The Role of Mini Excavators in Auxiliary Mine Mining Operations: Technical Analysis of Ore Handling and Site Levelling
Application Scenarios: Underground mine roadways, narrow open-pit slope passages, temporary work areas, and other zones inaccessible to large equipment.
Key Functions:
Precision loading of ores using a mini bucket (0.1–0.5 m³ capacity), eliminating inefficiencies and safety risks of manual handling.
With a body width <2.5 m, it navigates 3–4 m-wide roadways with flexible turns, adapting to S-shaped or tortuous routes.
Case Example: In a metal mine’s underground operation, a mini excavator transported blasted ores to a belt conveyor in a 3.2 m-wide roadway, boosting efficiency 8–10x versus manual labor.
Coordination with Large Machinery:
After large excavators mine, mini equipment collects scattered ores and loads them onto 5–10-ton transport trucks, forming a "mine-collect-transport" workflow.
In concentrator raw material yards, mini excavators sort ores by grade and stack them precisely, enhancing subsequent processing efficiency.
Mobility Advantages: Requires no complex site modifications, enabling rapid work-point switching—ideal for mines with simultaneous multi-face operations.
High-Slope Operations: Equipped with anti-slip tracks and stability control, it operates stably on slopes ≤30°, mitigating rollover risks from large equipment’s high center of gravity.
Fractured-Zone Ore Handling: Fine bucket control prevents excessive fragmentation during transport (critical for particle-size-sensitive ores like rare earths or precious metals).
Post-Blast Site Restoration:
Removes large boulders (with breaker hammers) and levels blast piles for precise subsequent equipment positioning.
Excavates temporary drainage ditches to prevent rainwater-induced mudslides, especially in rainy-season operations.
Benched Site Construction: In open-pit benching, mini excavators trim slopes to 65°–70°, ensuring bench widths meet safety standards.
Ecological Restoration Foundations:
Levels and stacks mining waste (e.g., rock, tailings), covers with topsoil, and shapes vegetation-friendly terrain.
Excavates sedimentation tanks and interceptors, combined with greening, to minimize environmental impact.
Industrial Site Levelling: Provides foundations for facilities like concentrators and warehouses, with flatness controlled within ±5 cm.
| Advantage Aspect | Detailed Performance |
|---|
| Flexibility | Minimum turning radius ≤3 m; 6 m diameter in-situ rotation, ideal for "corner" zones. |
| Precision Manipulation | High-sensitivity hydraulics enable millimeter-level bucket control for fine levelling (e.g., trench prep for pipelines). |
| Low Energy & Cost | 30%–50% lower fuel consumption; lower purchase/maintenance costs—suited for SMEs or short-term projects. |
| Multi-Functionality | Attachments (breaker hammers, vibratory rams, grapples) enable end-to-end "dig-crush-level-handle" workflows. |
Load Limit: Max single load ≤2 tons to avoid hydraulic system damage from overloading.
Terrain Adaptation: Use steel plates on soft ground to prevent track sinking; apply anti-slip chains on steep slopes.
Safety Protocols: Operators must be trained. Underground operations require ventilation/lighting systems to avoid hypoxia or blind spots.
With their "precision, compactness, and agility", mini excavators serve as "auxiliary hubs" in mining—enhancing end-to-end efficiency, ensuring safety, and supporting ecological restoration. They are indispensable tools for modern mine precision management.
