Global pressure for both metals and minerals has the mining industry experiencing an unprecedented adoption of innovative tools and methods to increase both safety and production. This constant pressure to adapt has in many cases been met with some resistance. One commonly misunderstood innovation is the important role that dedicated mechanized scaling equipment plays in reducing fatalities and increasing production. Many traditionalist still see mechanized scaling as a ‘nice to have’ alternative to such methods as hand scaling. Let’s review the mining work cycle to see if there are hidden costs of not using mechanized scaling equipment like BTI’s Mobile Scalers.

Beginning with Drilling, holes of a specific bore and depth are drilled in preparation of ‘Loading’, which is the filling of explosives (ANFO, emulsion or other). The Shot or detonation of the explosives is followed by the mucking out or hauling of shot materials to the draw points.

At this point there is invariably oversized material too large either for the scoop tram or the grizzly opening at the draw point. With BTI’s Mobile Rock Breaker System, much of this oversized can be broken in place, eliminating the need for the redundant steps of hauling away oversize, secondary drilling, secondary blasting and check and then subsequent mucking out. Usually, this can only be done at the end of the shift to avoid accidental injury to men or machines. The time savings and production gains due to the fact that the extra steps are eliminated make this piece of production equipment very valuable.

Using a dedicated scaler in your mining cycle more than justifies it’s cost. The true value is in the added safety it provides to operators during the scaling process, and peace of mind to other personnel, assuring that the area has been thoroughly scaled of loose rock. The operator is fully protected from falling rocks inside a certified ROPS/FOPS cabin.