Test and evaluation of mechanical excavation with TBS

Purpose and goal

Mechanical excavation with Mobile Miners is expected to improve the mining sector´s competitiveness through increased productivity, increased tunnel quality with better defined tunnel profile and reduced cracks, more environmentally friendly process and safer working environment. The project assembled and function tested a so-called TBS with the aim of introducing the technology to the Nordic market. The excavation of a reference tunnel at the Aspo plant was not performed.

Expected results and effects

Knowledge and the possibilities of commercializing the TBS technology have increased considerably. Transport and assembly of heavy units have been tested and implemented, costs and resources have been documented, teams of experts and business contacts have been established. The project was interrupted, partly because of other important projects at Aspo and partly because it advised uncertainty around the road between the assembly site and the tunnel face.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consisted of seven main activities where the labor-intensive and most complex activities of the TBS machine, ie transport, assembly, function testing, disassembly, packing and removal, were carried out during the project period. Not performed is the preparation of the test area (infrastructure, roads, water management etc) at the Aspo plant and the tunnel excavation with associated evaluation.