To Access the Coal:Unique TBM tacklesDecline Drives

Quelle/credit (2): Robbins

The 8 m Robbins Dual Mode EPB/Rock TBM was built using Onsite First Time Assembly (OFTA). The TBM was designed for mixed ground and to safely operate in conditions containing methane gas

Quelle/credit (2): Robbins

Quelle/credit: Robbins

The method of Onsite First Time Assembly (OFTA) proved successful at the remote Grosvenor jobsite, allowing the machine to be launched in December 2013

Quelle/credit: Robbins

The TBM completed boring of the first decline tunnel in May 2014, and began its retraction back up from the blind heading

Quelle/credit: Robbins

Transport dollies moved the inner core of the TBM out of its first bored tunnel to excavate a second decline tunnel

Quelle/credit: Robbins

Continuous conveyors operate behind the TBM for muck removal

Quelle/credit: Robbins

Quelle/credit (2): Robbins

A simplified illustration of the Quick Removal System: The TBM’s inner core is transported backwards out of the decline tunnel. The outer shield bodies are grouted in place to provide “life of mine” roof support for the final length of the tunnel

Quelle/credit (2): Robbins

When a location in remote Northeastern Australia near the town of Moranbah was
designated as a new, “greenfield” site for a coal mine, the owner – the mining company Anglo American – was concerned about the project schedule and the necessary time to access the coal. A deep coal seam required access via decline tunnels within a quick time frame. To achieve this, the mine opted for the use of a tunnel boring machine, marking the first use of TBM technology in the Queensland coal industry.

The TBM would develop both drifts, contributing positively to stability, safety, and schedule. The tunnels, however, called for a highly unique Dual Mode EPB/Rock TBM design, and a machine that could operate even in the presence of potentially hazardous methane gas.

Coal Mine Construction

The Grosvenor Decline Tunnel is a 1.95 billion Australian dollar coal project and is part of an initiative aimed at tripling Anglo American’s metallurgical output to 20 million metric tons by the year 2020. The new mine targets the Gonyella Middle coal seam, and is expected to produce five million tonnes of...