Abstract
The concept of Rapid Development, as the name suggests, is the performance of underground mine development with a focus on speed, typically measured in metres of advance in a particular heading (tunnel) over a specific timeframe, normally metres per day. Along with rates of advance, strong consideration is also given to the safety, quality, and cost aspects of the work.
When building a rapid development methodology, all steps in the deveIopment cycle, including drilling, installation of ground support, charging (blasting) and rock removal are analyzed and optimized to create the shortest cycle time possible, thereby maximizing rates of advance.
The element of the cycle which typically receives the most attention is the installation of ground support since there are a multitude of different ground support types and methods of installation available. Selection of a method is dependent on a number of factors including heading dimensions, rock conditions, and availability of equipment and operators. One method of ground support that has gained immense popularity involves bolting with development face jumbos.
Sometimes referred to as the Australian Method, the International Method, “Bolt-Bore” or simply jumbo bolting, bolting with face jumbos has been around for decades but has not been used extensively in North America until recently. It is one of, if not the most, popular method for installation of ground support in Australia, Africa, Asia and other areas. Redpath Americas has used the method extensively in Indonesia and Mongolia for many years. Other Redpath business units, including Redpath Africa and Redpath Australia, use the method almost exclusively.
Redpath introduced the Bolt-Bore method in Canada three years ago. Since implementation, the results achieved with this method have been measured by using short interval controls (SIC) to analyze the benefits, exercise continuous improvement and to achieve proof of concept. Bolt-Bore has quickly become our bolting method of choice.
Risks to worker safety have been eliminated or reduced by using the Bolt-Bore method. However, there have been challenges with fully adopting this method such as mining regulations, mine specific standards, technology, maintenance and cultural buy-in. Throughout the implementation phase of this method in Canada, various trials have taken place to overcome the challenges associated with fully adopting it on our Canadian mine development projects.
In our presentation, we will be sharing the lessons learned throughout our journey towards building a true Rapid Development program in Canada and the large part that Bolt-Bore has played in achieving this. Furthermore, we will share the improvements we have realized in our development performance in terms of safety, rates of advance and the overall effectiveness of the Bolt-Bore method.