TUNNEL BORING MACHINES

Máquinas de Explotación Minera Continua / Continuous Mining Machines

Surface deposits are becoming a thing of the past. As ore bodies become ever deeper throughout the world, the need for longer access tunnels and for mechanized tunneling methods to excavate them is on the rise. While TBMs have been used in civil works tunnels for many years, their potential in mining applications remains largely untapped. However, with mounting success stories and new technologies, the mining industry is looking to TBMs like never before.

Robbins’ close partnership with the mining industry spans decades, from non-circular prototype machines such as the Mobile Miner to early TBM usage in coal, copper, and gold mines worldwide. While those early machines were successful, modern machines are vastly more powerful and efficient than those tested and used in the 1970s and 1980s.

FASTER ADVANCE RATES

Based on field observations at recent projects, TBMs are capable of much faster advance rates. The advantage becomes clear in tunnels over 2 km in length. TBM advance is typically on the order of two to three times faster than drill & blast. When compared to roadheaders, TBMs are at least ten times faster.

LESS MAINTENANCE AND GROUND SUPPORT

A TBM creates a smooth, round excavation profile compared to the non-uniform profiles created by drill & blast and roadheader operations. This smooth profile reduces the amount of maintenance needed on the finished tunnel, as well as the amount of required ground support during tunnel excavation. If the tunnel is segmentally lined, a minimal amount of maintenance is required.

BETTER AIR QUALITY

Less emissions from equipment associated with tunnel boring results in better air quality in tunnels, and lesser requirements for ventilation.

A SAFER WAY TO EXCAVATE

Tunnel boring machines are capable of installing any type of ground support that can be installed by conventional operations. But unlike conventional operations, TBM operators work from a protected platform, securely away from the excavation face and any potential hazards. TBM tunneling is also done without the use of explosives, making the method fundamentally safer.

EVER EVOLVING DESIGNS

TBMs are becoming ever more mobile and specialized. Robbins is refining designs for TBMs that can bore through curves as small as 45m, making them a logistical tool for complex mine development. Other adaptations, such as explosion proof TBMs, allow for excavation even when gas is present in the tunnel.

GET TO THE ORE FASTER AND EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR MINE:

--Excavate at rates two to three times that of drill & blast operations
--Bore tunnels at rates at least 10 times faster than roadheaders
--Get a smooth-profile tunnel with less required maintenance and ground support
--Use the method with fewer emissions and less required in-tunnel ventilation
--Adopt a safer technology that protects workers from the excavation face and does not require the use of explosives
--New adaptations allow TBMs to bore in gassy tunnels, and to excavate tight curves

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