Developed in collaboration with JH Fletcher and the management of Oxbow Mining, Minegrid 65SP is dispensed from a roof bolter-mounted handler.

As the bolter trams forward, the product is deployed automatically, stretched across the entry roof and simultaneously bolted to the rib and roof.

“This system works well for us because it allows us to mesh the ribs as we bolt the roof,” Oxbow’s Elk Creek production superintendent Jens Lange said.

“When the miners advance the vent tube, the rib is fully supported.”

Huesker officials developed the new procedure to protect those working in the roof/rib intersections from falling material as well as to keep individuals from having to be in the area between a bolter and the rib.

Also, Minegrid will eliminate the injuries associated with steel mesh panels.

The product rolls provide complete coverage, including the intersection, and are manufactured specifically to match a mine’s entry and cut.

The non-conductive, non-corrosive and fire-retardant Minegrid can be made to fit any size entry and operators can expect a long life from this new release.

Oxbow maintenance superintendent Jamie Beard is confident the grids will take off.

“We’re able to get the grid bolted right into the corner and the grid rolls keep the guys from between the bolter and the rib. The grid held up real well when the longwall passed, too,” Bear said.

Huesker mining manager Tom Bailey noted that the patented Minegrid 65SP was designed specifically for this specialized application.

“It [will] improve the safety of the bolting process, while making the mine more productive.”