In underground mining, it is necessary to support the roof to prevent areas that have already been mined from collapsing. Since the 1950s, the primary method for supporting the roof has been the installation of roof bolts. Roof bolting is one of the most basic and necessary functions in underground mining operation, and over time has become more highly specialised. Today, many operations are requiring equipment predominantly dictated by mine conditions and individual customer desires.
One of the major issues underground operations continue to face is operator exposure to certain inherent hazardous conditions. These can include falling rock from the roof, rib and face; tripping hazards; bending, twisting and lifting hazards; high noise levels; and chemical fume exhaust.
