TECHNOLOGY

ABB Takes Underground Mining to a New Level
ABB hoist systems with the new 8.6-megawatt (MW) motor and drive solutions
provide productivity, energy efficiency and stability to a new level. Mine hoist systems need to be reliable and safe as these key operations move personnel, equipment and ore.
related: ABB hoist system boosts productivity in the worlds largest potash mine

Drying - new technology
n-house research is now concentrating to be energy efficient, need based and split into smaller modules for greater control. “Scientific Design” reports encouraging results in its efforts to develop calcining technology to process ultrafine material and concentrates over the past 18 months and now plans a commercial model next year. The focus is shifting to smaller modules with greater control as well as tackling resource crunch. The research is also focused on separating sulphur while treating acid-water.

SMALL PORTABLE MINING MILL TO PROCESS
COPPER, GOLD AND SILVER

17062008

SEABED MINING
TONGA - Focus shifts to Tonga after Papua New Guinea

Water exploration is the in-thing. "Nautilus" already into "seabed mining" in Papua New Guinea, plans to move its mining ship to Tonga for surveying the confirmed locations for gold, silver and copper in around Tonga's seabed. The focus is expected to shift to the shoreline and minerals versus rubble. "The International Seabed Authority" already seized of the future of seabed mining has already taken steps to regulate prospecting and exploration for mineral resources and in framing the mining code. Water exploration is already active with the dredging off the Coasts of Papua new Guinea, Africa and Tongs for diamonds, phosphate and the subsea off Australia is already under research.
RELATED:
INDIA acquires first seabed mining ship
University of Hawaiis Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, with hired "Kilo Moana' commence surveying Tongan waters.

AUSTRALIA
VACUUM EXCAVATION

In operations like drilling, like Horizontal Directional Drilling, removing sludge for further advance is messy, time consuming and often impede desired progress. The evolving "Vacuum excavation" using pressurized water or air performs non-destructive digging and providing an alternative to conventional excavation methods. These units being compact and easily maneuverable bring in "Safety Infrastructure" and are capable of handling multiple jobs.
More at:
Model
Multiple jobs
Vacuuming
Vacuum Lifter

16012008