THE CHALLENGE

NRCan CAN HELP

CANMET-MMSL has established a team of specialists in mechanical, mining, electrical, computer applications and electronic engineering. We work with the mining industry to enhance health and safety in underground mining operations, facilitate mechanization and automation, improve mine profitability, and provide sound science to Canadian regulatory agencies. Of particular importance are mechanization and automation in narrow-vein mines, and addressing the needs of deep mining operations. The CANMET-MMSL Experimental Mine in Val-d’Or, Quebec, provides unique underground and surface industrial-scale facilities to develop and improve underground mining equipment and systems.

EXPERTISE

CANMET-MMSL has developed a range of expertise through R&D; activities:

Equipment modelling and development

• Design and development of equipment to improve miner health and safety including ambient noise abatement, miner locating device and vibration reduction
• Standardized performance evaluation systems for drilling equipment and accessories
• Instrumentation, data acquisition and experimental procedures to evaluate and adapt mining equipment

Mining methods and systems

• Water hydraulic systems
• Design, adaptation and testing of new mining systems for Canadian operations
• Non-explosive techniques for rock fragmentation

Programmable controllers for underground systems and location of equipment

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS

• In collaboration with Canadian mining companies and a manufacturer, CANMET-MMSL has developed a hydraulic rockdrill, the CANDRILL. CANMET-MMSL served as the project leader and participated in improving the performance and ergonomics, as well as testing of the rockdrill at the CANMET-MMSL Experimental Mine in Val-d’Or. This project has successfully produced a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient rockdrill that also increases productivity.
• In cooperation with the Fuelcell Propulsion Institute, CANMET-MMSL has initiated a North American research consortium to develop the application of fuel cells to underground mine production vehicles. The objective is to eliminate the emissions of diesel fumes underground. CANMET-MMSL is responsible for organizing the Canadian portion of the project and to provide specifications and do the evaluation. The first worldwide fuel cell-powered locomotive has been evaluated and demonstrated at the CANMET-MMSL Experimental Mine in Val-d’Or and at an Ontario operation.
  
  
• A new project is now underway to develop the first fuel cell propelled loader.