A review of hard-rock cutting equipment technology development at Anglo American and Anglo Platinum

摘要

This paper reviews the progress of several technology development projects in the area ofhard-rock cutting currently under way at Anglo American and Anglo American Platinum.A historical and current overview of hard-rock cutting technology worldwide arepresented, followed by a discussion of the areas of application in hard rock, the limitationsof cutting technology, and operating requirements of the equipment. Some success andfailures and their main causes are mentioned. A brief review of hard-rock cuttingtechnology piloted at Anglo American is presented, together with the main areas ofapplication and reasons for selection.The reasons for difficulties in implementing the innovative technology in the miningindustry, as well as the importance of designing a dedicated mining layout for the selectedcutting technology, are also covered. Finally, how the equipment selection fits into thecreation of a new, hard-rock cutting mining system is discussed.