04 October 2022

New machine confirms commitment for boosting mine production and longevity

Leading Australian mining services group Metarock, through its PYBAR Mining Services, has taken delivery of a new Elphinstone Agitator, one of around 15 machines operating on sites throughout Australasia.   The agitator is a purpose built 10m3 platform, specific for underground applications: a new ground-up design for miners who need high-volume and efficient concrete transport underground.  PYBAR mining services maintenance manager Adam Croker said together with AIC, the machine was procured from Hastings Deering for operations at the Eloise Copper Mine near Cloncurry in North West Queensland.

Metarock provides a diverse range of services and products to underground operations across the country including contracting services to AIC.  The plant purchase provides further confidence in the increased production and mine life for Eloise’s, making good on a commitment by AIC, upon purchase, to invest in new equipment and maintenance to improve operational reliability.

Last week AIC managing director Aaron Colleran released results indicating potential for a 60% boost in production in the mine and that ongoing exploration would extend the mine life well beyond 2030.  Since commencing production in 1996, Eloise has produced approximately 353,000 tonnes of copper and 174,000 tonnes of gold. Mr Croker said the state-of-the-art machinery reduced mine congestion, operating costs, and environmental impact.  “We were looking for a lot more reliability in the mine,” he said. “It’s a very deep mine therefore you need reliability in equipment for that duty cycle which the equipment operates within. 

The agitator was selected for its suitability in terms of capacity and reliability in long tram applications. 

“The agitator is used to deliver a strengthened concrete mixture to the shotcrete spraying equipment which in turn sprays this on the walls and roof for additional support of the ground.  “Obviously long-term reliability of equipment is important for us, with emissions reductions also now becoming far more prevalent in what we look at, and how we deal with that, in our mines.  “The Caterpillar equipment is extremely reliable and predictable making it a lot more effective for us to know what we can expect out of equipment. There’s consistency across all our operations, whatever site our machine is on, our fitters know what they're working on and are familiar and comfortable with that machinery. “The reliability of supply chain with Hastings Deering is also extremely important. This was proven throughout COVID, and with this new age we have been working in, they have one of the most reliable supply chains.” Hastings Deering resource industries manager Brad Scholz said the agitator specialised in the bulk transport of concrete to backfill voids, continuous pours and construction. 

Mr Scholz said large mines and high-production requirements meant miners needed high-productivity solutions where a single machine could replace multiple machines in the same application.

“The engine, and associated powertrain, provide haulage speeds on grade equivalent to production equipment,” he said. “This ensures the haulage fleet is not held up by the support equipment travelling in the mine, resulting in increased productivity across the mining fleet and safety of the operator.

“Adding to that the agitator bowl has a guaranteed maximum capacity of 10m³, mixing wet or dry products with variable speed control.”