Epiroc enhances deep mining support with SDA bolting

Self-drilling anchors with pumpable resin improve ground support reliability in fractured, water-bearing underground conditions.  www.epiroc.com Underground mining, particularly in deep ore extraction and soft rock environments, requires reliable ground support systems to maintain safety and productivity. At the Kemi Mine operated by Outokumpu, new reinforcement methods combining self-drilling anchors (SDA) and pumpable resin are being deployed to address increasingly complex geological conditions. As mining operations extend deeper, including trial areas approaching the 900-meter level, the rock mass at Kemi presents challenges such as low strength, high stress, and water ingress. Fracture zones between legacy surface operations and current underground workings allow water to infiltrate, limiting the effectiveness of traditional cement-grouted cable bolts. In such conditions, cement can be washed out before curing, reducing anchoring reliability. SDA bolting addresses fractured and water-bearing ground To overcome these limitations, Epiroc has implemented a reinforcement method using its Boltec system combined with SDA technology. Unlike conventional bolting, where the drill string is removed before installation, SDA bolts are drilled and installed simultaneously. This eliminates the risk of borehole collapse in unstable or highly fractured rock. Pumpable resin is then injected through the hollow anchor, ensuring full encapsulation along the bolt length—even in voids or irregular formations. This method provides consistent bonding in water-bearing zones where cement-based systems may fail. According to site engineers, this approach enables more predictable installation quality while reducing the need for rework, particularly in challenging geological zones. Faster installation and reduced operational constraints Compared to cement grouting, resin-based bolting significantly reduces installation time. The process does not rely on curing periods and is less sensitive to environmental conditions such as water flow. This contributes to shorter cycle times and improved operational efficiency in deep mining support workflows. Operators also report improved working conditions, as the method eliminates cement dust exposure and simplifies handling in confined underground environments. In swelling or highly fractured rock, resin bolting can stabilize formations more effectively by maintaining consistent bonding under stress. Enabling automation and traceable reinforcement The integration of SDA bolting with Epiroc’s Boltec systems also supports automation in mining operations. Teleremote and auto-bolting capabilities allow reinforcement tasks to continue during shift changes or in hazardous zones, reducing operator exposure. In addition, digital logging of each installation provides traceability, enabling mines to monitor reinforcement quality and ensure compliance with safety standards. This data-driven approach supports long-term planning and maintenance in deep mining environments. Long-term collaboration and technology development The deployment at Kemi mine reflects a long-standing collaboration between Outokumpu and Epiroc, focused on developing ground support technologies tailored to evolving mining conditions. Previous joint developments include cable bolting systems and automated bolting rigs, forming the foundation for current SDA-based solutions. As ore extraction continues deeper and geological complexity increases, such reinforcement technologies play a critical role in maintaining operational continuity. With ore reserves projected to extend beyond 2050, scalable and reliable ground support systems remain essential for sustainable underground mining. By combining self-drilling anchors, pumpable resin, and automated bolting systems, the solution implemented at Kemi mine demonstrates how modern deep mining support can address both safety and productivity requirements in challenging environments. Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI. www.epiroc.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing