Recent Advances in Precision Surface Mining Techniques

In this paper, we first address improvements of precision surface miner control using GPS techniques. An application in an iron ore mine in Western Australia is presented. The second item addressed is development of a new drum driving technique for the T1255 Terrain Leveler® surface excavation machine (SEM). This technique involves installing the slow speed hydrostatic motor directly on the cutting drum rather than driving the drum through chain and sprockets. Vermeer has introduced a larger model: the T1655 Terrain Leveler® SEM. Performance of the new machine in various rock hardnesses is detailed.