Mine operators continually seek process innovation over the mine lifecycle to deliver measured value, balancing requirements for increased productivity, whilst ensuring safety, quality and cost containment. They, therefore, require supplier companies that can provide cutting edge, technically – and technologically – innovative solutions across a range of mine applications.
AROA’s understanding of the industry, and core focus on developing, and continually refining, quality product through investing in rigorous testing, research and development ensures that our range of FRP products provides a real alternative for mine operators seeking technically advanced, cost effective, high quality, efficient and safe reinforcement solutions.
Working with existing technology and backed by our dedicated R&D team, we can develop, enhance and optimise FRP profile solutions to suit the geological conditions and requirements unique to your mine environment to ensure superior structural support.
Support over the mine lifecycle
Use of AROA’s non-corrosive FRP stabilisation product can assist miners in managing ‘whole of life’ costs, from initial mine feasibility planning, to active mine operation and through to eventual mine closure.
Planning for mine closure, for example, forms an integral part in undertaking initial mine feasibility studies, with varying Federal and State Government legislative requirements and regulatory guidelines impacting the extent of activities and remediation involved. Typically, a large part of the expense of mine closure involves the reinspection of all steel reinforcements from previous works, and implementation of remedial action where required.
Use of the non-corrosive, and permanent, AROA FRP product, however, from mine start-up means that there should be significantly less need to inspect and replace supports to comply with closure standards, in turn reducing overall cost.
Know your FRP support
There are two critical measures in judging the performance quality of varying rib dowel* (bolts, anchors, dowels) support systems.
Encapsulation The dowel's extent of encasing and mixing of the enclosed resin capsule. Full encapsulation of bolts dramatically improves support stiffness.
Torque Strength The dowel's shear strength and resistance to twisting (torque) when penetrating the mine wall. Higher torque strength means less chance of breakage on bolt installation. The tensile strength, shear strength and resistance to twisting (torque) when penetrating the mine wall. Higher torque strength means less chance of breakage on dowel installation.
Superior encapsulation + Superior torque strength = more efficient installation, less re-work required and, ultimately, lower cost.
Not all Dowels are Created Equal
With the use of FRP technology reaching maturation in Australia and other world markets, the industry has seen entry of a number of new suppliers of rib bolt systems, with product of varying standards. A lack of adequate regulation and standards equivalence enhances the risk of suboptimal product, with resultant rib dowel failure.
Download our guide to understanding common issues in rock bolting.