Skip to main content

The AusIMM office is closed for the end of year break until Monday 6 January 2025. Please note members can pay their renewals online at ausimm.com/renew, and hardcopy publication orders will be processed on our return. We wish you a safe and happy festive season.

Conference Proceedings

Seventh International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016)

Conference Proceedings

Seventh International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016)

PDF Add to cart

New Continuous Production System in Block Cave Mining - the Rock Flow System

At the last MassMin Conference in Sudbury, Caterpillar's vision of a continuous mining concept for block caving operations was presented on the background of global raw material demand and its continuous increase. By analysing today's structure of mining processes in block caving, the paper (Krings, Steinberg and Frenzel, 2012) highlighted the main bottlenecks in the process chain and identified conceptual solutions by help of a case study. The main focus was the paradigm shift from discontinuous batch type operation to a continuous mining process of the blocks.In 2016, the strategic vision has taken major strides forwards and remote continuous operation has become a reality. Caterpillar's continuous operation system - the Rock Flow system - was successfully installed in Codelco's Andina mine and start of operation is scheduled in the first half of 2016.Based on continuous product developments, this paper sets the focus on two main aspects of continuous mining. First, field experiences of the Rock Flow system will be shared, highlighting the Andina project course from system installation, to commissioning and successful system start. The second aspect concentrates on the system and mine layout as discussed in the case study scenario in MassMin 2012 (Krings, Steinberg and Frenzel, 2012).Based on Caterpillar`s continuous product development, the Rock Flow system set-up and panel design were modified for a general roadway design and drawpoint layout. The new design allows an optimised use in block preparation phase (spreading) and full production phase (reaping), operating a fleet of load-haul-dumps (LHDs) and Rock Flow systems. The combined use of the two technologies optimises the mining process in every stage of block life and significantly increases the performance of the continuous block caving operation in the production panel to pave the road for the next generation of super caves.CITATION:Frenzel, M, 2016. New continuous production system in block cave mining - the rock flow system, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 543-548 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).
Return to parent product
  • New Continuous Production System in Block Cave Mining - the Rock Flow System
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • New Continuous Production System in Block Cave Mining - the Rock Flow System
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2016
  • PDF Size: 1.328 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P201602057

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.