with raiseable,high-reach cabins, heavy-duty hydraulicbooms BUT 45 and COP 1838 rock drills.Working round the clock, the rigs drillblastholes 45 mm in diameter and 4 m long.The average penetration rate in hard rock is1–1.5 m/min. Eighty holes are drilled foreach round and the tunnel is advanced atthe rate of 6 m per day. Bolt holes 51 mmin diameter are also drilled.Training and serviceAtlas Copco delivered the Boomer E2 C tothe site in 2010 and the three-boom rig inFebruary this year and also provided training.Castro continues: “The best thing withthese rigs is that they are not complicated.When the rigs arrived, two Atlas Copcotechnicians from Sweden came and trainedour drillers, who were then able to train otheroperate the rigs very quickly and since thenthey have been operating continuously. Thevalue of this training is that we have nothad a single breakdown caused by misuseor incorrect operation.”Castro adds that if tunnelling is to beefficient, it must operate “like an industry”.“I believe that drilling, blasting and muckingshould be one continuous process. Continuityis the key factor and the service schedulehas to be followed very closely. If somethingstops working, advance is impossible.”Comfort and safetyFor the drillers the Boomer XE3 C representsa big improvement and has helpedthem to overcome the difficult geology andand harsh conditions. “One of the best aspectsis the extra comfort,” says operatorDiego Molina, “that and the rig’s drillingpower.”Diego and his brother Luís, both fromEcuador, operate the rig in different shiftsand both have previous experience ofcomputerized rigs which Diego Molinasays made it easier for them to adapt to theBoomer XE3 C.“It’s a very modern and advancedmachine,” he adds, “and I particulary like thehigh-reach cab and the 360-degree visibility.It gives you complete control. You canbe sure that there is no-one near the rigwhen it is in operation and that there are noproblems with any hoses. This makes it areally safe rig to handle.”6 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

GOOD NEIGHLocation of theCanadian Malarticmine in the heartof the Abitibi GoldBelt of Quebec.CanadianMalarticCanadian Malartic Mine in Quebec has been revived after 30 years and is prospering onceagain thanks in part to Pit Viper drilling technology.Operations at the Malartic gold mine in northern Quebec demonstrate a broadconsideration for the environment and the local community.with them daily so the community knowswhat we are doing.”Osisko Mining Corporation purchasedthe Canadian Malartic mine inNorthern Quebec in 2005 and startedmajor exploration drilling. Official productionstarted in May 2011 on the property,which is 40 km west of Val d’ Or in theAbitibi Gold Belt.The placement of the new workingmine is unique because it sits within thecommunity of Malartic. So much so, thatduring exploration, core rigs were set up inpeople’s yards.Almost 200 homes needed to bepurchased or moved before pushbackcould begin. Osisko Director ofCommunications Hélène Thibault recallsknocking on people’s doors to let themknow when they could expect drilling intheir lawns.Today the mine is producing 150 000tons of rock daily with projections toincrease that number to 250 000 tons at thebeginning of 2012.Moving all that rock created noise, so anearth berm was built to separate the townfrom the mine. Starting out, sound anddust were a problem, but the berm helpedsolve that.Of the mine’s 500 employees, 45 percentare from the community. Thibault says:“The employees are our ambassadors to thecommunity. They take the message homeAdapting the drillingThe mine has made a number of concessionsand adaptations to mining practicesto ensure the mining method works for thecommunity. One of the biggest is the size ofdrilling equipment used.Mine Manager François Vezina knowsthe many drill options available and saysalthough he would have liked to havefewer drills with bigger holes, it was notpractical.The mine chose the newest Atlas CopcoPit Viper model available, the PV-235.Producing an 8.5-inch hole, the blast patternhas smaller holes closer together to ensureless impact on the environment. “The idea8 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

BORSSmallerholes andsound retention benefitsenvironment at CanadianMalartic.The Pit Viper 235 is used for single pass drillingof 12 m deep holes for the 10 m high benches.is to have no dust or vibration outside themine,” says Vezina.The mine has purchased 300 blast matsand expects to purchase 100 more to usewhen blasting close to the berm.Vezina likes the automation and precisionadvantages that come with the RCS systemon the rig. “This is intelligent equipment.You just push a button and let it drill,” hesays. The auto-drilling system starts offslower when collaring the hole, which alsoreduces ambient noise.The technicians also prefer theservice advantages with the PV-235 saysMaintenance Superintendent Bob Hamilton.Monitoring the windPlanning each day starts with the weatherforecast, especially wind direction. Themine cannot have dust carried into town,yet the crusher needs to be fed. “Here weneed to plan farther out because we couldhave unfavorable wind five days in a row,”says Vezina.The miners also have to plan for soundbecause of the wind. Wind direction affectsthe sound attenuation and can transportsound farther than expected, but the PV-235size advantages reduces this problem.Vezina explains: “People find our blastboring to watch because you don’t see alot of rock flying around and don’t feel theground vibrating too much. But this is whatwe want to achieve.”In the first quarter of 2011, the mineblasted 150 000 tons per day. Osiskooperates with a 2:1 waste to ore ratio. Themine is expected to produce 250 000 ouncesof gold in 2011 and over 700 000 in 2012.The pit is projected to be approximately3 km x 10 km with a depth of 400 m. Toassist in controlling the blast, the pattern is6 m x 6m x 9.7 m The goal is to create thesmallest rock possible.Rebirth of a townThe opening of the Malartic mine hasbeen a boon to the small community. Althoughthe town is on the main road leadingto Montreal, it was just a town to driveby. With the investment from the mine ofnew neighborhoods and a USD 16 millionelementar y school construction, the town of3 000 is now growing again.Thibault says: “We consider ourselvesguests, and we want to leave the town betteroff. Originally the budget was USD 15Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 9

The Pit Viper’s Rig Control System (RCS) makes life easier for operators like Mathew Leeker, above.at the overall situation. Thibault says themost recent survey found that 85 percentof the community was happy with the mine,10 percent were not affected and only5 percent didn’t like it. She says: “I don’tthink we can ever make everyone happy, butwe will continue to respond to their needsand communicate with them.”Equipment decisionWhen looking at equipment, there was onefocus in mind – to choose technology forthe future. “We knew we were taking achance with new-model equipment, but weare in this for the long term and going withAtlas Copco’s experience was important tous,” says Vezina.He adds: “We wanted the right structure.We needed the best rigs for where we wantto be tomorrow and the training to get usthere. Operating is one thing, operatingefficiently and safely is another.”Mine life and explorationIn total there are nine drills working onsite,with many exploration drills doing reversecirculationand core drilling. It is estimate dthat the mine has a 16-year life, but theexploratio n is continuing and there is hopethat it will go further.Adding to the PV-235 rigs alreadyworking, the mine has purchased threeadditional rigs.Vezina has signed a three-year servicecontract for Atlas Copco to maintain thedrills. “Those Atlas Copco service techsreally do a good job and know what theyare doing,” he says.The commitment from Osisko is not justfor 16 years, though. “This is a partnership,”says Vezina. “I think we need to have apartnership philosophy with suppliers andthe community. We learn from our partners.I’m proud of what we are doing here. Andwe are going to have a lot of fun.”Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 11

The raise boring machine to the right of this picturelooks exactly like an Atlas Copco Robbins 73R, butthat’s where the similarity ends. This machine hasextraordinary torque which will soon be put to thetest at the Sedrina limestone mine in Italy.Getting ready for the Sedrina project: Edilmac’s raiseboringteam with the upgraded Atlas Copco raiseborer. From left,Marcello Fornoni, Giancarlo Dossena, Andrea Pellegrinon(Raisebore Operators), Sergio Moioli (Raisebore Foreman),Manuel Carli (Raisebore Engineer) and Adriano Facchinetti(Raisebore Divisional Manager).The Robbins that raises the barThe latest generation of Atlas CopcoRobbins raiseborer is helping Italianspecialist contractor Edilmac totackle demanding raise, pass and shaft taskswith increased confidence.Atlas Copco and Edilmac technical staffgot together with component suppliers tocreate an upgrade package for the company’sexisting 73R to give it more control,power and torque to tackle tough conditionspreviously only possible with largermachines.The upgrade involved close cooperationwith the manufacturer of the new compact,water-cooled, electric motor in Austria.Johnny Lyly, Atlas Copco Product Managerfor raiseborers, reports: “We carried outtests with the powerpack and motor overtwo days including stalling, backspin andfluctuating load to simulate all the conditionsthat might occur with a raiseborer. Theresults were very good, meaning we couldgo ahead with the retrofit work.”Meanwhile, Edilmac was fitting a newgearbox, supplied by Atlas Copco, to suitthe new variable frequency electric motordrive. “One result was a big increase intorque to 250kNm,” says Lyly. “The rigcould then be designated as an Atlas CopcoRobbins 73RVF C.”The new 73RVF C raisebore packagealso includes a new hydraulic powerpack,electrical transformer and switchgear unit,a special cooling unit that caters for allrequirements and a compact operator controlpanel.After the first raise reaming task – a ventilationshaft for an irrigation aqueduct inVal Fabbrica, near Perugia in central Italy– Adriano Facchinetti, Edilmac’s RaiseboreDivisional Manager, commented: “Withthe high power of 450 kVA instead of350kVA we are very happy with the newrig. The new 280 kW VF motor gives amaximum torque of 250kNm instead of theprevious 180kNM and the new console isa big improvement. The operators like it alot.”The Robbins 73RVF C is now workingon its second assignment, a slot raise forUnicalce’ s Sedrina limestone mine.12 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

Products & progress >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Automation at Aimex showAtlas Copco put on an impressive display with a winning theme at the Asia-PacificInternational Mining Show (AIMEX) held in Sydney, Australia.The prestigious AIMEX trade showwhich is held once every four years,is one of the biggest shows in theworld for Atlas Copco equipment and thisyear the crowds had plenty of reason to payspecial attention.On display was a new range of innovativeAtlas Copco products demonstratingthe latest in automated functions for miningand construction operations both aboveand below ground.Some 640 exhibitors competed for thevisitors’ attention at Sydney OlympicPark, but it was the Atlas Copco standthat won them over with a combinationof the SmartROC D65 surface crawler,Pit Viper 235 and Simba L6C – all basedon the new RCS 4 (Rig Control System)platform.In addition, the Pit Viper training simulatorattracted great interest along with AtlasCopco’s Master Driller training programs.Sue Goc of Atlas Copco in Australia said:“The show was a great success and thepositive feedback has been tremendous.”AIMEX is the premier event for miningand industry buyers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s show attracted arecord number of visitors – an increase of40 per cent on 2007 – and was the largestmining exhibition ever held in Australia.Record attendanceAIMEX: With thetheme “AutomationReady” Atlas Copcoattracted an enthusiasticcrowd with adisplay of productsbased on the latestRCS 4 Rig ControlSystem platform.According to the organizers, the successof this year’s event was largely due to thebooming Australian mining industry withmajor investments planned over the nextfive to ten years.The next AIMEX show in Sydney isscheduled to be held Sept 1–4, 2015.Pedestal booms go globalPedestal boom systems ranging from light to extreme duty machines for secondaryrock breaking in mines and quarries have been launched for worldwide distribution.Right for the job: The new XD pedestal boomsystem is specifically designed for miningapplications.In contrast to most pedestal booms on themarket, the new XD series from AtlasCopco has been specifically developedfor extreme duty applications in mining,suitable for grizzly stations in undergroundmines and gyratory crusher stations in openpits.There are nine systems in the new rangeoffering a horizontal reach of 2.7 to 11.4 mand a breaker weight of 200 up to 5800 kg.“This is the only system on the marketthat is specifically designed and manufacturedfor these applications,” says BusinessLine Manager Thomas Müller. “It has beenproduced in response to strong demandfrom our customers and we are especiallyproud to be able to offer it worldwide.”Besides its unique looks and strength,the flexibase, slew mechanism, cylinders,pin-locking system and other componentsare all designed to withstand the rigors ofthe mining environment.The XD-series also includes machineswith three boom sections that allow forextreme coverage of the working area andsmallest parking space.With the focus on mining, the design anddevelopment of these products is located atthe Underground Rock Excavation divisionin Örebro, Sweden.Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 13

Technically speaking >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Technical solutions aimed at increasing productivity in undergroundoperations are constantly being developed. Know-how, on the otherhand, is a resource that can be hard to find.Know-how at your serviceNew Applications Team offers solid underground competenceAs more mining and constructioncompanies realize the benefits ofa total solution approach to theiroperations, the technical expertise requiredto put those solutions into practice in themost cost-effective way is not always readilyavailable.In the fast moving “heat” of the workingday in underground excavation, drivenby production commitments and economictargets, there is often little time for a broadbasedoverview of operational efficiencyand cost effectiveness.That’s where Atlas Copco’s ApplicationsTeam comes in, the company’s group oftechnical advisors, which was recentlystrengthened with the addition of four newmembers.The new members are:Anders Östberg: tunneling specialist,most recently Plant and Machine Managementwith Veidekke, the Scandi navianconstruction company.Andy Ndulubila: mining specialist,responsibl e for Africa. Ndulubila is alsoMarketing Manager at Atlas Copco inZambia.Johannes Hansson: tunneling specialist,most recently at Ramböll Sweden, partof the leading international design andengineering consultancy.Åke Kruukka, mining specialist, mostrecently Manager New Technologies Miningat the iron ore mining company LKAB.Together with Senior Advisors LarsBergkvist (mining) and Gunnar Nord (tunneling),the team now offers more than 100years of collective knowledge in undergroundmethods, equipment, technologyand solutions.The team operates within the company’sdepartment for Global Projects Marketingbased at the division Underground RockExcavation in Örebro, Sweden. In time,regional advisors may also be appointed,depending on demand.Broad-based approachBergkvist explains the motive for thisboost in technical competence: “We haveidentified a growing demand from miningcompanies and civil engineers workingunderground for broad-based advisory servicesthat go above and beyond individualproduct purchasing and price negotiations.“These are customers who are beginningto look at the total efficiency of theiroperations and they want a speaking partnerwho understands the need for increased productivityin combination with lower overallcosts, and who can make proposals for thiswithout getting bogged down in productrelatedissues.“Obviously, as a leading global supplier,we can offer a huge variety of cutting-edgetechnical solutions. But what matters ishow to optimize these solutions in orderto achieve the best possible overall result.“I aim to show that AtlasCopco understands andis prepared to liste n to ideas.”Åke Kruukka, Application Specialist, Atlas CopcoThat’s why we have built a team with differentcompetences acquired from the real-life,down-to-earth world of underground rockexcavation – in short, people with dirt undertheir nails. There are not many guys aroundin the world who have their experience andwe are proud to have them on board.”Gunnar Nord, a senior advisor to AtlasCopco customers on tunneling technique,adds: “There is greater awareness today oftotal efficiency where the total running costof equipment is more important than thecost of each individual unit.“This is a growing trend. More customersare interested in our views on this and weknow that they prefer to talk to people whocan speak their language, know their businessand problems and are not just focusedon selling. This group will help to speedup that process. In addition, with customersall over the world, we are also able totake cultural and linguistic differences intoaccount.”Against this background, what do thenew members of the team have to offerAtlas Copco’s customers?Anders Östberg: “I am interestedin machines and production and this14 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

The advisors: From left, Johannes Hansson, Lars Bergkvist, Gunnar Nord, Anders Östbergand Andy Ndulubila. The team also includes Åke Kruukka, facing page.combination has followed me throughout mycareer. I focus on how to manage people andoptimize the work that they do, and havingbeen an Atlas Copco customer I understandhow the customer thinks and can speak thesame language. I also have the knowledge todiscuss detailed technical issues for a civilworks project for example, which is not soeasy for a salesman. The most advanced systemcan cause problems if you don’t knowwhat it is or how to use it. My philosophy isto be as efficient as possible.”New opportunitiesAndy Ndulubila: The mines are gettingwiser and more cost-conscious and we canhelp them in this process. Technology isnow making it possible to mine marginalorebodies – gold, copper, platinum – andto do it at a good profit. I can contribute byhelping the customer achieve more taskswith the same equipment in the same application.For example, the drill rig BoomerT1 D, which replaces the Boomer 104 usedin narrow vein mining, is now capableof doing two jobs. It drills in the normalway but by using our long-hole kit it canalso be converted to do the same job as theSimba 157.“Another example is the FlexiROC T 15which has a roll-over boom, enabling it to drillupwards as well as downwards and can alsobe used underground. These possibilities arevery interesting for many mines as a way ofoptimizing their operations.” (Read more onFlexiROC T 15, page 23).Johannes Hansson: “One of my main taskswill be to help tunneling customers to optimizetheir processes. Calculating and designingtunnels often takes a disproportionat eamount of time in relation to the projectitself. I plan to use my knowledge to helptunnelers reduce the time it takes from planningto implementation. This is the first steptowards optimizing the work.”Åke Kruukka: “I aim to expand AtlasCopco’s contacts within the global miningindustry. I want to demonstrate that we reallyunderstand the mining business and that weare always prepared to listen and respondto the customer’s ideas. After 22 years atLKAB in a variety of mining-related areas,and especially the past nine years workingdirectly with mining equipment technology, Ibelieve that my experiences will be valuablefor Atlas Copco’s customers. In addition, myknowledge of geology, rock transport systemsand other fields has given me a goodall-round picture of what’s involved in runninga mining operation.”Lars Bergkvist concludes that theApplications Team will strengthen the rolethat Atlas Copco already plays in itscustomer s’ businesses. “The focus is shiftingfrom productivity to optimization andthe goal is how to achieve smooth operationswith no disturbance,” he says. “Butthis is not going to happen overnight. It isa long term project based on globalteamwor k.”Contact The teamThe Atlas Copco Applications Teamcan be contacted via all Atlas CopcoCustomer Centers worldwide.Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 15

Products & progress >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Gee whiz – it’s T-WiZ !New T-threads last up to 30% longerTough threads for atough job: The newT-WiZ system givesimproved service lifeand productivity.A first for China: The newAirROC D45 SH is a semihydraulicrig based on simplicity,high performance and lowrunning costs.Similar in looks but better all round: T-WiZ Speedrods and shank adaptorscome in three dimensions – T38, T45 and T51.Atlas Copco Secoroc has launched a new development in T-thread drillingsystems – T-WiZ – the toughest T-thread system on the market.It may look like its predecessor, but that’swhere the similarity ends. The newT-WiZ drill string, with its combinationof T-WiZ Speedrods and T-WiZ shankadapters, offers up to 30 per cent longerservice life resulting in fewer rod changesand more productivity per shift.T-WiZ claims to be the toughest systemon the market thanks to its greater threadstability and is robust enough to preventproduct breakage in the blast hole. Thisputs an end to time-consuming rod andshank changes and helps to keep stock low.Regardless of the assignment – whetherit be underground, in surface mines or onconstruction sites – T-WiZ makes a substantialdifference in tough formations andfractured rock.The increased capacity provided byT-WiZ – in other words, more holes pershift – also paves the way for faster blastingand a more rapid advance.There are three dimensions to choosefrom – T38-WiZ, T45-WiZ and T51-WiZSpeedrods and shank adapters designed forextension or drifting drill strings. In addition,these systems are all perfectly matchedto the comprehensive range of Secoroctophammer bits. For more information visitwww.atlascopco.com/secorocNew drill rigsuccess for ChinaAtlas Copco’s semi-hydraulic surfacedrill rig AirROC D45 SH, which is producedin China, has been successfullyintroduced at limestone mines and aggregatequarries across the country.Since the beginning of the year, the rig hasproven to be a popular choice with a steadilyincreasing number of customers.The first unit in this series is used bythe drilling contractor Liang Yalin Company,operating in the Liu zhi district of Gui zhouprovince. Yalin says the rig is meeting expectationsand adds: “Compared to the localbrands in China, this rig works faster and ismore reliable.”York Yang, Atlas Copco’s Product Managerin Nanjing, explains: “This is our first semihydraulicrig series and it represents a newconcept compared with purely pneumaticdrill rigs, focusing on maximum performance,high fuel efficiency and low initial investment.Right now it is intended only for China but weare investing in the worldwide potential.”Designed to drill 92-127 mm holes to amaximum depth of 35 m, the AirROC D45 SHrig’s low fuel consumption and high penetrationrate is thanks to a combination of AtlasCopco’s reputable portable compressorand DTH hammer, coupled with the reliablehydraulic control system.Ergonomically designed to give the operatora comfortable working environment, therig offers good visibility and serviceability andhas controls at the rear as well as at the side,enabling the operator to stand on the rig whiletramming.16 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

Make way for Boomer M1 LNew single boom rig for a rough, tough worldLow and robust: The new Boomer M1 L is specially designed for room and pillar mineswith roof heights of 2.2 – 2.5 m. Strength and ease of service are two clear plus points.A new single boom face drilling rig from Atlas Copco for low-to-medium heightmines combines extreme robustness with operator comfort.The Boomer M1 L has been speciallydesigned for development andproductio n applications in low seammines with roof heights of 2.2–2.5 m.The rig itself has a height of 1.8 m andis believed to be the most robust of its kindon the market featuring a stronger carrierand oversized wheels compared to similarrigs in this range.Peter Bray, Product Manager, explains:“This is the perfect machine for the roughand tough environment of room and pilla rmining and especially where there arelong distances to be covered, typicallysix to twelve kilometers per day.“It is very strong with components that canwithstand all the wear and tear of tramming onrough roadways, but it also makes life mucheasier and more comfortable for the operator.”The Boomer M1 L is spacious andvisibilit y is excellent from the fully enclosedair conditioned cabin, providing extra safetyand comfort.Bray explains that the Atlas Copcodesigners have “married together”existin g components and systems fromdrill rigs such as the Boomer S1 L and theBoomer T1 D in order to meet demandsfor a stronge r workhorse in low roofapplications.The rig has an improved flexible boom,simple controls (Direct Control System2, DCS 2,) and a choice of rock drills –CO P 1638 or COP 1838. It is also designedto be extremely easy to service as a meansof keeping downtime to a minimum.In addition, the improved environmentinside the cabin is matched by the lowemission Deutz TCD2012 L04 80kW Tier 3engine.The prototype was successfully tested bythe Polish mining company KGHM in theRudna Mine after which KGHM placedorders for several Boomer M1 L rigs.Footnote: See the new Boomer M1 L in action onYouTube, www.youtube.com/AtlasCopcoUGMining & Construction – 3 / 2011 17

Under the Span18Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

ish umbrellapipe roofing system helps stabilize Torrebaso tunnelWe have installedhundred s of meters ofpipe roofing around the countryand this is my favorite method.Borja Del Palacio, GeotunnelWhen engineers working on a new rail tunnel in Spain found that theground needed to be stabilized the solution was close at hand – theysimply put up a pipe roof umbrella.The new Torrebaso tunnel which iscurrently being constructed on theBilbao to San Sebastian railwayline, is moving ahead according to plan.This 150 m long, twin-track tunnel willallow trains to pass through Amorebieta,in the Basque region, non-stop in bothdirections.One of the biggest challenges for theengineers, however, is the poor groundconditions, but contractor Geotunneldid not have to look very far to find asolution. The company was already usingan Atlas Copco Boomer L2 C drill rig todrill and blast the tunnel and was ableto use the same equipment for pipe roofingwork together with the Atlas CopcoSymmetrix system.This method involves steel pipes orcasings installed in an umbrella patternin the crown of the tunnel, providing supportahead of drilling and blasting.Mining & Construction – 3 / 201119

Reinforcing the Torrebaso tunnel: So far, five pipe roofing umbrellas have been installed providing quick and effective support ahead of the excavation.Eight more umbrellas are planned, 9 m in length, to support a further 50 m of the tunnel.The Symmetrix solution has been successfullyused in similar ground conditionsaround the world and in Spain it is one ofGeotunnel’s specialities.Borja Del Palacio of Geotunnel, says:“We have installed hundreds of meters ofpipe roofing around the country and I haveto say Symmetrix is my favorite method.“It is fast, reliable and economical andthe quality of the bits and tubes we getfrom Atlas Copco is very good. Also, aswe can use the same rig for pipe roofingas for drill and blast, it is not necessary tosub-contract this work to a specialized piperoofing company.”Andoni Bonaechea, Technical Office andPurchasing Manager, who decided to adoptthe method at this site, is especially pleasedwith the way the work has progressed. Hesays: “Pipe roofing using the Symmetrixsystem is by far the fastest and most economicalway of stabilizing unfavourablerock conditions in tunneling and we haveproved it at Torrebaso.”It is estimated that more than 5 200 m 3 ofrock and soil will be excavated here and thatthe necessary stabilization and reinforcementwork will require the installation of 1 824 mof steel pipes and 35 000 kg of cement.For pre-support before each advance, theBoomer has installed five umbrellas with anaverage of 30 pipes per umbrella, each 12 mlong. A starter pipe fitted with the standardSymmetrix ring bit set is used followed byextension pipes – in this case, 89 mm pipeswith a 7.1 mm wall thickness using theSymmetrix P89 system.Fast installationThe pipes are installed at an angle of 4°and spaced 30–50 cm apart. Once installed,they are grouted in place to form a strongumbrella or canopy around the upper partof the tunnel profile.Net drilling time for a 12 m pipe averaged10 minutes and the total time forinstallation was 30–40 minutes per pipe,depending on the condition of the rock andother operational factors. As a rule, eachinstallation was perfectly straight.Alas Copco’s Area Manager Jorge Diazsays: “Geotunnel has long experience ofSymmetrix-based pipe roofing and thecompany chooses to work with us becauseof the features and quality of the Symmetrixsystem and the service that we provide.”Sole supplierIn addition to Spain, pipe roofing using theSymmetrix system has been successfullycarried out in many other countries includingPortugal, France, Sweden, Kazakhstan,India and the Czech Republic.Furthermore, Atlas Copco is currentlythe only supplier in the world to offer acomplete package of equipment for thistechnology – Boomer drill rigs, SymmetrixCasing Advancement System together withpipes, Secoroc drill rods and Unigroutgrouting equipment. (See facing page).Footnote:At the Torrebaso tunnel project, Geotunnel operatesas a subcontractor within the consortium CorsanCorviam/Balzola. The client is Ute Euba-Iurreta andthe project has been commissioned by E.T.S. (EuskalTrenbide Sarea), the housing, transport and publicworks authority of the Basque administration.Dealing with difficult groundThe Symmetrix Casing Advancement System is based onthe rotary-percussion drilling method and consists of apilot bit and a ring bit.The pilot bit is attached to the ring bit with a bayonetlocking mechanism. Together they drill the hole which islarge enough to allow the casing to advance simultaneouslyas the hole is being drilled in loose and collapsingground conditions. During drilling, the pipe itself does notrotate so there is no need for high torque on the drill rig.A special feature of the system is that flushing is carriedout through the annulus between the casing pipe anddrill pipe, ensuring high efficiency with minimal damage to theadjacen t formation.When the hole is complete, the pilot bit is unlocked from thering bit and withdrawn through the casing pipe together withthe drill pipe. The casing pipe (and ring bit) can be permanentlyleft in the ground or retrieved from the hole.Symmetrix is designed for installing casings with a diameterof 76.2 to 1 220 mm (3–48 inches). It offers a highly efficientmethod with great productivity and is used worldwide for avariety of applications in, for example, tunneling, foundationdrilling and well drilling.20 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

Products & progress >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>All from one source: Atlas Copco’s Pipe Roof System consisting of the Symmetrix Casing AdvancementSystem and pipes, Boomer drill rigs, Secoroc drill rods and Unigrout grouting unit.Complete packagefor pipe roofing solutionsPre-support in tunnel construction isbecoming increasingly important astransportation systems expand andmore and more roads and railways haveto be run through areas of unstable ground.In these areas, tunneling can cause groundsettlement, endangering buildings and otherstructures on the surface as well as thepeople working inside the tunnel.The answer is pipe roofing – the techniqueof pre-reinforcing the ground aheadof the tunnel face to ensure that the excavationcan proceed safely until permanentsupport structures can be installed.To meet these demands, Atlas Copcohas developed The Pipe Roof System – acomplete system for pipe roofing includingeverything from consumables to drillingand grouting equipment.At the heart of the package is theSymmetrix casing system (see page 18)coupled with Atlas Copco’s wide range ofBoomer drill rigs and Unigrout groutingunits.The steel pipes are installed ahead of thetunnel face and arranged like an umbrellaor canopy around the tunnel profile. Theumbrella stabilizes and protects the roofand face of the tunnel by increasing theload bearing capacity of the ground throughbetter load distribution.Standard equipmentGenerally, pipes with an outer diameter of76–140 mm and with a wall thickness of6–10 mm are installed using standard tophammertunneling equipment. In specificcases, larger diameter pipes might be installedusing special rigs and the Down-The-Hole (DTH) drilling method.The pipe roof is commonly 9–18 m inlength and, due to the overlap, the excavatedlength beneath is around 3–6 m shorter.Ebrahim Nikafroozi, Atlas CopcoPro duct Line Manager, explains: “As thismethod requires only standard equipment,no special training or other machinery isrequired, making it very easy and costeffective.By reinforcing the ground aheadof the excavation, the ground is never withoutsupport which enables the installation ofpermanent tunnel support to be carried outmore effectively and with increased safetyfor the operators and improves the risk managementfor a project in difficult ground.”Experience gained from several tunnelprojects around the world indicate that themethod not only increases the stability ofthe tunnel itself as well as the working face,but also significantly reduces subsidencecaused by excavation.Using the same principals, installationmethod and equipment, perforated PVC andsteel pipes can also be installed for drainagepurposes, bringing added value in controllingthe ground water in extreme conditions.Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 21

Rolling out the red caThey came, they saw, they liked:Scandinavian drillers queued up for a chanceto try out the SmartROC.Drill rig operators got the VIPtreatment when they attended arecent demonstration in Sweden of theSmartROC surface drill rig. For them,and drilling companies everywhere, themessage was clear… a new era in thedrilling industry had begun.About 50 Scandinavian drilling contractorsconverged on the Atle quarrynear Örebro, Sweden to get up-closeand-personalwith the SmartROC surfacedrill rig, arguably one of the most technicallyadvanced drill rigs available.With a strong focus on working life forthe professional driller, the audience wasinformed that the era of the dinosaurs (read:manual rigs with no “intelligence”) is comingto a close, and that the SmartROC is theforemost example of “the new era”.Presenting the rig for a packed audience,Olav Kvist, Product Line Manager forAtlas Copco’s surface drilling equipment,explained the reason why. He began bypointing out that the rig is superior to allother comparable drill rigs on the marketin terms of advanced computer control, performanceand environmental friendliness.But he quickly turned the spotlight onthe operators: “You are the guys who mattermost,” he told them. “You are the oneswho sit in these machines every, sometimesfor very long shifts. That’s why we are rollingout the red carpet for you by offeringimprovements that have a substantial affecton the operator’s life.“For example, the cabin is designedfor maximum comfort. The controls areergonomically designed and very easy onthe arms – just two joysticks, some simplepushbuttons and an input device with ascroll-and-click wheel instead of usingtouch-screens. All this built-in functionalityis extremely labour-saving, reducingphysical effort to a minimum.”The drillers were then able to see thesecharacteristics in action via a live video linktransmitted from a SmartROC working inthe quarry. Here, an Atlas Copco instructorput the rig through its paces, methodicallydescribing each function and operation inturn, while the results of his actions weremade simultaneously visible on an enlargedpicture of the rig’s display screen.Kvist followed up with a few examplesof the many upgrades that come with the22 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

pet for operatorslatest SmartROC version. These includeda lightweight, easy-to-use radio remotecontrol unit, an updated, more userfriendlyversion of the rig software ROCManager and a new type of circuit boardthat eliminates the conventional fuse boxand is more durable and easier to see andmanage.Fuel costs cut by halfEqually impressive was the effect ofSmartROC technology on fuel consumption.According to Mats Birkestål, ProductManager, it can cut fuel costs by up to 50per cent – a claim that has been provenby drillers in five countries who report anaverage fuel consumption of around 15liters of diesel per hour.“This is possible due to a combination ofcontributing factors,” he said. “For example,we are able to regulate and fine-tune functionslike compressed air and water mist, the dustcollector fan and so on, so that only the minimumamount of power is required from theengine. The compressor can even be closeddown when it is not needed which causes theengine revs to drop immediately, saving fuel.We have also reduced the amount of hydraulicoil required by 65 per cent. In other words, weonly generate the energy that we need.”Based on an average working cycle andthe price of diesel fuel in Europe today,Birkestål said he had calculated that theSmartROC, compared to its predecessors,was able to return a saving of approximately17 000 euros per year.Per Olofsson of Parts & Services continuedthe theme by pointing out that furthe rsavings can be realized through lessdowntime thanks to the upgraded serviceprograms such as ROC Care, COP Careand Crush Care (if crushing is involved),service contracts and operator trainingusing simulators provided by the AtlasCopco Master Driller program.During the event the operators got thechance to try out the rigs for themselvesand their opinions were unanimous.Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 23

What theoperators sayMatthias Sjökvist, Berg & Byggteknik AB, Sweden“I have been in this business about 20years and we have about 14 rigs in ourfleet. I have to say Atlas Copco has donea pretty good job with this SmartROC.We were asked what sort of improvementswe would like to see and today it’sgreat to see that they have listened to us.This rig meets a lot of our demands andoverall I think the solutions are quiteimpressive. The low fuel consumptionand plenty of space for servicing is allgood.“A big plus for me is that you can nowadjust the display screen vertically. Thismakes it much easier to get the screen in exactly the right position. I also like the possibilityof radio remote control. A lot of the time you want to be outside the rig, especiallyin difficult terrain, so it’s pretty good to have that choice. If there’s anything else I wouldlike to see the SmartROC get in the future it would be a bigger dust collector.”Tom Erik Janerud, Kjell Fors AS, Norway“My company has ordered three of theserigs and I am very excited about that. At themoment we have seven ROC D7 C rigs andthe SmartROC will make a big difference.I’m really glad I came here today. It gaveme a really good feeling for what this newrig is all about. I think it’s amazing – a revolutionarysolution. I’m looking forward togetting in that comfortable seat and startingit up. The added comfort alone will be a bigimprovement for us, especially when workingthe long shifts. And of course you can’tignore the fuel saving. That’s a huge plus.”The SmartROC has been field testedin several countries, working anaverage of 40 hours per week fora period of three months. During thistime, average fuel consumption per righas been recorded at 10–14 litres perengine hour. Below, two drillers reporton the result of the tests:David Rohlén, RohlénsSprängtjänst, Sweden“We have used ROC D7 rigs since the1990s. They have always been good, butthe SmartROC T35 is a great improvement.It worked well for the whole testperiod. Productivity increased from thevery first day and there was a dramaticreduction in fuel consumption. A lot ofthings have been changed and upgradedand I think Atlas Copco has done it inthe right way, especially when it comesto the design of the controls whichmakes this rig much easier to operate.”Dennis Stenger,Harald Stenger Drilling, GermanyRune Anderssen, Vassbakk og Stål AS, Norway“I operate a ROC D7 C right now. It’s agood rig, but with this new one AtlasCopco has really given a lot of thought tous operators. I think it’s a big step forward.When I got into the cab, it felt greatjust to sit at the controls and feel howeasy it is to use the joysticks. You feelthat you can really relax while you workwhich makes a big difference for thebody, especially when you work longshifts in the same position. My companyhas bought three of these new SmartROCrigs and I hope to be the first to use one.”“My overall impression of it was not justthat it was good – it was excellent andfar exceeded our expectations. We useda SmartROC T40 in a quarry with a holedepths of 8 to 25 meters in compactrock. The hole diameter was 98 mm andwe drilled at an angle of 14 degrees. Netpenetration was about 1.10 to 1.20meters per minute with a top speed of1.4 m per minute. Refueling was cut byhalf which resulted in much less downtimefor refueling as well as lower dieselcosts. The noise level in the cabin is alsothe lowest I have experienced. ”24 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

Products & progress >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>New silenced kit now even quieterThe silencer surrounding the feed onthe SmartROC drill rig establisheda new standard for noise reductionwhen it was first introduced at the Maxposhow in Finland in 2003. Now those levelshave been reduced even further.The optional silence kit has beenupgraded for sound dampening and vibrationresulting in a further reduction in drillingnoise by an additional 2 dB (A) to atotal sound power reduction of 12 dB (A).The kit is also more robust and easierto use. It has an improved aluminiumchassis, better lighting and access hatchesalong its entire length making the feedand drilling components easier to inspectand service.Is this rig running? The upgraded optionalsilenced kit on the SmartROC T40 gives evenquieter drilling and easier service.Rollover feed creates new opportunitiesEasy switch: The new FlexiROC T15rig’s rollover feed enables it to drillupwards as well as downwards and ata variety of angles.The FlexiROC T15 has just becomeeven more flexible thanks to a newrollover boom capability that allowsit to switch from downwards drilling toupwards drilling in a matter of minutes.Thanks to this innovative design, allthe operator has to do is put the rig intotransport mode, remove a bolt, push thefeed round 180 degrees, replace the boltand start drilling again.The procedure, called “re-pinning”, takesjust a couple of minutes and there’s hardlyany physical effort involved. Safety is alsoassured by a warning light indicating whenthe feed is securely locked into position.Itis not only useful for vertical drilling. Thesame re-pinning procedure can be used foreight different configurations including toeholedrilling at various angles, upwards anddownwards.Service Engineer Erik Ahlström says: “Itreally is very easy to use and makes this rigeven more versatile. As a result, it opens upmany new application areas for contractorssuch as drilling in rock support operations.”The FlexiROC T15 R with rollover feedis equipped with the COP 1028 rock drilland SR 28 rods.Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 25

Marketplace >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Atlas Copco in geothermal researchUSA Atlas Copco Secoroc is to participatein a unique research project aimed at significantlyincreasing the speed of drillingdeep geothermal wells.Atlas Copco will cooperate withSandia National Laboratories which hasbeen awarded a U.S. government grant todevelop technology that will reduce thecost of investment in this renewable energysource.Geothermal energy has great potentialas an environmentally friendly sourceof energy in many parts of the world.However, developments are constrained bythe high costs related to drilling deep wellsin hard rock and at high temperatures.Percussive tools, or down-the-holehammers, are a promising technology forgeothermal exploration as they rely onmechanisms that are well suited for thetype of rock normally found in geothermalformations.Compared to conventional geothermaldrilling methods, down-the-hole hammerscould quadruple the penetration rates.During the three-year project, AtlasCopco Secoroc will design, develop,and test equipment. Sandia NationalLaboratories will provide computer modelsto evaluate hammer performance, materialsand components. Sandia will also develop ahigh temperature test cell to evaluate hammerprototypes.The project is one of 32 under way in theU.S. designed to meet the challenge of generating80 percent of the country’s electricityfrom clean energy sources by 2035.>>>>> In brief >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Focus in focusA new catalog is now available covering the Focusproduct line from Atlas Copco Secoroc. This is arange of Tricone bits designed to deliver competitiveperformance on current generation drill rigs.Focus bits are suited for a wide variety of rotarydrilling applications including blasthole, waterwell,HDD and exploration drilling.They are proven in varied formations including veryhard iron ore, hard to medium formations of gold/coppermines and the soft overburden of coal mines.Geothermal drilling in Finland: Atlas Copcoalready has a range of suitable productsand the necessary know-how to make asubstantial contribution.RCS on the webThe Atlas Copco Rig Control System (RCS) is shapingthe future of mining and construction and anew website has been launched to explain theadvantages of this technology in relation to PitViper blasthole drill rigs.An interactive diagram shows the location ofthe RCS components on a Pit Viper rig and theirfunctions. There’s a tutorial to help operatorsunderstand and use the system’s display screen aswell as videos showing how RCS makes Pit Viperfunctions more effective.The site also explores the many add-on featuresand presents a number of case studies – all in all,a must-see for rotary drilling fans.Visit www.RCSPitViper.comFlashback: Atlas Copco has been a supplierof drilling equipment to the Conch Groupsince 1993. Here, an Atlas Copco CM 760 Drig at the Yingde Conch limestone operationin Guandong province in 2007.Strategicpartnership forglobal expansionCHINA Atlas Copco has teamed up withAnhui Conch, China’s biggest cementproducer, to provide drilling equipmentand training services as part of theChines e company’s global expansion.Anhui Conch plans to add 10 milliontonnes to its annual capacity by 2012through a combination of new plants andand acquisitions overseas.Atlas Copco and Anhui Conch havea history of cooperation dating back to1993.Robert Fassl, President of the AtlasCopco business area Mining and RockExcavation Technique, said : “Apart fromour modern technology and our edge inthe safety perspective, we have a globalnetwork in 170 countries and regions.With strong teams in almost every countryAtlas Copco can greatly assist AnhuiConch in its go-global strategy.”According to its annual report, AnhuiConch produced 110 million tonnes ofcement in China in 2010.26 Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011

ACM gets milestone MinetruckAUSTRALIA The 100th Atlas Copco Minetruck MT6020 to be deliveredin Australia has gone to ACM (Australian Contract Mining) forits Trident mine in Kalgoorlie. The milestone truck is the 12th AtlasCopco Minetruck in the ACM fleet.The Minetruck MT6020 has evolved from the Minetruck MT5010(and the earlier Minetruck MT5000). The prototype was delivered toStawell Gold Mines in Victoria in 2007 where the original plan wasto test the upgraded components and then go on to develop a newtruck but the prototype proved so successful it was decided to startproducing it.The first was deliveredto Barminco in May 2008which now runs a fleet of36 units. Atlas CopcoMinetruck MT6020 trucksare now in operationworldwide, the majority ofwhich have been deliveredto Australian mines.Fire in the tunnel!An Australian success story: The 60-tonneAtlas Copco Minetruck MT6020.SWEDEN Swedish safety experts have embarked on a unique projectto study the effects of fire on a conventional commuter train inside arailway tunnel. The aim is to improve the safety of travel, work andrescue in underground transport systems.Using a series of tests, researchers will investigate how fire developsand the consequences of an explosion. They will also look atgas concentrations, temperatures and velocities as well as smokeand heat release rates.Project leader Anders Lönnermark said: “Internationally thisproject is totally unique. It is the first of its kind to involve so manydifferent disciplines, all cooperating at the same time and whichwill all benefit from theresults.”As well as provide vitalinformation for safetyexperts, the results of thestudy are expected to haveimportant implications forfuture tunnel design andconstruction.Burning for knowledge: Thefirst test was carried outrecently in a disused 270 kmlong tunnel in Sweden.Where to find usPlease contact your local Atlas Copco Customer Center.ALBANIA, Tirana, +355 682 061 618. Algeria Zeralda,+213 (0) 21 32 83 25 / 26/27. Angola, Luanda, +244 929 303 139.Argentina, Buenos Aires, +54 (0)11 47172200. Australia,Blacktown, +61 (0)2 9621 9700. Austria, Vienna, +43 (0)1 760120.Belgium, Brussels, +32 (0)2 689 0511. Bolivia, La Paz,+591 (0)2 21 12000. Botswana, Gaborone, +267 395 9155. Brazil,São Paolo, +55 (11) 3478 8200. Bulgaria, Sofia, +359 (0)2 489 3178.Canada, Sudbury, +1 (0)705 673 6711. North Bay, +1 (0)705 4723320Chile, Santiago, +56 (0)2 4423600. Croatia, Zagreb,+385 (0)1 611 1288. China, Beijing office, +86 (0)10 6528 0517.Nanjing, +86 (0)25 8696 7600. Hong Kong, +852 2797 6600.Colombia, Bogotá, +57 (0)1 419 9200. Cyprus, Nicosia,+357 (0)22 480740. Czech Republic, Praha, +420 225 434 000.DR of Congo, Lubumbashi, +243 (0) 991 004 430. Denmark,Glostrup, +45 4345 4611. Egypt, Cairo, +202 461 01 770.Estonia, Vantaa (Finland) +358 (0)20 718 9300. Finland,Vantaa, +358 (0)20 718 9300. France, Saint Ouen l’Aumône,+33 (0)1 3909 3222. Germany, Essen, +49 (0)201 21770. Ghana,Accra, +233 0302 7745 12. Great Britain, Hemel Hempstead,+44 (0)1442 22 2100. Greece, Koropi, Athens, +30 (0)210 349 9600.India, Pune, +91 (0)20 3072 2222. Indonesia, Jakarta,+62 (0)21 7801 008. Iran, Tehran, +98 (0)21 6693 7711. Ireland,Dublin, +353 (0)1 4505 978. Italy, Milan, +39 02 617 991. Japan,Tokyo, +81 (0)3 5765 7890. Kazakhstan, Almaty, +7 727 2588 534.Kenya, Nairobi, +254 (0)20 6605 000. Kuwait, East Ahmadi,+956 2398 7952. South Korea, Seoul, +82 (0)2 2189 4000.Latvia, Vantaa (Finland) +358 (0)9 2964 42. Lithuania,Vantaa (Finland), +358 (0)9 2964 42. Macedonia, Skopje,+389 (0)2 3112 383. Malaysia, Selangor, +60 (0)3 5123 8888.Mali, Barmako, +223 73 29 00 00. Mexico, Tlalnepantla,+52 55 2282 0600. Mongolia, Ulan Bator, +976 (0)11 344 991.Morocco, Casablanca, +212 522 63 4000. Namibia,Windhoek, +264 (0)61 2613 96. Netherlands, Zwijndrecht,+31 (0)78 6230 230. New Zealand, Auckland, +64 (0)9 5794 069.Nigeria, Abuja, +234 7068 6212 53. Norway, Oslo, +47 6486 0300.Pakistan, Lahore, +92 4235 749 406. Panama, Panama City,+507 2695 808, 09. Peru, Lima, +511 4116 100. Philippines, Manila,+63 (0)2 8430 535 to 39. Poland, Raszyn, +48 (0)22 5726 800.Portugal, Lisbon, +351 214 168 500. ROMANIA, Baia Mare andBucharest, +40 262 218212. Russia, Moscow, +7 (495) 9335 552.Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, +966 (0)2 6933 357. SERBIA, Belgrade,Phone: +381 11 220 1640 Singapore, Jurong, +65 6210 8000.Slovenia, Trzin, +386 (0)1 5600 710. South Africa, Witfield,+27 (0)11 8219 000. Spain, Madrid, +34 (0)9 162 79100. Sweden,Stockholm, +46 (0)8 7439 230. Switzerland, Studen/Biel,+41 (0)32 3741 581. Taiwan, Taoyuan Hsien, +886 (0)3 4796 838.Thailand, Bangkok, +66 (0) 3856 2900. Turkey, Istanbul,+90 (0)216 5810 581. United Arab Emirates, Dubai,+971 4 8861 996. Ukraine, Kiev, +380 44 499 1870. USA, Denver,Colorado, +1 800 7326 762. Venezuela,Caracas,+58 (0)212 2562 311.Vietnam, Binh Duong, +84 650 373 8484. Zambia, Chingola,+260 212 31 1281. Zimbabwe, Harare, +263 (0)4 621 761.Nominated Atlas Copco’s four-boom drill rig Boomer XE4 C hasbeen nominated for Technical Innovation of the Year in the 2011International Tunneling Awards to be announced at the Conrad Hotelin Hong Kong on December 1.For more information visit www.atlascopco.com or contactAtlas Copco AB, SE-105 23 Stockholm, Sweden.Telephone: +46 (0)8 743 80 00.www.miningandconstruction.comMining & Construction – 3 / 2011 27

Introducing the T-WiZ drilling systemWe’re not known for dabbling in make-believe. In fact, few things are more real than the benefits thatcome with our new T-thread. Especially when you consider that large rods require a robust thread system.The new T-WiZ drill string looks a lot like its predecessor, but that’s where the similarities end. We’re notabout to reveal all our tricks, but you’ll be amazed to know that T-WiZ offers up to 30% longer service life.Which means fewer rod changes and more productivity per shift.So test the combination of T-WiZ Speedrods with T-WiZ shank adapters – the benefits are spectacular.Atlas Copco Secoroc ABBox 521, SE-737 25 Fagersta, SwedenPhone: +46 223 461 00E-mail: secoroc@se.atlascopco.comwww.atlascopco.com9853 8132 01