AROA claims it produced the 25 tonne Eliminator rock bolt as a “one tonnage for all” cuttable rock bolt that can be used to replace the present requirements of the predominantly-used 15t and 20t Eliminator rock bolts.

AROA said it has managed to redesign and recompose its physical and raw material content to enable it to produce a much cheaper product.

“A major concern is the cost to the miners. Under the high labour cost environment in Australia and against the flood of cheaper and almost similar rock bolts from overseas, AROA decided to research deeply by focusing on the raw material components of the product,” it said.

“The move is sensible and logical given that raw materials would cost the same wherever they are used.”

AROA remains the only manufacturer in the world that produces the Herringbone profile – a type of deformed bar profile that enhances the installation performance of chemical-anchored rock bolts widely used for ground support in mine development activities, it said.

The price of the new rock bolts is expected to be cheaper than the prices that mines are paying now for imported rock bolts.

“It is AROA’s aspiration, mission and wish that all miners should directly enjoy these cheaper prices so that their operating costs can adjust to a new level, the company said in a statement.

“AROA invites all miners to have a look at their range of mining products. There are other mining consumables that can be packaged to be cheaper in the same fashion as the 25 tonne rock bolts. The package may also include products from AROA’s strategic alliance partners and business allies to benefit the range. AROA would also like to call upon all makers of mining products and contractors to consider a similar approach, and find ways to help our miners to bring down their operating costs.

“A major concern is the cost to the miners. Under the high labour cost environment in Australia and against the flood of cheaper and almost similar rock bolts from overseas, AROA decided to research deeply by focusing on the raw material components of the product. The move is sensible and logical given that raw materials would cost the same wherever they are used.”