Ground-breaking Sandvik installation in the US
Hecla’s Greens Creek is the first US underground mine utilizing automated loading technology from Sandvik. The installation will enable increased productivity, improved safety and better cost control.
Hecla’s Greens Creek silver mine in southeast Alaska is one of the largest and lowest-cost primary silver mines in the world. Sandvik’s mine automation system AutoMine® Lite is used in production areas to enhance safety, accelerate underground efficiency and improve production numbers.
We have been able to increase mucking time by operating AutoMine loader between shifts when personnel cannot be underground due to blasting activities
“Greens Creek commissioned AutoMine in January 2017. We have been able to increase mucking time by operating AutoMine loader between shifts when personnel cannot be underground due to blasting activities,” says Keith Malone, VP and General Manager of the Hecla Greens Creek Mine.
The system is currently installed in two areas of the mine where bulk longhole mining methods are used. Hecla has a long term vision to increase the level of automation in its mines.
“This is truly a mutually beneficial relationship between Sandvik and Hecla, where both companies have put a plan together to work further with automation solutions,” says Paul Painter, Manager Account Management at Sandvik in the US.
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