MACLEAN ENGINEERING: EQUIPPED TO SUPPORT GLOBAL MINING & TUNNELLING OPERATIONS
MacLean Engineering enhances its Ground Support product offerings with the addition of a new Small Section Bolter and line of Shotcrete Vehicles.
MacLean Engineering has long been known
in the global mining industry as a leader in the Ground Support field of
mechanical rock bolting technology. Since its beginnings in 1973, MacLean has produced over 280 Scissor
Bolters. Expanding on its expertise in
Ground Support, MacLean Engineering introduces a new Small Section Bolter (the
MacLean MEM-SSB Small Section Bolter) and a line of Shotcrete Vehicles, which
includes the SS-3 Shotcrete Sprayer and the TM-3 Transmixer.
“MacLean’s mission is to satisfy our
customers’ needs through the design, manufacture and support of the safest and
highest quality mobile equipment solutions possible for the underground
hard-rock mining industry. With the
introduction of the Small Section Bolter, Shotcrete Sprayer and Transmixer, we
are now able to offer our customers a complete solution to Ground Support,”
says Alicia Woods, Sales Director at MacLean Engineering.
The MacLean MEM-SSB Small Section Bolter
is the first of its kind in the mining industry. Its unique lift-arm design equips this
platform-based bolter with superior leveling capabilities offering increased
stabilization and operator safety. The
bolting mast remains on the platform, as on the standard-size Series 900
Scissor Bolter, giving the operator exceptional screen handling and scaling
capabilities. This unique lift-arm
design and platform make the MEM-SSB a much more productive unit as compared to
other boom-based bolters. Designed for a
minimum working heading of 10’ x 10’ (3m x 3m) makes the MEM-SSB ideal for
mines with smaller drift openings and for those wanting to reduce the amount of
waste they mine.
The MacLean MEM-SSB Small Section Bolter
To complement the SSB, in development is
a full line of 6' (1.83 m) wide Specialty Purpose Utility Vehicles
Complementing MacLean’s Ground Support
rock bolting equipment is its new line of Shotcrete vehicles. Advancements in shotcrete equipment
technology, logistics and materials make shotcrete an ever-growing trend in
mining today. The TM-3 Transmixer and
SS-3 Shotcrete Sprayer allow mines to develop underground areas and tunneling
projects quickly and safely using highly flexible and durable ground support
materials.
The MacLean SS-3 Shotcrete Sprayer
optimizes the latest developments in wet shotcrete materials, additives and
spraying processes. The unit accommodates
shotcrete composite up to and including 5/8” aggregates, reinforcing fibers and
accelerator curing agents and is capable of a spray rate of up to 20 cubic
yards per hour (15 m3/hr). The first
MacLean SS-3 was delivered to Canada’s largest operating Gold mine,
Agnico-Eagle’s LaRonde Mine in Quebec, this October. The SS-3 will join a fleet of MacLean
equipment consisting of Boom Trucks, Secondary Breakers, a Scissor Lift and
eleven Series 900 Scissor Bolters.
The MacLean TM-3 Transmixer is capable
of a payload of up to 7.8 cubic yards (6.0 m3). When compared to what the market currently has to offer, this cuts most
delivery trips in half, saving time and money. Standard features, like the low profile reverse tilt drum, make this
hauler easily compatible with any spraying unit. J.S. Redpath Limited purchased the first
Transmixers out of production; two units are now in operation at Barrick Gold
Corporation’s Storm Mine in Nevada.
The MacLean SS-3 Shotcrete Sprayer
Tested at Fisher Wavy's underground tunnel.
"This machine is engineered to function better than
any other machine I've seen,"
said Andrew Wallgren, Operations and Q.C. Manager
Ready Mix/Shotcrete at Fisher Wavy of the SS-3.
The MacLean TM-3 Transmixer
On site at Barrick Gold's Storm Mine, Nevada
The expansion of its Ground Support
equipment line-up was a natural progression for MacLean Engineering. MacLean has observed in their customers a
desire to work in smaller headings and an increase in use of shotcrete, either
alone or combined with traditional bolt and screen methods of ground
support. The new Shotcrete vehicles and
Small Section Bolter together with the proven “MacLean Bolter,” position
MacLean Engineering as a leading supplier of comprehensive Ground Support.