UNDERGROUND

Enter the Avatel

IT IS a pretty simple idea, mechanise development face process underground so no workers have to be in the danger zone ahead of the development tools. Despite the complexities this entails, a commercial machine that does just that is on its way to Newcrest’s Cadia mine.

An Avatel prototype.

An Avatel prototype.

Making the machine, called Avatel, a reality involved a collaboration between original equipment maker Epiroc and explosives specialist Orica. There is a prototype of the machine working at Agnico Eagle's...

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