On November 8, a successful breakthrough was achieved at north-south decline of KAMOA-KAKULA Copper Mine, which was 7 days ahead of schedule.
Two main haulage tunnels extending from the south decline and a spiral haulage tunnel from the north decline, as the key part of the programme, are designed for trackless fleet haulage and ventilation.
The Owner, Kakula Copper Mines Plc, extended their sincere congratulation that the breakthrough would significantly improve the ventilation of the central sections and provide favorable conditions for efficiently high grade orebody mining.
JCHX’s brain trust made innovative plans and adopted various measures to support construction as follows:
1. Innovative surveying method, and precise deviation control .
As for the 7.5m*6m section, the traditional control point shall be fixed on hanging walls. However, surveyors developed new ideas by adopting coordinates method instead of polar coordinates method and taking advantage of space reaction with the assistance of total station TCRA1201+ and Surpac, so as to achieve automatic observation, recording, calculation and mapping through the entire process.
2. Constant optimization to ensure rapid construction.
Long distance blind heading was applied at both south and north declines, which resulted in hard UG drainage, ventilation and transportation, complicated geological and hydro-geological conditions, large drift section, and difficult construction. Therefore, the Project continually amended construction plan and solved many problems.
By the end of 2020, KAMOA-KAKULA and Western Dispatch Substation will be connected by a 35km long 220kV power line. With the help of power line and the successful breakthrough, miners will be able to easily carry out works and achieve high production. All technological personnel will continue to work together to achieve S&T innovation to support smooth construction and production.
