KCM launches US$2m drill machine
By Thandizo Banda
KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has commissioned a state-of-the-art Tumi raise boring machine in Chililabombwe.
The model SBM 700SR marks aims to promote safer, more efficient and future-ready underground mining.
KCM acting chief executive officer (CEO) Malcom Mewett said the fully automated machine assured safer, faster and more efficient work than traditional blasting, creating highly stable walls.
“The 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,” Mewett said.
Malcolm said that the machine was operated remotely, keeping personnel away from the dangerous, high-risk area of the shaft opening.
He said the machine could operate efficiently by a single man operator to deliver faster and more consistent progress.
Mewett said the automated equipment set a milestone and the foundation for a series of raise boring projects aimed at unlocking deeper ore bodies, while establishing robust underground access and which was a key part of KCM’s broader transformation agenda to modernise 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,” he said.
The Tumi machine was acquired at a total cost of US$2 million.
At the same event, Tumi chief executive officer Marc Blattner described the equipment as unique as it was fully automated.
He said there would be no challenges or struggles to move the equipment from one place to another as it used crawlers.
