Improving the yield with no explosions or damaging vibrations.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to mine the precious raw materials buried in the earth. In what way can surface mining offer solutions to this problem? What are its applications? What advantages does surface mining offer in comparison to conventional mining methods?

Mechanical mining of useful minerals

There is a growing demand in mineral mining for mining methods that are more economically efficient and more environmentally compatible at the same time. Mechanical mining of useful minerals using surface miners is therefore constantly gaining in importance. The method is applied in newly developed open-cast mine areas or expansions of existing open-cast mines, as well as in rock construction for precise levelling under space-restricted conditions.

Selective mining of useful minerals

Increasingly difficult geological conditions result in lower contents of useful minerals both in existing and newly developed mineral deposits. Surface mining increases the exploitation rate of mineral deposits, because it enables the minerals to be mined in a selective operation. Selective mining produces a high yield of useful minerals of high purity, while saving natural resources at the same time. Mineral deposits can be exploited right up to the peripheral areas of the mine.

Cut, crush and load in one single operation

The operating method of surface miners resembles that of cold milling machines. A special cutting drum cuts and crushes the material before it is loaded on dumpers via a robust conveyor system. The material can alternatively be deposited as a windrow between the miner’s crawler tracks – an option that enables surface miners to not only save time but costs and energy as well.

No strains through damaging vibrations

The raw mineral materials are mined by cutting, not by drilling and blasting, which prevents damaging vibrations in the immediate vicinity of the mining site.

Environmentally compatible mining method

The low levels of noise and dust developing during the mining operation are yet another mark in favour when compared to conventional drilling and blasting methods. Surface mining permits useful minerals to be mined effectively and without difficulty right up to residential areas or roads.

Increased efficiency

Surface miners cut and crush the minerals to be mined, producing small-sized material that is ideal for profitable processing, because it requires only minor additional treatment. Mining bauxite, phosphate, kimberlite or salt becomes increasingly profitable, and surface miners are capable of mining even hard lime or granite rock of up to 260 MPa without the need for drilling and blasting.