Hammer is a solution for unsealed “dynamic” roads that are watered, continually graded and worked hard, as well as permanent surrounding roads.

Hammer achieves results in underground mining applications, which can require specialist solutions due to situational factors such as operating within an enclosed space, increased ventilation and higher evaporation rates.

The Hammer product solution will withstand harsh conditions, is suitable for reactive or non-reactive soil types, and delivers a significant reduction in watering and maintenance requirements while producing standard reductions in road dust generation.

RST has designed Hammer to save water, reduce watering cycles and increase fleet efficiency with minimal upfront implementation costs.

Hammer delivers minimal requirements for unsealed road maintenance programs and produces freight cost savings due to minimal dosage rates.

RST operations and technical director David Handel said the Hammer solution is the latest chemical innovation developed through RST’s ongoing research and development programs.

“Hammer is a hard hitting, dynamic road dust suppressant ideal for underground mining as the solution to operational optimisation challenges,” Handel said.

“Dust suppression for underground mining is more important than ever, with mine operators needing to ensure they provide employees with an environment that is safe to work in.

“RST has responded to client demand and developed Hammer specifically for underground mining application to greatly improve dust control using significantly less water.

“Adding Hammer into the water used to suppress mechanical dust lift-off from surfaces allows for the aggregation of the fine particles, making them larger and heavier to minimise dust lift-off and reduce the height of dust that does lift of.

“Hammer works to compact the road running surface and after continued use helps reduce roll resistance and surface degradation, producing significant savings by reducing the time between repeat watering and road maintenance requirements.

“The Hammer product is environmentally safe, dilutes easily into the water cart, and is applied topically for instant results.

“Hammer is just one of a range of solutions that RST has developed for underground mining.”

A small amount of the Hammer solution is added directly into each load of water being applied to the road surface, and the frequency of applications will reduce with product build up.

Ultra low dosage rates depend on water quality and material types, and RST has a range of dosing pumps available to inject the correct dosage into each water cart.