Konkola Copper Mines -KCM has commissioned the first ever state of the art Tumi raise boring machine, model SBM 700SR for Konkola Mine in Chililabombwe, marking a major milestone in the company’s journey towards safer, more efficient, and future-ready underground mining.
Raise boring is a mechanical excavation technique used to create precise vertical or inclined shafts between underground levels, without the need for blasting. It is widely regarded for its safety, speed, and efficiency.
KCM Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Malcolm Mewett said the fully automated machine assures safer, faster, and more efficient works than traditional blasting, creating high stable high – quality walls.
It is exciting to note that the operator controls the machine remotely ,keeping personnel away from the dangerous ,high-risk area of the shaft opening and the machine can operate efficiently often with “one man” man operation to deliver faster and more consistent progress Mr Mewett said.
Mr. Mewett emphasized that the automated equipment sets a milestone and the foundation for a series of raise boring projects aimed at unlocking deeper ore bodies, establishing robust underground access and is a key part of KCM’s broader transformation agenda to modernize its mining operations, reduce environmental impact, and drive long-term growth.
“Raise boring in any mine is critical. The reason we use raise boring is for escape routes in case of emergencies, ore material movement and importantly – ventilation for our people. for KCM all of those operations will be useful for us as we grow this mine into the future,” said Chief Operating Officer, Malcolm Mewett.
The TUMI state-of-the-art raise boring machine was acquired at a cost of US$2 million.
At the same event Tumi Chief Executive Officer, Marc Blattner said the equipment is unique because it is fully automated.
Mr Blatter explained that struggles of transporting the equipment from one place to another is no more because the latest equipment uses crawlers.
Zambia: KONKOLA COPPER MINES COMMISSIONS FIRST EVER STATE OF THE ART TUMI RAISE BORE MACHINE
