Mining Equipment: Functions and Operations in Open-Pit Mines
Mining Equipment: Functions and Operations
1. Teams in the Mine Area and Their Functions
Teams in the mine area are ranked by their function:
- Drilling equipment: Drill
- Loading equipment: Electric shovel, hydraulic front loader
- Transport equipment: Haul truck
- Support equipment: Bulldozer, grader, wheeled dozer
- Service equipment: Water truck, fuel truck, lube truck
2. Purpose of a Drilling Rig
A drilling rig’s purpose is to drill in a given area, either for a study of the land or for production.
3. Parts of a Drilling Rig
A drilling rig is divided into the following parts:
- Rotary system
- Main structure (engine room)
- Mast
4. Rotary Drilling Explained
Rotary drilling involves the rapid rotation of a tri-cone cutting tool loaded with a thrust on the ground.
5. Major System Components of a Bulldozer’s Undercarriage
The major components are:
- Tracks
- Idler beams
- Drive wheel
- Propulsion engines
- Upper and lower rollers
- Propulsion machinery
- Idler wheel
- Brake
6. Drilling Tools in the Mast of a Drill
The mast consists of two bars, primary and secondary, followed by the tri-cone, which drills into the ground.
7. Function of a Tri-Cone Drill Bit
A tri-cone is a cutting tool used for drilling.
8. Definition of “Draw” in Drilling Operations
“Draw” is the beginning of the hole, where a point of 1.5 meters in depth should be made to serve as a guide.
9. Definition of “Pull Down”
“Pull down” is a push system that forces the tri-cone down for drilling.
10. Functions of a Mining Truck
A mining truck removes all the planned material (ore and waste) and transfers it to their respective sites.
11. Definition of “Bank” in a Mine
(Missing information in the original text. Further information is needed to answer this question.)
12. Components of a Hydraulic Shovel
A hydraulic shovel consists of:
- Working equipment
- Superstructure
- Crawler frame
- Bucket
- Handle
- Boom
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Cabin
- Counterweight
- Stand
- Diesel tank
- Hydraulic tank
- Fuel tank
13. Turning Degrees for Wheel-Caterpillar System Equipment
Only 15 degrees.
14. Turntable Turning Degrees for Efficient Loading with a Shovel
90 degrees.
15. Movements of a Front Loader During Loading
The movements must be in a V-shape.
16. Example of Tire Cut Information
The information begins with the first letter of the tire brand, followed by the shoulder measurement where the cut is located. It then indicates to which wheel the tire belongs and the side of the cut, which can be on the sidewall.
17. Role of the Handle and Boom in a Shovel
The boom houses the hydraulic hoses that move the handle and the bucket. The boom also supports the handle, and the handle supports the bucket.
18. Signal to Indicate a Truck Operator to Back Up
The loader operator activates the horn twice.
19. Main Components of a Motor Grader
The main components are:
- Drawbar frame
- Front axle
- Moldboard toe
- Moldboard heel
- Circle drawbar
- Scarifier device
20. Number and Types of Brakes on a Haul Truck
A haul truck has five brakes:
- Retarder
- Parking
- Service
- Emergency
21. Parapet Height in Mining
A parapet is a mound of earth, 1.5 to 2 meters tall, that serves as a reference point for the rear of the truck.
22. Function of the DISPATCH System in Mining
DISPATCH is a computer system that controls the dispatching of all loading and haul trucks in an open-pit mine.
23. Functions of a Crawler Dozer in a Mine
A crawler dozer performs the following functions:
- Building on steep slopes (ramps)
- Rending the ground with the ripper
- Dragging material without exceeding the blade’s capacity limit
- Maintaining stable working platforms, keeping a safe distance from slope edges, and not working on berms
24. Functions of a Bulldozer in a Mine
A bulldozer performs the following functions:
- Confirmation and leveling of the work surface, especially shaping and maintenance of tracks
- Sharpening or scarifying
- Maintaining the slope of the cross-section for channeling rainwater on main roads
- Cleaning roadsides
- Working in areas with high vehicular traffic that present problems during periods of rain or snow, due to curves and steep grades
25. Purpose of the Ripper
The ripper removes loose and hard material, and it is used to bend and cut floor gutters.
26. Reason for the Joint in a Wheeled Dozer’s Structure
The joint enables rapid cycling in confined spaces.
27. Wear Items in a Loader Bucket
The wear items are the teeth, inter-teeth segments, wear plates, and shin guards.