Roadheader and tunneling equipment manufacturer Aker Wirth has expanded its presence in the Russian-speaking market by providing local contacts for existing and prospective customers at a facility in Moscow that is jointly shared with its parent company, Aker Solutions. “It is precisely with the Russian-speaking countries where we see a huge market potential, both in mining and in foundation,” said Hans Greve, vice president of mining and construction at Aker Wirth.
Aker Wirth builds roadheaders in the 50- to 130-mt weight class, suitable for cutting rock of up to 150 MPa compressive strength. The company’s latest product is the T1.14 roadheader, optimized for coal mining and featuring a compact design and telescopic boom.
Together with Rio Tinto, Aker Wirth also has developed a new and innovative tunnel boring system which it claims will markedly improve safety and efficiency in underground mining applications. The tunnel boring system is based on Aker Wirth’s innovative MTM (Mobile Tunnel Miner) technology and its years of experience in underground hardrock mining and tunneling.
Additionally, the company offers technologies for all types of shaft construction, including Pile Top drill rigs for supply and ventilation shafts with diameters of up to 4.5 m and depths of up to 300 m, along with L-type rigs for shafts with diameters of up to 8 m and depths of up to 800 m. Both use reverse circulation drilling technology.
