Hillgrove Resources will trial a revolutionary disruptive mining technology from Komatsu when it reopens its Kanmantoo copper and gold mine in the Adelaide Hills in 2022.
Hillgrove’s trial of the Komatsu MC51 continuous miner is the largest of its type in Australia.
The machine uses DynaCut mechanical cutting technology rather than conventional drilling and blasting for mine development.
The Komatsu MC51 allows for continuous hard rock excavation and eliminates operational delays from blasting making the technology safer, faster and more cost-effective.
A $2 million grant from the South Australian Government has facilitated the use of the MC51 for underground mining at Kanmantoo mine, bringing the mine’s potential opening forward.
Hillgrove Resources chief executive officer Lachlan Wallace said it is an exciting moment for the company.
“We have had excellent drilling results this year – the copper mineralisation extends at least 500m below the base of the open pit and remains open at depth,” he said.
“Crucially, we also have the established infrastructure in place to utilise this opportunity and begin extraction in 2022.
“This trial, funded through a Government of South Australia grant, further accelerates this process.”
Wallace said he is proud of the steps the company is taking to develop innovative approaches to ultra-efficient mining and the drastic reduction of emissions.
“The successful MC51 trial at our operations at Kanmantoo is clear proof of our Australian and global leadership position in this respect,” he said.
Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan said Hillgrove’s decision to reopen the Kanmantoo copper and gold mine will deliver another boost for South Australia’s surging economy and its reputation as an international leader in the adoption of cutting-edge renewable technology.