Mining tunnels are essential to access, extract and transport underground ores. However, the selection of tunnel mining equipment and solutions for mining differs, according to geologic conditions and rock and soil types.
Choosing appropriate tunnelling equipment and expert design, engineering and construction services is critical for safe underground mining operations.
Finding tunnel mining equipment suppliers
Mining Technology has listed leading suppliers of tunnelling equipment and services for mining.
The list includes manufacturers and suppliers of tunnel boring, heading and loading machines, raise and shaft boring machines, tunnel excavators, and a range of hydraulic cutting machinery for tunnelling and shaft sinking. Also included are tunnel design, engineering, construction, and servicing specialists, as well as spare parts suppliers for tunnel drilling machines and related equipment.
The information contained within the download document is designed for mining exploration and project directors, mining construction and operations managers, mining and geological engineers, and other individuals involved in underground exploration, mining and construction.
The download contains detailed information on the tunnelling equipment and component suppliers and their product lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing decision.
Tunnel mining equipment and solutions
Mining companies are increasingly adopting mechanised tunnelling and hydraulic rock-cutting techniques in underground construction.
Besides tunnel digging equipment, they require solutions such as mechanical scalers, concrete spraying machines, shaft sinking and caisson excavators, rock bolts, as well as structural synthetic fibre for concrete and shotcrete reinforcement.
Tunnelling equipment and solutions for mining applications include:
- Hard, mixed, and soft rock tunnel boring machines
- Mobile tunnel miners with undercutting capability to excavate rectangular, horseshoe or circular tunnels
- Raise boring, shaft boring and reaming machines
- Tunnel heading and loading machines
- Tunnel excavators, transverse cutters and rapid ballast loading machines
- Crawler machines, scissor lifts, rock bolts and mobile switchgear units
- Hydraulic cutters for tunnelling and shaft sinking
- Tunnelling spare parts and cutter wear parts
- Shotcrete equipment and accessories, and shotcreting engineering and remote shaft lining solutions
- Telescopic shotcrete and concrete spraying machines
FAQs
What tunnelling equipment is essential for safe mining operations?
Essential tunnelling equipment includes tunnel boring machines (TBMs), raise boring machines, and tunnel heading machines. These machines are crucial for cutting through hard rock, creating shafts, and facilitating transportation. Additionally, shotcrete and rock bolts are used to reinforce tunnel structures, ensuring stability and safety throughout mining operations. The equipment varies depending on geological conditions and the complexity of the tunnel system.
How does mechanisation improve tunnelling efficiency in mining?
Mechanised tunnelling improves efficiency by automating tasks like drilling, excavating, and reinforcing tunnels. This reduces manual labour, increases the speed of operations, and enhances safety by minimising worker exposure to hazardous conditions. Machines like mobile tunnel miners and hydraulic cutters allow for precise control, reduced downtime, and consistent production rates, making mechanisation essential for large-scale mining projects.
What factors influence the selection of tunnel mining equipment and tunnelling systems for mining?
The choice of tunnelling systems and equipment depends on several factors, including rock hardness, tunnel depth, and environmental conditions. For example, hard rock requires robust tunnel boring machines (TBMs), while softer ground might utilise mechanical scalers or hydraulic excavators. Additionally, safety requirements, such as ventilation needs and risk of water ingress, also play a role in determining the equipment and tunnelling method.
How do tunnel reinforcement systems ensure long-term stability?
Tunnel reinforcement systems, such as rock bolts, shotcrete, and fibre-reinforced concrete, provide structural stability to underground tunnels. Shotcrete, sprayed onto tunnel walls, forms a protective layer that reduces the risk of collapse, while rock bolts anchor unstable sections of rock. These reinforcement techniques are essential to maintaining tunnel integrity, especially in areas with weak geological formations or significant seismic activity.
What role does technology play in modern tunnelling operations and tunnel mining equipment?
Technology plays a pivotal role in tunnelling by integrating advanced systems such as real-time monitoring, automated equipment, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Monitoring systems track tunnel deformation, groundwater levels, and ventilation, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Mining automation reduces human error and increases productivity, while CAD software aids in precise tunnel planning and resource management, making modern mining more cost-effective and secure.
