Abstract
In underground mining operations around the world, raise boring machines and roadheaders are common tools of the trade. But they come with limitations: As the geology becomes harder and the face or raise diameter becomes larger, these types of equipment become less and less economical. Specifically, the effects on advance rate and tooling costs begin to limit where these technologies can be applied. These issues are especially notable in longer raises or tunnels. In addition, there are limited ways to install ground support in challenging rock conditions.
In this paper, we will look at new technologies that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in hard rock at larger tunnel or raise diameters, including new tunneling and modular box hole boring machines. These and other machine setups offer the possibility to make long distance, large diameter boring in challenging hard rock an efficient process.