Mining requires different types of equipment. These machines are used to perform various mining tasks efficiently and with precision. It’s crucial to understand how these machines operate, especially if you’re new to mining. You’ll come across machines in all shapes and sizes, ranging from crushing and grinding tools to blasting equipment and excavators. Let’s take a look at some of the most important types of mining equipment and why they are used.
Mining Drills
A mining drill is a vital tool in any mining operation, particularly in underground mining where rocks or minerals are located at a distance below the surface and need to be brought up. Underground mining equipment, such as trucks, backhoes, and loaders, is used to extract raw materials thetalka.
Drilling is necessary in underground mining to place explosive charges on the mined minerals and remove overburden. Over the years, underground mining has significantly improved, with the introduction of remote-controlled machines to enhance drilling efficiency. Mining drills are also used to create holes that go underground, serving as exit and entry points for underground miners. These drills ensure that the holes are large enough for workers to pass through.
Blasting Tools
The mining industry heavily relies on blasting tools. These tools are designed to use explosives to break up large materials and separate the desired product from waste. Blasting tools can also be used to remove pockets of unwanted materials that hinder workers or mining equipment from reaching the desired material seams. Unmanned drill rigs are used to drill predetermined holes in a blast face, minimizing material handling costs. The drill rigs acquire a material of a certain size and minimize liberated overburden celebrow.
After the blasting process, excavators are used to recover the material. The material is then transported to a central conveyancing system, where it can either be hoisted to the surface using a skip-and-hoist system or directed to the surface. Blasting tools are also essential for open-pit mining. It’s crucial to handle blasting tools properly to avoid excessive explosives or poor practices that can cause structural damage to rocks and result in cave-ins.
Earth Movers
Earth movers are necessary for surface mining operations. These machines are used to move loose soil between different locations. They were specifically designed to assist in large earth-moving and mining projects. Earth movers are employed to push material, remove material, and scoop loose soil.
Earth movers and bulldozers work closely together, as earthmoving operations would be challenging to execute efficiently without this heavy-duty equipment. Earth movers are utilized for various tasks, including waste or overburden removal. Excavators can then separate valuable minerals from the waste, while bulldozers remove overburden and create working areas for excavators or hauling trucks arenagadgets.
Crushing Equipment
Crushing equipment is utilized to reduce large materials, such as rocks and stones, into smaller pieces. This equipment comes in various shapes and sizes, allowing for different crushing requirements while maximizing production and reduction rate. Crushing equipment is designed to break down materials into smaller pieces that can be transported. It plays a significant role in material handling processes, leading to cost reduction.
Crushing equipment is primarily used in the mining and quarrying industries. In underground mining, raw material is obtained and processed through a complex material handling system. The material is brought from the mine to the crusher, where it is screened and the useful material is separated from waste. Crushing equipment is used in conjunction with other mining equipment to create a final product that can be used for various purposes, such as winterizing roads and completing similar projects.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker/SMC. For nearly a half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of industry safety. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC. Click here to learn more!