Staying on Top of Underground Mining: What is the best recent technical accomplishment at your mine?

The use of remote-capable equipment (LHDs, tramming) is maximized at this operation. The conversion to cemented paste backfill has improved our ground support capabilities while increasing our extractable ore.

The introduction of communication and integrated database technology has improved how we manage. A “leaky feeder” communication system has been active throughout the mine for some time. Piggybacked on this system is an automated air quality monitoring system. This hardware is capable of supporting additional automated packages (i.e., fans, pumps) that are in our plans.

Integrated data management systems (i.e., accounting, warehousing, maintenance, loss control) allow us to manage materials and costs in “real time”. Communication and database systems allow operations to approach “just-in-time” delivery. This includes mine design and scheduling, ore flow from mine to mill, materials delivery, energy management, and direct mine-wide communication between supervision, operators and service personnel.

We take advantage of small, incremental improvements in our standard materials. These small progressive changes improve job safety and increase productivity, while lowering costs. Small changes are as important as the larger changes. — Boyd Timler

Excellent ground support systems that perform well in burst-prone environments — Parviz Farsang