Eastplats puts Zandfontein underground into motion

Canadian-based Eastern Platinum (Eastplats) has marked the soft start of the underground operations at Zandfontein, part of its flagship Crocodile River mine in the Bushveld complex in northeastern South Africa. CEO Wanjin Yang said crews are now beginning to ramp up underground mining efforts and bring run-of-mine material to the surface. In the second quarter, it is planning to begin…

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Sandvik hammers out the details

Featuring an industry-first curved thread design, Sandvik’s new CT55 and CT67 top hammer tool systems are the most advanced the company has launched. The unique design increases efficiency and reduces cost while saving fuel and simplifying automated drilling in surface bench and underground longhole applications. The new multi-patented, first-of-its-kind curved thread design from Sandvik reduces stress levels by distributing them…

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Bomb attack at Colombian gold mine leaves two dead

A bombing by illegal miners on May 17 at Zijin Mining’s Buriticá gold mine in Colombia killed two people and injured 14. Underground operations at the mine, which is located in the Antioquia province, were suspended following the incident.  “Zijin Mining is deeply shocked and outraged by the attack. We strongly condemn the heinous actions of the criminals and express…

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Epiroc and SSAB expand recycled steel partnership

Epiroc announced that it has become the first in the mining industry to sign a delivery agreement with Swedish steelmaker SSAB for SSAB Zero – fossil carbon emission-free recycled steel produced using sustainable energy sources. The steel will be used in Epiroc’s battery-electric range of underground mine trucks and loaders, set to be introduced as soon as the third quarter…

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Epiroc starts up improvements to Minetruck MT65 S 

Epiroc has added new productivity and reliability levels to its highest-capacity unit, the 65-tonne Minetruck MT65 S. The MT65 S mine truck, designed for large underground operations, with the new upgrades can now offer boosted productivity by up to 18% compared to the previous model. “The close collaboration with our customers has been key during this project development and outcome,”…

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‘Civil disturbance’ ended, workers return to El Bagre

Soma Gold’s El Bagre gold complex in Colombia is now back to operating after a “civil disturbance” caused its workforce to be unable to work safely. Officials said the civil disturbance had left roads leading to the site impassable. Its employees are now gradually returning to work, the company said, and its mining and milling operations will resume soon. The…

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Normet takes on underground scaling with Scamec LC Thor

Normet has launched the Scamec LC Thor, which it said will mark the start of a new era of underground scaling operations, offering safety, ergonomics and efficiency. The brand new unit replaced the company’s globally successful predecessor, the Scamec 2000, and was designed in close collaboration with its customers to combine Normet’s decades-long experience in developing cutting-edge underground equipment with…

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