Sunburst PCF (Penetrating Cone Fracture) technology has recently
undergone extensive underground field trials at Leinster Nickel
Operations, Western Australia. Trials with the Sunburst machine started in
September 1994 and continued through to December 1994 during which
approximately 130 metres of tunnel were developed. The Sunburst
technology was used to excavate sub-levels through ultramafic nickel ore
for future sub-level caving operations at the Perseverance nickel mine. The Sunburst machine demonstrated reasonable instantaneous advance
rates, however, there are still a number of future developments/design
changes which need to be addressed prior to the PCF technology being
trialed again in a production environment. This paper benchmarks
conventional drill and blast at Leinster against the Sunburst Excavator
machine performance within similar tunnel dimensions and rock
conditions. In addition to productivity and cost information;
environmental considerations, support and labour requirements are also
discussed. Problems with the current machine design are highlighted and
possible future design changes are suggested. The Sunburst machine could be a suitable technology for advancing
development through weak to moderate rock conditions and may also
reduce overall support costs. With the potential for automation and the
ability to reduce rock damage into the development tunnel walls, it is
proposed that the Sunburst machine warrants further consideration.