Citation

Ghosh Hazra GS, Verma SK. J. Mines Met. Fuels 2006; 54(12): 341-.

Affiliation

Uranium Corporation of IndiaLtd, Turamdih Mine, Jharkhand State

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Indian Mine Managers' Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Proper support system is the backbone of any mining industry. Since the inception of ancient mining, support system exists. In underground metal mines the system gradually improved with the gradual evolution of new technology. Rock mechanics study and experience helped in development of new support systems in mines. Based on different methods of mining, support system also varies. Various types of supports are used e.g. leaving large in-situ pillars, erecting wooden chock/nates, props/stulls, steel support, concrete arching, shotcreting and rock bolts. The rock bolting technology expanded its horizon very fast. Wedge type, grouted type and many experiments have been done with the resins and other quick setting chemicals. The method of fixing rock bolts also plays vital role in the supporting of exposed rock and safety of workmen. Grouting of rock bolts manually takes long time and is very arduous in operation. So it was felt that the mechanization of bolting operation was a necessity. With this objective, a mechanized system of rock bolting with grouting has been introduced for the first time in an underground mine in India with success. This system is fast, efficient and safe as the workmen are not exposed to the freshly developed rock. This paper deals with various supporting systems in underground metal mines in brief along with the details of adaptation of mechanized rock bolting with Boltec equipment which has been purchased from Atlas Copco, Sweden. The paper highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the system, problems faced during adaptation of Boltec equipment in Turamdih mines of Uranium Corporation of India limited as a case study.