Anglo American and Atlas Copco to Test New Underground Mining Technology

The mining industry continues to push the seams of innovation.

Mining company Anglo American and Swedish mining equipment manufacturer Atlas Copco have reached the proof-of-concept testing stage for a new mining technology that will improve the process of extracting ore from underground hard rock mines. The test trials are scheduled to begin later this year.

The new technology aims to focus on rapid mine development and on making hard rock mining faster and safer. 

"We are looking for a radical transformation of the way we do things and that means taking a fresh approach,” said Head of Anglo American Technology Development Group, Donovan Waller.

"Anglo American believes in seeing how technology can benefit entire systems, not just certain just parts of them. We also believe that the benefits to the industry as a whole can only be realized through openness and collaboration."

Since 2012, the two companies have been working in a research and development partnership to focus on mechanical excavation technology.  If the project is successful, the technology will be added to Anglo American’s FutureSmart™ mining approach.

Atlas Copco underground rock excavation division president Scott Barker said: "We are very proud to be Anglo American's partner in this joint development project and we are excited at the prospect of demonstrating this potential game-changing technology to the mining industry."

The Atlas Copco underground rock excavation division develops, manufactures and markets  a wide range of innovative tunneling and mining equipment for the underground sector.