Scaling: Why mines are

investing in mechanized
scaling?
Rick Kraft

Selling Scalers

Normeeting 2012

 The concept of scaling is easy:

- the removal of loose material

The practise of scaling is difficult:

- it can be challenging to identify loose material

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 Scaling is dangerous:
- to NOT scale is fatal!

Therefore, scaling is required for a safe working

environment:
- fall off ground is the number one killer of experienced
underground personnel

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Personal examples
1. Homestake
2. BullFrog
3. AJ
4. Limestone
5. Trout Lake

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How to sell
Understand the local conditions
A. Rock type
B. Geologic structure
C. How are they scaling now?
D. What is the roof control plan?
E. KNOW your customer

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These men entrust their safety to you!

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How to sell
It is required to know some basics of geology:
1. Types of rock
A. Igneous
B. Metamorphic
C. Sedimentary

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Rock cycle

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Igneous Rock
1. Generally is the most competent and requires the least
scaling

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Here miners in Canada drill under screened and

bolted igneous rock

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Here is a haulage drift in screened and bolted

igneous rock

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Metamorphic Rock
1. Generally is the most difficult to predict and identify
loose material
2. The twisted and folded nature of many metamorphic
rock structures will produce very localized weak bonds
between layers

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Here is described the complex structures of

metamorphic rock, causing joints and separation

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Typical folded structure of metamorphic rock,

causing unpredictable behavior

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Sedimentary Rock:
1. Generally is the easiest to identify loose material
2. Sedimentary layers predictably separate along weak
bonds and may produce large blocks and consistant
slabbing

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Here is described the predictable jointing and

separation of large limestone blocks

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Here is described the predictable jointing and

separation of large limestone blocks

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How to sell
1. Visit your customer
2. Ask about the Roof Control Plan
3. LISTEN!
4. LOOK at the current methods your customer is using
to scale
5. Study the application
6. Ask questions and LISTEN

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Is your customer currently hand scaling?

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Are they scaling using drills and LHDs?

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Nobody knows your

customers business
better than your
customer

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Most personnel are very talkative about their job

and freely provide valuable information

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Ask questions and understand the application

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How to sell
1. Pick or hammer?
Your customer normally has a preference and will
choose for you

2. Emphasize safety
3. LISTEN!
4. Emphasize after sales support
5. Ask questions and LISTEN
6. Engage in the details of your customers specific
application

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Best practice
1. What is your customers roof control plan and scaling practise and policies?
2. Post blast inspection
A. Wet the rock if possible
B. Look for bootlegs
3. Visual inspection
A. Look for shifted or displaced rock
B. Look for small rocks that key in large rocks
C. Look at the rock from several different angles
D. Be alert!
E. There is no perfect method
4. Sound inspection
A. Difficult to do in a mechanicanized scaler
5. Discuss and communicate with your customer

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How to sell
1. Be aware
- we have many competitors!

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Competition

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Competition

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Competition

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Competition

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Normet Scamecs use a very robust boom

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Scamecs are subject to tremendous abuse

The level of required service and
spares parts support is above
average

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Summary
1. The key to selling Normet scalers is to take the time to engage in
the detail and understanding of your customers unique scaling
application and convey confidence that the Normet product is the
safest and most effective solution
2. Proper planning and action for parts, training and service support
will create continued customer satisfaction

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Proper scaling will ensure mine personnel a safe working

environment and allow everyone to return home at the end of every
shift:

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GOOD LUCK!

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