KCM Commissions New Automated Raise Boring Machine
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has commissioned its first-ever state-of-the-art Tumi SBM 700SR raise boring machine at Konkola Mine, marking a major milestone in the company’s drive towards safer, more efficient, and future-ready underground mining operations.
Raise boring is a mechanical excavation technique used to create precise vertical or inclined shafts between underground levels without the need for blasting. The method is widely regarded for its safety, speed and efficiency, particularly in creating escape routes, ore transport paths, and ventilation shafts.
KCM Acting CEO Malcolm Mewett said the fully automated machine ensures safer, faster and more consistent operations compared to traditional blasting.
“The operator controls the machine remotely, keeping personnel away from high-risk areas, and the machine often requires only one person to operate it efficiently,” Mr Mewett explained.
He added that the commissioning of the Tumi raise boring machine, which cost US$2 million, lays the foundation for a series of projects designed to unlock deeper ore bodies, enhance underground access, and support KCM’s broader transformation agenda aimed at modernising mining operations, reducing environmental impact, and driving long-term growth.
“Raise boring in any mine is critical. It provides emergency escape routes, facilitates ore movement, and ensures proper ventilation for our people. For KCM, these operations will be vital as we grow the mine into the future,” said Mr Mewett, who also serves as Chief Operating Officer.
Tumi CEO Marc Blattner described the equipment as unique for its fully automated capabilities, noting that the inclusion of crawler technology eliminates previous challenges of transporting heavy machinery between sites, improving operational flexibility and efficiency.
