Sandvik has announced the next generation MB672 bolter miner, which features the latest technology to increase productivity, improve safety and ergonomics as well as reduce total cost of ownership.
Building on the field-proven reliability of Sandvik MB670-1, the upgraded Sandvik MB672 is purpose-engineered for longwall mining operations.
“Sandvik pioneered the bolter miner concept more than 30 years ago, and we continue to strengthen our market-leading position with more than 500 bolter miners delivered to our customers around the globe,” said Uwe Restner, Vice President Product Line Management Underground Continuous Mining at Sandvik Mining.
“The new Sandvik MB672 bolter miner is setting a new benchmark in bolting automation to accelerate mining and pave the way for future autonomous machine operation.”
As underground coal mining embraces automation and digitalization to enhance safety and efficiency, Sandvik is advancing bolting technology with solutions designed to automate the bolting process.
Cutronic, the fully automated cutting cycle, enables consistent, faster and more accurate advancement. This helps to significantly reduce panel development time in stable ground conditions. Cutronic not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces wear and tear on Sandvik MB672, extending its service life and reducing its operational costs.
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The machine, which features an optimized, ergonomic operator platform, is available in both high and low operational configurations, each designed to meet specific operational needs.
Building on a long-established innovative sump frame mechanism that integrates cutting and bolting to enable simultaneous material cutting and ground support installation, Sandvik has now taken the next step toward bolting automation, advancing mining productivity while significantly improving operator safety.
Sandvik bolter miners simultaneously cut, support, gather material and convey it into vehicle-based or continuous haulage systems. Combined with a comprehensive parts and service offering, this helps customers remove risk from their operations. Highly trained experts and engineers from Sandvik provide the right parts and services for nonstop operation, low operating costs and long service life.
Fast cable anchor
Sandvik Mining also introduced a new fast cable anchor, providing an innovative design for rapid development.
This newest addition to Sandvik’s extensive portfolio of ground support solutions increases cable bolting productivity in hard rock mining.
A tool-less connection to the cable enables the use of bulk cables, allowing for fast mechanical installation with Sandvik cable bolters. Even manual installation becomes more efficient, as every step of the bolting processes, from drilling to plating and tensioning, can be done directly in succession.
As well, there is no need to wait for the grout to cure, as the tensioning can begin immediately after anchor insertion.
“With typical curing times of at least 12 hours and an average waiting time of 24 hours before tensioning, our innovative new design can reduce re-entry time by as much as a full day,” said Jamie Wang, Research & Development Engineer – Bolting at Sandvik Mining.
In addition, the new fast cable anchor also enhances safety in mining operations. The anchor engages securely with the rock wall of the borehole, providing additional installation stability. During the installation process, the anchor will push the grout even in the smallest cavities and gaps.
