Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
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Reduced commodity prices (particularly for gold) have taken its toll on produc- ers, specifically companies that work higher-cost narrow-vein operations. Due to this struggle, Fletcher saw the necessity of developing machines to aid in reliev- ing these operating burdens. Specifically, the need for narrow-vein deposit min- ing equipment to provide producers with a lower delution rate. Fletcher's main focus was to provide a piece of equipment that would improve productivity and reduce the physicality of hand drilling and mucking in tight spaces. J.H. Fletcher & Co. Vice President of Sales, Ben Hardman said, "Our aim is to get operators off the muck pile, and to mechanize the installation of roof support with a narrow vein machine—to get rid of as much of the 'grunt' work as possible." Hardman added, "It's a two pronged approach: making working conditions safer for the mining workforce, and getting better productivity by using specialist machines." The machine is designed with diesel tram and electric drilling, with inch tram from drill platform. The machine is supplied with rubber tires, articulating carri- er, and a single boom with a mounted lifting operator platform. The machine designed for use in headings from 2.4-m (8 ft) wide is now oper- ating at a western United States mine. Similar machines are being used to install side support in narrow headings and stopes in steeply dipping formations. The drill unit can reach a maximum height of 4.4 m (14 ft. 6 in.), which eliminates the need for stope backfilling before roof support can be installed. With an articulating chas- sis, the machine can negotiate turns with as little as 2.5 m (8 ft. 3 in.) inside radius. This ability alone saves valuable time, as well as reducing exposure to addi- tional shifts and trip accidents associated with a muck pile or drilling pad. Basket swing allows parallel offset, and also aids in maneuvering around tight corners Drilling, resin insertion and bolting can all be performed from the operator's bas- ket, which is mounted on a boom that lifts and swings to allow multiple installa- tions. Canopies provide additional protection to the operator in both driving and bas- ket-work positions. The machine was designed to allow access to tram compartment and drill platform from both sides of machine, allowing the operator to position the machine as they see fit, due to the irregular characteristics of slope mining. If this machine would be useful in your application, or if your mine has unique conditions, please contact Ben Hardman or Billy Goad at J.H. Fletcher & Co. COMPANY PROFILE-PAID ADVERTISEMENT J.H. Fletcher & Co. 20 E&MJ; • DECEMBER 2015 www.e-mj.com