By Ian Follington of Cutting Edge Technology, Australia, and Ron Deeter and Doug Share of the BryDet Development Corporation, US.
A collaborative project between the BryDet Development Corporation, Eskom and Brisbane-based, Cutting Edge Technology to develop and demonstrate an underground auger mining system culminated in the prototype BryDet BUA 600 starting trials in March 2000 at the Matla Mine near Witbank in South Africa.
The initial trials were undertaken in a box cut to better facilitate the commissioning and training associated with a prototype mining machine. A total of 30 holes were augered in the box cut before the machine moved underground.
The target depth of 80m was achieved for the first time in only the third hole drilled. The period of activity in the box cut was used to familarise the operating crew with the prototype equipment as well as to commission the system and check basic functions and controls.
The prototype auger passed all of these checks without out any major problems.
Following the successful initial surface trials the machine was moved into an underground roadway driven from the box cut. The prototype machine continued to perform well in the underground environment and the operators soon adjusted to the differing operational conditions.
The prototype machine proved itself to be able to auger coal, handle augers flights and manoeuvre effectively within the physical constraints of the roadway.
The prototype BUA 600 is continuing to undergo extended trials at Matla Mine as operational techniques and operator skills are refined.
