Advanced Bolting for Harsh Underground Conditions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions continues innovation in underground mining with a new pumpable resin system. This technology improves bolting speed and enhances safety across harsh and complex underground operations.The system integrates with DS412i and DS412iE bolters, and is available for DS512i via custom order. The system suits the dynamic and evolving needs of modern Australian mines operating in challenging geological conditions. By addressing common pain points, Sandvik delivers higher productivity with safer, faster bolting solutions. Improving bolting operations directly impacts project timelines and workforce safety, critical factors in modern mine development.
Integration with Ground Support Products
The resin system is fully compatible with Sandvik’s advanced ground support tools, including the DSI hollow bar system. This system combines flushing, drilling, grouting, and anchoring into one efficient sequence for streamlined performance. The mineral bolt pumpable resin provides firm mechanical bolt anchoring directly inside the borehole. The combined use of self-drilling bolts and resin technologies ensures a tight, dependable ground support system. These features make the solution ideal for deep, unstable, or high-pressure underground mining environments. It reduces reliance on multiple machines and tools, simplifying site logistics and reducing overall operational complexity.
Controlled Resin Flow and Onboard Monitoring
A key highlight is the resin system’s fully enclosed mixing and pumping unit, which prevents chemical exposure. All operations are monitored via the operator display, improving control and reducing the likelihood of error. Two resin flow metres supervise volume consistency, ensuring the resin is pumped with precision into each borehole. Mixing ratios and resin quantities are automatically managed based on system settings for maximum efficiency. This reduces resin waste, cuts operating time, and contributes to a cleaner underground working environment. By minimising human error, Sandvik also addresses a major cause of operational delays and inconsistencies underground.
Vacuum-assisted resin flow monitoring using FBG sensors for composite fabrication analysis.
Resin Efficiency Enables Faster Cycle Times
The resin system includes a large onboard capacity, which significantly reduces downtime caused by frequent refills. With adjustable and fast curing times, operators can re-enter recently supported ground more quickly and safely. This advancement shortens the overall bolting cycle and speeds up mine development processes. Time saved during bolting can now be redirected towards production activities, improving resource extraction rates. As Australian miners push for efficiency gains, such innovations become key productivity drivers. More efficient bolting operations support continuous mining, reducing gaps between development and production phases.
Field Testing Delivers Strong Results
Field testing took place at a Sandvik customer site in Spain, where the new resin system was evaluated rigorously. Despite tough rock conditions, the system achieved a 95 per cent success rate in pull-out resistance tests. These outcomes were credited to the DS412iE battery-electric bolter paired with self-drilling bolts. The resin’s superior bonding capability ensures reliable anchoring, enhancing structural stability in difficult terrain. Field validation proves the resin system’s viability for wide-scale use in complex underground settings. Consistent test outcomes across various rock formations support the system’s global deployment across diverse mining geographies.
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A Step Forward in Mining Automation
The resin system fully supports automated sequences, including self-drilling and one-bolt installations. These features reduce the need for manual labour, enhancing both safety and productivity in bolting operations. The DS412i series aligns with global trends in electric and digitally controlled underground mining equipment. Sandvik’s dedication to safety, sustainability, and automation makes this resin system a significant milestone. It further strengthens Sandvik’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge underground mining solutions. Automation in bolting is no longer a future concept but an essential present-day requirement across Australian underground operations.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
Sandvik’s pumpable resin system is part of a broader strategy to deliver smarter, safer mining technologies. Its successful deployment can encourage other mining OEMs to pursue similar improvements in rock support systems. The Australian underground sector, known for adopting early innovations, is expected to benefit significantly. As underground mines go deeper, the need for robust, efficient support systems becomes more urgent and business-critical. By reducing chemical handling, speeding up installation and minimising rework, this solution enhances environmental and safety outcomes. Wider adoption of the DS412i platform and its resin system will support global benchmarks in sustainable underground mining. With growing demand for efficient and safe rock support, Sandvik’s latest development ensures miners can operate confidently. The pumpable resin system offers fast, automated, and safe bolting that meets the high standards of modern operations. As resource projects expand in complexity, such solutions will be crucial in delivering long-term performance underground.
