Mechanical Mining

The Earth Mechanics Institute (EMI) at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) has been performing basic and applied research and engineering for all types of excavation systems for more than 30 years. The body of knowledge acquired over this time period has allowed EMI to develop methods, which have been verified by field data, to optimally design mechanical mining machines, support equipment, and operations.

CURRENT TESTING, DESIGN, AND ENGINEERING PROGRAMS FOR MECHANICAL MINING:

• Physical Property Testing
• Borehole Evaluation/Analysis
• Rock Mass Classifications
• Full Scale Cutter and Cutterhead Laboratory Testing for preferred cutter selection, optimum cutting geometry and machine specifications (thrust and power)
• Selection of Machine Type
• Cutterhead Layout and Balancing for Production Optimization
• Performance Predictions for penetration rates, system utilization, and advance rates
• Cutter Cost Estimates
• Overall Project Costs and Completion Schedules

MECHANICAL MINING PROJECTS:

• Mini-Disc Equipped Roadheader Technology for Hard Rock Mining
• A New Concept For Selective Mechanical Mining of Hard Rock
• Frustum Bit Technology for Continuous Miner and Roadheader Applications
• Design Methodology, Field Testing and Evaluation of a Continuous Miner Cutterhead for Dust Reduction in Underground Coal Mines