| Scaling is defined as the process of clearing and removing fractured and unstable rock from the walls of a development or stope in an underground mine. In an underground mine loose rocks must be removed to ensure the physical safety of the workers. Manual scaling is considered to be one of the most stressful, labour intensive, and dangerous activities in mining. Hence, the search for mechanical methods to replace this manual activity has become essential, especially in the age where all other mining processes are becoming more technologically advanced.; The author has developed and tested the hydraulically powered hand held scaler for dislodging and removing loose rock. The designed device can be mounted on and powered from the existing mining equipment.; The laboratory and field testing identified the following performance characteristics: (1) The impact energy of the scaling device as a function of the thrust force. (2) The vibration and noise level produced by the scaler during scaling operation. (3) Scaling cycle components and utilization of the device during field testing. |
