6 Ways Surface Miners can Enhance your Mine Plan

1. Boost efficiency and productivity

Surface miners offer superior efficiency in extracting minerals and materials compared to drill and blast methods. Equipped with advanced cutting technology, these machines can precisely extract the desired material, minimising waste and helping increase productivity.

According to Mike Selover, corporate accounts manager for mining equipment at Vermeer, surface miners are changing the way mines operate. They provide a unique method for extracting materials, allowing miners to select and remove unwanted materials. This process improves the purity of the minerals to a previously unattainable degree.

2. Precision and selective extraction

Surface miners enable precise, selective material extraction. This allows mine planners to target specific ore bodies or minerals. Using GPS control, miners can accurately mine specific seams or layers, minimising dilution and maximising the extracted material quality.

According to Selover, “Selective mining using GPS control can be used to mine specific ore bodies, such as rare earth element seams. By avoiding unnecessary material extraction, mines are able to extract higher-purity products.”

3. Offer flexible mine planning

Surface miners can provide adaptability to changing conditions. These machines can be easily incorporated into existing mining operations, allowing for expansion or adding new pits without additional demands on primary crushers. This flexibility enables mine planners to respond quickly to market demands and optimise production.

“Surface miners are a valuable addition to mining operations, especially in expanding existing mines,” Selover explained. “By integrating surface miners and front-end loaders, mine planners can expand the mine plan without major equipment or infrastructure changes.”

4. Accelerate revenue generation

One unique advantage of including surface miners is the potential for early revenue generation. In situations where primary crusher installation may take significant time, surface miners can start the mining process and generate revenue before the crusher is operational. This early revenue can help offset initial mining operation investment costs.

Selover provided an example, “In Australia, several Vermeer surface miners were commissioned at an iron ore mine that was waiting for the primary crusher to be installed. This allowed the mine to generate revenue early on and recover startup costs before the crusher was operational.”

5. Create economic efficiencies

Surface miners offer significant economic advantages in various aspects of mining operations. They eliminate the costs associated with purchasing, handling, and storing explosives. As a result, less work is required to maintain straight mine walls and smooth haul roads. Additionally, these machines can help reduce the volume of equipment required on-site and the amount of work subcontracted out.

6. Garner community support

Another advantage of using surface miners is that they can help mines become better neighbours to surrounding communities. Traditional drill and blast methods can cause seismic blast shockwaves and dust clouds that may disrupt neighbours and business parks. Surface miners can provide a less disruptive alternative. These machines produce less dust and noise and cause minimal vibration, making them an ideal solution.

Unlocking your mine’s potential

Incorporating surface miners into your mine plan can bring numerous benefits. By adopting this innovative technology, mine planners can optimise their mining operations’ productivity.

"Surface miners bring about a paradigm shift in mining operations, enabling a much more unique approach to material extraction. By incorporating surface miners into a mine plan, companies can unlock a multitude of benefits and stay ahead in the ever-evolving mining industry",Selover concluded.

For more information about how Vermeer surface miners can support your mining operations, contact your local Vermeer dealer.

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.

Vermeer, and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the US and/or other countries.© 2022 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Surface miners can provide adaptability to changing conditions. These machines can be easily incorporated into existing mining operations, allowing for expansion or adding new pits without additional demands on primary crushers. This flexibility enables mine planners to respond quickly to market demands and optimise production

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/special-reports/01042024/6-ways-surface-miners-can-enhance-your-mine-plan/