Sudbury's NORCAT said the event was a success, but it is too early to determine whether this will become an annual event
The feedback has been resoundingly positive for the mining technology exhibition that was held in an underground environment in Sudbury this week.
Although at first glance one might think of the event as a mining trade show located in a mine, Duval said that's not what it was. One of the exhibitors was X-Glo North America Inc. which had a display that demonstrated one of the most basic parts of any underground infrastructure, mine lighting. "So on the second day, we've met six different mines that are currently using our existing stuff. And then they saw our new development and it was an eye opener for them, and all six are very interested in the new technology."
He said setting up and demonstrating his robotics in a mine environment paid off better than expected. Steele said one of the concerns around heavy equipment is proximity detection. Bartels explained that the device does all the work that was previously required of the driller's helper, the miner who stood dangerously close to the face, cleaning any debris out of freshly drilled holes and inserting the powder and fuses.