NEWS

The Rambor AFC Mounted Longwall Face Drill

Australian Mining Prospects AwardInnovative Mining Solutions Category 2010

Highly Commended – Rambor for the AFC Mounted Longwall Face Drill

The Longwall take-off operation presents many challenges for the underground coal mining industry with significant safety and economic risks. For the Centennial Coal operated Springvale Mine situated near Lithgow NSW, there is an added challenge; with some of the most difficult roof conditions of any coalmine in Australia.

The Rambor designed and manufactured AFC mounted Longwall Face Drill is an innovative Australian Engineering solution to the problem of quickly and safely providing strata support to the Longwall Face during a difficult take-off.

Springvale Mine’s use of this equipment during their April 2010 take-off, achieved a dramatic reduction in time for this “down time” operation (from usually more than a week, to under 6 shifts)  so increasing production output and profitability.

This solution has been achieved by:

  • Application of ‘hand held’ roofbolter technology to develop a Longwall Face Drill rig that is quicker and easier to transport than conventional hydraulic rigs.
  • Designed to be totally pneumatically powered so more flexible, simpler to set up and use.
  • Engineered to be mounted on the Armoured Face Conveyor (AFC) so can be operated with all Operators on the safer, chock side of the spill tray.
  • Evolution of the unique Hilti ‘OneStep’ self drilling rock anchor system.

To find out more about this product and other specialist strata support equipment designed by Rambor, please contact:  sales@rambor com.au