Rio unveils boring partners

23rd Feb 2010 08:33

Mining giant Rio Tinto has selected three more partners to work with it on its heavily automated ‘Mine of the Future’ programme.Aker Wirth, the equipment supplier focused on the resources industry, and power tools and assembly systems outfit Atlas Copco will individually work with Rio Tinto to develop two new tunnelling concepts while Herrenknecht will work with the group on the development of a new shaft boring machine.Rio said the two new tunnelling concepts from Aker Wirth and Atlas Copco will facilitate rapid and cost effective tunnel creation.The shaft boring technology being developed by mechanised tunnelling specialist Herrenknecht will combine rock excavation, rock transport and structural support into a single system; currently the processes are carried out separately.