January 2003

High pressure water pump used for waterjet scaler.


Waterjet scaler in use.

Waterjet Technology is Cutting Costs

MIRARCO's Centre for Mining Technology (CMT) recently investigated the applicability of water jet scaling for underground hard rock drift development. Placer Dome, Inco Limited and Falconbridge Limited sponsored this project. The ultimate aim was to determine if water jet scaling together with a modified support strategy could increase drift development rates. This may lead to reduced development costs per metre and more importantly quicker access to ore reserves.

This investigation revealed that a variety of scaling methods are used across the industry. Preliminary results show that water jet scaling technology plus liner support potentially increases drift development rates in two ways:

• it reduces the time required to scale loose material in the drift development cycle
• the water jet scaler leaves a clean drift surface for the liner support to adhere to, whilst allowing the installation of support earlier in the drift cycle

The trial produced a considerable amount of information regarding the performance of a water jet scaler for rapid drift development. Additional water jet scaling tests underground are planned for later this year.

For more information about the Centre for Mining Technology, visit www.mirarco.org

Looking to Further Your Education?

MIRARCO and Laurentian University's School of Engineering are actively recruiting students for the Masters of Applied Science and Engineering programs. With some of the most state-of-the-art technology, world renowned professors, and highly competitive financial rewards, MIRARCO and Laurentian University offer a great opportunity for students to expand their knowledge base.

For more information on Graduate Studies at MIRARCO and Laurentian University please visit www.mirarco.org.

Schedule Ahead :

2003 Engineering Seminar Series:

Once again, MIRARCO, in association with Laurentian University's School of Engineering, will be hosting the Engineering Seminar Series. This will comprise of lectures, from a select group of professionals and graduate students, on current topics in mining. The seminars are run on Mondays at 4:30, in room F228 (Fraser Building), on the Laurentian University Campus.

For more details on the Engineering Seminar Series please visit www.mirarco.org.

MIRARCO - Mining Innovation
Laurentian University
Willet Green Miller Centre
933 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 6B5
Ph: (705) 675-1151 x 5075

For more information about MIRARCO and its research centres please visit

www.mirarco.org