COLLINGWOOD, Ontario – Don MacLean, who founded MacLean Engineering in 1973, is being internationally recognized as a pioneer in the mining technology field, underground category. He was honoured at the inaugural 2014 International Mining Technology Hall of Fame awards held in Salt Lake City, UT. Experts and leaders in the fields of exploration, mining and processing voted for the winners who then received accolades at a gala dinner on Feb. 22 2014.
MacLean developed drawpoint obstruction clearance machines for block caving rigs, including Blockhole jumbos in the late 1970s. It was a simple concept that revolutionized underground bulk mining.
He also spearheaded the invention of high reach and medium reach rigs in the 1990s and the Ro-Bust. These rigs helped operators break drawpoint boulders below the brow by utilizing high pressure water impulses. This technique licensed a technology from South Africa munitions manufacturer Denel.
As a technical innovator, MacLean’s vision and willingness to create and adapt new technologies not only drove his company’s success in the international market, but greatly influenced the underground mining equipment scene.
His son and company president Kevin MacLean said, "Although it is Don’s name on the award and the company, there are so many people that have contributed not only to the Blockholer line, but to the company as a whole. Don did not do this alone and he and I would both like to recognize all of those people who have contributed to the quality of MacLean products over the last 40 years.”
The MacLean product line includes equipment ranging from ground support and ore flow facilitation to the complete Mine-Mate™ series of utility vehicles. See them all at MacLeanEngineering.com.
Comments