Global mining company Rio Tinto, in cooperation with TBM manufacturers, recently developed two new tunnel boring systems (TBS) and one shaft boring system (SBS).

Now Strabag Se has signed an agreement with Rio Tinto for a long-term partnership in two phases: during Phase 1, from 2012 to 2014, Strabag will carry out field trials at selected construction sites using the new excavation systems and technologies and will undertake to optimize the systems.

The TBS developed in partnership between Rio Tinto and Aker Wirth was installed at Northparkes Mines in Australia and has started trial operations. The second TBS developed in partnership between Rio Tinto and Atlas Copco will be installed at the Kennecott mine in Salt Lake City, US. Preparations are continuing to identify potential locations for the SBS from Herrenknecht.

Successful completion of the field trials will be followed by Phase 2 in which Strabag will exclusively carry out Rio Tinto projects using the new systems for a period of five years.

Current TBM for infrastructure works are designed for long tunnels with a large radius. However, the new TBS are designed to meet the mine operator’s requirements for variable tunnels with a small radius. Visit www.strabag.com. 08/13.