Barminco approached MineARC Systems to develop a modification to the pre-existing mining Rock Bolt Cutter. MineARC Engineers developed a simple yet highly effective solution to address the common safety concerns associated with cutting cable bolts – the Rock Bolt Cutter Projectile Safety Cap (PSC).
Barminco has successfully utilised the Rock Bolt Cutter for several years, a unit originally engineered to cut rock bolt and threaded rod. Recently, they have experienced a growing requirement for a model capable of cutting cable bolt safely.
New Cap Brings Added Safety to RBC
On Barminco’s suggestion, the clever adaptor, the PSC connects to the end of the standard Rock Bolt waste tube, allowing cable bolts to be cut cleanly and safely within 30 seconds. The simple twist-to-open cap mechanism prevents waste segments from ejecting during operation and allows for quick and easy disposal of cable bolt cuttings.
The safety cap’s extended waste tube will easily accommodate the cable bolt’s average length bolt, eliminating the need to double-cut. Extensive trials of the Rock Bolt Cutter Projectile Safety Cap began at Barminco in February of this year, with positive results.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to work alongside MineARC whereby both parties, Barminco and MineARC, were ultimately aiming for a common goal to make the plating, tensioning and cutting of cable bolts safer and more efficient. From my initial approach and proposal to MineARC to improve the safety of cutting cable bolts which did not require hot work permits, MineARC’s professionalism was resounding from start to finish. We innovatively manufactured a safe, efficient and reliable Rock Bolt Cutter, and special consideration goes to Stefan Partridge and Ed Reynolds. Being part of a team that has delivered a high-quality product which will benefit the whole industry has been very rewarding for both Barminco and MineARC.”
The Rock Bolt Cutter Projectile Safety Cap is planned to be rolled out across Barminco sites and is available as a standard MineARC product.
MineARC is heavily invested in product development, maintaining our position at the leading edge of safe refuge and mine equipment technology. Creating client-specific solutions is our key strength, with some of our best developments driven by customer requests.