Geomechanics.io

  • Free Tools
Sign UpLog In

Geomechanics.io

Geomechanics, Streamlined.

© 2026 Geomechanics.io. All rights reserved.

Geomechanics.io

CMRR-ioGEODB-ioHYDROGEO-ioQCDB-ioFree Tools & CalculatorsBlogLatest Industry News

Industries

MiningConstructionTunnelling

Company

Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyLinkedIn
    Projects
    Product

    CRCHI TBM at Chambishi copper mine: design and planning notes for engineers

    May 24, 2026|

    Reviewed by Joe Ashwell

    CRCHI TBM at Chambishi copper mine: design and planning notes for engineers

    First reported on International Mining – News

    30 Second Briefing

    CRCHI’s first mining tunnel boring machine has begun underground cutting at NFCA’s Chambishi copper mine in Zambia’s Copperbelt, with initial rotation of the cutterhead starting on 13 May. Developed in Changsha, Hunan, by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation, the TBM marks the debut of a China-designed unit specifically for mining applications rather than civil tunnelling. For mine planners and geotechnical teams, successful performance at Chambishi could open wider use of TBMs for long ore drives and access tunnels in hard-rock African operations.

    Technical Brief

    • Cutterhead start-up underground implies prior completion of shaft sinking, chamber excavation and TBM assembly.
    • Underground launch demands precise alignment to pre-surveyed orebody drives, limiting deviation to tight mining tolerances.
    • Mining TBM configuration will need compatibility with rock support cycles (bolting, mesh, shotcrete) in confined headings.
    • Interface with mine power reticulation constrains installed TBM drive power and start-up sequencing.
    • Logistics for cutterhead and shield transport down existing shafts impose strict limits on TBM module dimensions and weight.
    • Successful operation could justify TBM-based development for long, straight access drives where drill-and-blast is schedule-critical.

    Geotechnical Software for Modern Teams

    Centralise site data, logs, and lab results with GEODB-io, CMRR-io, and HYDROGEO-io.

    No credit card required.

    • Save and export unlimited calculations
    • Advanced data visualisation
    • Generate professional PDF reports
    • Cloud storage for all your projects

    Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.

    Related Articles

    Mining
    about 12 hours ago

    Sandvik underground fleet at Kamoa-Kakula: haulage and maintenance lens for engineers

    Sandvik has secured an order from Kamoa Copper SA for 19 Toro® underground trucks and loaders for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, taking the site’s Sandvik underground fleet to more than 100 units. The equipment will support one of the world’s largest underground Sandvik fleets at a single mine, operated by the Ivanhoe Mines–Zijin Mining joint venture. For engineers, the scale signals sustained high-volume, trackless underground haulage and significant long-term demand for OEM parts, maintenance capacity, and fleet management systems.

    Mining
    about 12 hours ago

    Metso Durarok™ primary sizer at Yenipazar mine: design and throughput notes for engineers

    Metso has secured a €25 million order from Aldridge Mineral Madencilik A.Ş., part of CVK Mining, to supply key minerals processing equipment for the Yenipazar polymetallic mine in Türkiye, including one of its first Durarok™ primary sizers. The package, booked in Metso’s Minerals segment for 2026, will support primary crushing and downstream processing for a deposit containing multiple base and precious metals. For engineers, early adoption of the Durarok™ sizer at Yenipazar will be a reference case for hard-rock primary sizing performance in Turkish conditions.

    Mining
    about 12 hours ago

    Volvo Autona / earth autonomous haulage: key takeaways for mine planners

    Volvo Autonomous Solutions has launched Autona / earth, a commercial autonomous haulage system for mines and quarries built around an autonomous Volvo FH truck and an in-house developed virtual driver. The package is delivered as Transport-as-a-Service, with Volvo providing the vehicle automation stack, site infrastructure, operational support and maintenance rather than selling trucks outright. The system is designed to plug into existing mine haulage operations, signalling a shift towards OEM-managed autonomous fleets where OEMs assume more responsibility for uptime and performance.

    Related Industries & Products

    Mining

    Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing, and data management.

    Tunnelling

    Specialised solutions for tunnelling projects including grout mix design, hydrogeological analysis, and quality control.

    CMRR-io

    Streamline coal mine roof stability assessments with our cloud-based CMRR software featuring automated calculations, multi-scenario analysis, and collaborative workflows.

    QCDB-io

    Comprehensive quality control database for manufacturing, tunnelling, and civil construction with UCS testing, PSD analysis, and grout mix design management.

    HYDROGEO-io

    Comprehensive hydrogeological testing platform for managing, analysing, and reporting on packer tests, lugeon values, and hydraulic conductivity assessments.

    AllGeotechnicalInfrastructureHazardsEnvironmental