Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system to regulate the flow of ore and also a draw point brow reinforcement system. The present disclosure also relates to a system to regulate the flow of particles into a collection zone. The present disclosure may have particular application in underground mines, such as mines using block caving techniques to extract ore.

Background

[0002] There are various methods of mining ore. In some examples, ore and rock are recovered at or near the surface (such as using open cut techniques). Other examples include underground mining. Underground mining techniques can include predominately mechanical cutting techniques, such as user a shearer in longwall mining, to break the ore for recovery.

In other mining operations, explosives may be used to break up rock and ore.

[0003] A method of underground mining using explosives includes block caving. In this method, a series of large rock funnels (known as“drawbells” 103) are created below a deposit of ore. The rock funnels, via a raise 104, lead to haulage tunnels accessible by mining vehicles 113, as illustrated in Fig. 30.

[0004] During production, broken ore above the funnels are channelled through the funnels, and raises, so that they can be collected in locations below the funnel (known as“draw points” 105) by mining vehicles 113, such as front end loaders. This type of mining requires ore to be broken up such that it can freely flow 101 through the narrowing choke of the funnel. In some circumstances, the ore may have physical characteristics such that it is broken by the weight and pressure of the ore. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to fracture the rock into smaller pieces with external pressure such as by hydraulic fracturing or with explosives.

[0005] Typically, the draw point 105 will be part of a tunnel having a rock roof 110 (which may be reinforced). The roof leads to the raise 104 below the drawbell 103, typically ending at a draw point brow 111. Normally, broken ore flows from the drawbell 103 to the draw point 107 until the broken ore piles up to block further flow. The broken ore may flow against, and impact, the brow 111 causing wear on the brow 111. A worn, or damaged brow, is undesirable as it may cause the roof 110 at the draw point 107 to collapse and/or cause damage to the structure of the drawbell 103.

[0006] It is known to include steel arches in tunnels and draw points. Such known steel arches are typically rigid structures that have an inverted“U” shape, whereby the arches extend from a floor of a tunnel. Concrete (or other material) may be pumped between the top of the rigid arch and the roof of the tunnel.

[0007] Regulation of flow of particles is also a consideration in other applications, such as flow of particles to a collection zone. In addition to ore, this may include other particulate material or granular material.

[0008] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0009] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary

[0010] A system to regulate a flow of ore from a drawbell into a draw point of a mine , the system comprising:

- first and second supports; and

- a movable member having opposite first and second ends, wherein each of the first and second ends are movably connected to respective first and second supports; wherein in use, the first and second supports are mounted at respective opposing walls of the mine and proximal to a draw point brow such that the movable member regulates the flow of ore into the draw point.

[0011] The system can be configured to allow, and regulate, the flow of ore whilst the movable member can reduce instances of blockages and damage to the system due to excessive flow.

[0012] A draw point brow reinforcement system comprising :

- first and second supports; and

- a movable member having opposite first and second ends, wherein each of the first and second ends are movably connected to respective first and second supports; wherein in use, the first and second supports are mounted proximal to a draw point brow such that the movable reinforcement member reinforces the draw point brow from a flow of ore.

[0013] Thus the system may act as a shield and reduce wear on the draw point brow caused by the flow of ore.

[0014] The above described systems may also include further features discussed below.

[0015] In one example of the system, the first and second ends that are movably connected to respective first and second supports have at least a slidable connection.

[0016] In another example the first and second ends that are movably connected to respective first and second supports have at least a rotatable connection.

[0017] In some examples of the system, the first and second supports each comprise a rail or slot to allow the movable member to move along a length of the rail or slot.

[0018] In a further example, one or more stops are provided to limit movement along the length of the rail or slot. [0019] In yet another example, the system further includes at least one carrier, wherein the carrier is connected to the first or second end, and the carrier is movable along the length of the rail or slot.

[0020] In some examples, at least one fastener is provided, wherein the fastener is selectively located to fix the carrier at a selected location to prevent movement along the length of the rail or slot.

[0021] In some examples, the movable member is rotatably connected to the carrier.

[0022] In some further examples, the system includes at least two carriers, wherein a first carrier connects the first end to the rail or slot of the first support, and a second carrier connects the second end to the rail or slot of the second support.

[0023] In some examples of the system, the first and second supports that are movably connected to respective first and second ends have a pivotable/hinged connection.

[0024] Some examples of the system include one or more legs extending to a floor of the mine.

[0025] In a further example of the system, one or more guards located proximal to feet of the legs, wherein the guards are spaced from the legs to provide a crumple zone.

[0026] In some further examples, the guards are mounted to the legs with connecting members to space the guards from the legs.

[0027] In some examples of the system, the first and second supports are mounted to respective walls with rock bolts and/or cable bolts.

[0028] A system to regulate a flow of particles into a collection zone, the system comprising:

- first and second supports; and - a movable member having opposite first and second ends, wherein each of the first and second ends are movably connected to respective first and second supports; wherein in use, the first and second supports are mounted at respective opposing walls of the collection zone proximal to a brow of the collection zone such that the movable member regulates the flow of particles into the collection zone.

[0029] A brow reinforcement system comprising:

- first and second supports; and

- a movable member having opposite first and second ends, wherein each of the first and second ends are movably connected to respective first and second supports; wherein in use, the first and second supports are mounted proximal to a brow of a collection zone such that the movable reinforcement member reinforces the brow from a flow of particles.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] Examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the figures below:

[0031] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-section of an example of a system to regulate flow of ore from a drawbell in a draw point of a mine;

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a section of the mine with the system in Fig. 1 ; [0033] Fig. 3 is an end view of the system shown in Fig. 2;

[0034] Fig. 4 is a side cross-section of the system in Fig. 3;

[0035] Figs. 5 to 8 illustrate a sequence showing a movable member at various locations relative to supports of the system; [0036] Fig. 9 is a isometric view of an example of a support of the system;

[0037] Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are orthogonal projections of the example support of Fig. 9;

[0038] Fig. 13 is a isometric view of an example of a carrier body that forms part of a carrier of the movable member for the system;

[0039] Figs. 14 to 16 are orthogonal projections of the example carrier body of Fig. 13;

[0040] Fig. 17 is a isometric view of an example of a leg of the system;

[0041] Figs. 18 to 20 are orthogonal projections of the example leg of Fig. 17;

[0042] Fig. 21 is a isometric view of an example movable member of the system;

[0043] Figs. 22 and 23 are orthogonal projections of the example movable member of Fig.

21 ;

[0044] Fig. 24 is an isometric view of an example guard for legs of the system;

[0045] Figs. 25 to 27 are orthogonal projections of the guard of Fig. 24;

[0046] Figs. 28 and 29 illustrate another example of the system to reinforce the draw point brow;

[0047] Fig. 30 illustrates a schematic cross-section of a drawbell and draw point of a mine. ; and

[0048] Fig. 31 illustrates an example of a system to regulate a flow of particles into a collection zone.

[0049] Fig, 32 illustrates a perspective view of a section of the mine in accordance with a second example of a system to regulate flow of ore from a drawbell in a draw point of a mine;

[0050] Fig. 33 is an end view of the system shown in Fig. 32; [0051] Fig. 34 is another end view of the system shown in Fig. 33 with hidden detail;

[0052] Fig. 35 is a side cross-section of the system in Fig. 34;

[0053] Fig. 36 is an isometric view of a support in the system in Fig. 32;

[0054] Fig. 37 is an isometric view of a mesh screen plate to clamp a mesh screen of the system in Fig. 32;

[0055] Fig. 38 is an end view of a mesh screen for the system in Fig. 32;

[0056] Fig. 39 is a side-cross section showing a variation of a support for use in the system in Fig. 32;

[0057] Fig. 40 is a perspective view of a section of a mine with yet another example of a system to regulate flow of ore from a drawbell, wherein the system further includes a door;

[0058] Fig. 41 is a side view of the system of Fig. 40 with the door in an open configuration;

[0059] Fig. 42 is a side view of the system of Fig. 40 with the door in a closed

configuration;

[0060] Fig. 43 is another perspective view of the system of Fig. 40 with the door in an open configuration and showing a vertically adjustable moveable member.

Description of Embodiments

[0061] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a system 1 to regulate a flow of ore 101 in a mine 106. In this example, the system 1 is used in an underground mine 106 employing block caving techniques whereby ore flows from a drawbell 101 into a draw point 105 for removal by a mining machine 113.

[0062] The system 1 includes a first support 9 and a second support 11 that are mounted at respective opposing walls 107, 109 of the mine and proximal to a draw point brow 111. The system 1 also includes a movable member 3 having a first end 5 opposite a second end 7. Each of the first end 5 and second end 7 are movably connected to a respective one of the first support 9 and second support 11.

[0063] When in use, the flow of ore 101 passes underneath the movable member 3, as shown in Fig. 1. In case of a large volume of ore 101, the flow of ore 101 will be higher until the flow impacts the movable member 3. Thus the movable member 3 may function to restrict the amount and/or rate of ore flowing to the draw point 105.

[0064] Importantly, the movable member 3 is movable relative to the first and second supports 9, 11. This may be advantageous in reducing the transmission of impact forces from the flow of ore 101 to the supports 9, 11. Since the supports 9, 11 are mounted to the mine wall 107, 109 (or in some case in addition, or alternative, mounted to the roof 110 or floor 108), reducing the transmission of forces may reduce damage to surrounding rock structure in the mine 106. The movable member 3 may also result in a longer operational life of the system compared to other systems that have rigid structures.

[0065] The movable member 3 may be movably connected in one or more ways. In one example, the movable member 3 has a rotatable connection with the supports 9, 11. This allows the movable member 3 to rotate to assist the flow of ore 101. In another example the movable member 3 is in a slidable connection with the first and second supports 9, 11. This allows translation movement (i.e. displacement) of the movable member 3 to avoid a rigid connection. The feature of a movable member 3 may be particularly advantageous where large pieces of ore may otherwise be jammed against the movable member 3.

[0066] The movable member 3 may also act as reinforcement. In particular, the moveable member 3 may reinforce the draw point brow 111 by acting as a shield to absorb impact and wear from the flow of ore 101.

[0067] There is also disclosed a draw point brow reinforcement system 201. The system includes a movable member 3 having first and second supports 9, 11 and a movable member 3. The movable member 3 has opposite first and second ends 5, 7, wherein each of the first and second ends are movably connected to respective first and second supports 9, 11. In use, the first and second supports are mounted proximal to a draw point brow 111 such that the movable member 201 reinforces the draw point brow from a flow of ore 101. [0068] The components and operation of the system 1 will now be described in detail.

Components in a first example

[0069] Referring to Figs. 2 to 4, a first example of the system 1 includes a movable member 3 that is connected at both ends 5, 7 by respective carriers 23. The carriers 23, in turn, are movable within a slot 13 of the first and second supports 9, 11. The first and second supports 9, 11 are mounted to the walls 107, 109 and are additionally supported by legs 31 that extend to the floor 108 of the mine. Guards 33 are located to protect the legs 31 from vehicles, machinery, ore and other objects.

[0070] These components will now be described in detail.

First and second supports 9, 11

[0071] Figs. 9 to 12 illustrate a first support 9. In this example, the structure of the first support 9 is substantially identical features to the second support 11 (but in a mirror image). The support 9, 11 comprises a support body 19 that includes a rail or slot 13. The rail or slot 13 allow, at least in part, captive movement of the movable member 3. In the illustrated embodiment, an open C-shaped slot 13 is formed to slidably receive part of the carrier 23.

The C-shaped slot 13, in this example, is substantially linear along a length 15 to allow the slidable connection to move along the length 15.

[0072] In other examples, the slot 13 may be a T-slot to receive a corresponding T-shaped part of a carrier 23 or movable member 3. The T-shaped part may further assist retention of the carrier 23 or movable member 3 whilst permitting movement along a designed path.

[0073] In yet another example, the support 9, 11 has one, or more, rails as part of the movable connection between the movable member and the support 9, 11. In turn, the carrier or movable member is slidably connected to the rail. It is to be appreciated that other forms of movable connections may be used between the supports 9, 11 and the movable member. This may include wheels (including rollers) at the support to assist movement of the movable member and/or carrier. [0074] The support 9, 11 also includes a stop 17 to limit movement of the movable member 3 and carrier 23 in the slot 13. In this example a single stop 17 is provided at one end of the slot 13. It is to be appreciated that one or more additional stops may be provided in the slot 13, such as at an opposite end to the first stop. In one example, the stop 17 may be fixed, such as with a blanking plate. In additional examples, a removable stop 17 may be used, which may include attaching a removable stop via apertures 21 in the support body 19. A removable stop 17 may be useful when assembling, inspecting, repairing, or otherwise maintaining the system 1. In particular, it facilitates removal of the carrier 23 and movable member 3 whilst allowing the support 9 to remain in situ in the mine.

[0075] The support 9, 11 also includes a plurality of mounting apertures 22 to facilitate mounting of the support to the walls 107, 109 of the mine 106. In some examples, rock bolts and/or cable bolts 41 are fixed into the walls 107, 109. In turn, the rock bolts and/or cable bolts 41 are fastened to the support 9, 11 via the mounting apertures 22.

[0076] It is to be appreciated that rock bolts or cable bolts 41 may be fastened to the support 9, 11 by intermediate elements such as a bracket, spacer, etc. This can be advantageous as there may be difficulties aligning rock bolts or cable bolts perfectly with the mounting apertures 22 of the support 9, 11.

[0077] It is to be appreciated that the support body 19 can have alternative mounting features other than mounting apertures 22. This may include mounting slots, hooks, etc.

[0078] The support 9, 11 may be constructed of welded metal sheet or plating. In some examples, this includes steel. It is to be appreciated that other metals or metal alloys may be suitable. In the example illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, the support 9, 11 is substantially constructed with welded plates. This can simplify manufacture and field repairs.

Movable member 3

[0079] An example of a movable member 3 is illustrated in Figs. 21 to 23. The movable member 3 is a pipe having a first end 5 and an opposite second end 7. The pipe construction has a number of benefits. Firstly, the pipe has a cylindrical outer surface that aides movement and reduces friction of the ore across the outer surface. Secondly, the pipe shape allows rotation of the movable member 3 relative to the support 9, 11 and/or carrier 23. Furthermore the pipe shape has a better strength to weight ratio compared to a solid cylindrical bar.

[0080] In some examples, the movable member 3 is a steel pipe. This has the advantage of ease of manufacture or sourcing from commercially available pipes. Furthermore, steel pipe is resilient and has good impact resistance. The size of the pipe, including the thickness of the pipe walls, can be selected based on the requirements for the mine. In some examples, the pipe may be filled with material, such as concrete, to increase strength of the movable member 3. In other examples, the movable member 3 is constructed of reinforced concrete.

[0081] It is to be appreciated that in alternative examples, the movable member may include other shapes. In one example, the movable member 3 may include an I-beam mounted perpendicular to the length 15 of the slots 13 of opposing supports 9, 11. In a specific example, this includes having the ends of the I-beam received in the opposing C-shaped slots 13.

[0082] In another example, the movable member 13 may be a bar, or a flat plate, that is received in opposing slots 13 of the supports 9, 11. It is to be appreciated other examples may include such I-beams, bars, flat plates that are carried by an intermediate element such as the carrier 23. For example, the movable member 13 may include square cross-section bar stock with turned opposing ends 5, 7 such that the ends are cylindrical to allow rotation of the movable member 13 in the carrier 23.

Carrier 23

[0083] The carrier will now be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16. The function of the carrier 23 is to facilitate movement of the movable member 3 relative to the support 9, 11. The carrier can reduce friction and/or reduce wear between the support 9, 11 and the movable member 3.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 2, the system 1 has two carriers 23, a first carrier 25 to connect the first end to the slot 13 of the first support 9, and a second carrier 27 to connect the second end 7 to the slot 13 of the second support 11. [0085] Each of the first carrier 25 and second carrier 27 in this example is formed by two carrier bodies 51. The carrier body 51 includes an arcuate bearing surface 53 to connect with respective ends 5, 7 of the movable member. Thus each carrier body 51 is one of two halves, and when the carrier is located along the length 15 of the rail or slot 13, the arcuate bearing surfaces 53 face one another to receive the cylindrical ends 5, 7.

[0086] The arcuate bearing surface 53 allows the movable member 3 to be rotatably connected to the carrier 23 and, in turn, the supports 9, 11. Furthermore the carrier body 51 has external surfaces to match and slide with the rail or slot 13 of the supports such that there is a slidable connection between the movable member 3 and the supports 9, 11.

[0087] The carrier body 51 may also include apertures 55. The apertures 55, along with apertures 21, can be used with fasteners to lock the carrier 23 to the support 9, 11. This can be used temporarily to stop movement of the movable member 3 along the length 15.

Advantages can include locking the movable member 3 during installation and maintenance activities to reduce risks of accidents. In other examples, there can be situations during mine production that it is desirable to have a fixed-location beam at the brow (whereby the beam 3 moves by rotation) and the apertures 21 allow this option.

[0088] It is to be appreciated that carrier body 51 is sized to allow movement within the C- shaped slot 13 and this can include providing tolerances to prevent ore, rock and other debris seizing the carrier 23.

[0089] In alternative examples where the support has rails, the carrier 23 can include slots to interface with the rails to provide the slidable connection. In further examples, the carrier and/or support has one or more wheels to assist movement of the carrier with respect to the support.

[0090] It is to be appreciated that some alternative examples include a common carrier that spans between the first support 9 and second support 11. Legs 31

[0091] Figs. 17 to 20 illustrate an example of a leg 31 of the system 1. The legs 31 extend to the floor 108 of the mine 106 to support other parts of the system 1. Feet 35 are provided to spread pressure at the floor 108.

[0092] In this example, the legs 31 are separately manufactured components that are mounted to respective first and second supports 9, 11. This may include using fasteners through mounting apertures 24, 36 in the respective support 9, 11 and legs 31. Detaching the legs 31 to the supports 9, 11 can assist in ease of transportation of the components of the system 1 to the draw point 105.

[0093] In some further examples, the legs 31 may be formed of multiple subcomponents of a relatively shorter length, wherein assembly of the components form a sufficient length between the floor 108 to the supports 9, 11. In some examples the legs 31 are adjustable in length, which may include a screw jack to facilitate adjustment.

[0094] In some alternative examples, the legs may be integral to the supports 9, 11. Such examples may have advantages in strength and/or ease of manufacture.

Guard 33

[0095] Figs. 24 to 27 illustrate a guard 33 to protect the legs 31. The guards are located proximal to the feet 35 of the legs 31. The guards 33 are spaced from the legs 31 to provide a crumple zone 37. This can assist in reducing the effect of impact, such as from a mining vehicle or tool, that may otherwise dislodge the legs 31 and system 1. The use of guards 33 can be useful in environments that include autonomous vehicles, where the guards 33 may also serve as markers for navigation.

[0096] Connecting members 39 are provided to space the legs 31 from the body of the guard 33. In the illustrated example, the legs 31 have a hook or“J-shape”. This configuration can assist absorbing the impact as the connecting members 39 are configured to deform to absorb at least part of the force. Installation

[0097] Installation of one example of the system 1 will now be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 8. The system 1 is installed by positioning the first and second supports 9, 11 at respective locations at walls 107, 109 proximal to the draw point brow 11. The supports 9, 11 are secured at these locations by either, or combinations of, rock bolts 41, cable bolts, and legs 31. If required, the location of the supports 9, 11 may be adjusted by changing the height of the legs 31 and or locating pads/spacers between the feet 35 and the floor 108.

[0098] The movable member 3 is then connected to the supports 9, 11 which is achieved by locating the ends 5, 7 of the movable member 3 in respective carriers 25, 27. Referring to Fig. 8, which shows a cross-section of the system 1, the first carrier 25 with first end 5 of the movable member 3 is slid into the slot 13 of the first support 9. Figs. 7, 6 and 5 show a (reverse) sequence where the movable member 3 is progressively moved towards the draw point brow 111 until further movement is limited by the stop 17 at Fig. 5..

[0099] It is to be appreciated that simultaneously, the second end 7 and second carrier 27 is also movably connected and received in the slot 13.

[0100] In some further examples, additional stops 17’ can be provided to limit movement of the movable member 3 at the opposite end of the rail 13 to stop 17. That is, allowing captive movement of the carriers 25, 27 within the rail 13 between locations shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7and preventing the carriers 25, 27 from exiting the rail (as shown in Fig. 8). In yet other examples, it may be desirable for the beam 3 to be located at a specified location, such as that shown in Fig. 5 and the carriers 25, 27 are fixed to the supports 9, 11 (such as with fasteners passing through apertures 21 and 55).

[0101] It is to be appreciated that replacement or servicing of the movable member 3 can be achieved by sliding out the movable member 3 and carriers 25, 27 as illustrated in the sequence shown in Figs. 5 to 8. Advantageously the movable member 3, which is a wear part subject to abrasion and impact from the flow of ore, can be replaced without dismantling the entire system 1 from the draw point 105. In particular, the supports 9, 11 and the legs 31 can remain in place. Furthermore, a replacement movable member 3 can be inserted quickly to minimise downtime. In addition, the movable member 3 is removed in a direction away from the drawbell 103. This reduces risks to the operator and/or machinery by minimising exposure to the area near the draw point brow 111 that is subject to hazardous flow of ore.

[0102] Furthermore, the removable movable member 3 is advantageous over known steel arches, whereby replacement of worn portions of the arches can require entire replacement of the steel arch.

Method of operation

[0103] The operation of the system 1 to regulate and/or reinforce the draw point brow 111 will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 5 and 6. During production, a flow of ore 101 passes through the drawbell 103 to the draw point 105. As the ore piles up at the draw point 105, the level of ore (from the floor 108) will increase towards the draw point brow 111. As this continues, the ore will eventually reach a level to impact the movable member 3. The movable member 3 protect the draw point brow 111 by taking the impact and abrasion from the flow of ore. The movable member 3 can also regulate further flow of ore to the draw point 105. It is to be appreciated that positioning of the system 1, such as a height (or range of heights) of the movable member 3 can be used to regulate the flow into the draw point 105.

[0104] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6 (as one example), the movable member 3 may move away from the draw point brow 111. In this example, the movement is in a horizontal direction. This degree of movement can reduce the instance of ore being blocked, or held up, which can assist the flow into the draw point 105.

[0105] Furthermore, the movable member 3 can rotate in the carrier 23 which can further assist preventing blockages by acting as a free turning roller. In some examples, this includes the movable member 3 fixed in a specified location (such as that shown in Fig. 5), whereby rolling movement assists flow of the ore.

[0106] In some examples, a biasing mechanism is provided to bias the movable member 3 towards proximal to the draw point brow 111 and respective stop 17. The biasing mechanism may include a mechanical spring, such as a coil spring or leaf spring. In other examples, the biasing mechanism may include pneumatic or hydraulic systems to push the movable member 3 back towards the draw point brow 111. [0107] In some examples, one or more stops 17, 17’ are provided to limit movement of the carrier 23 between the position shown in Fig. 5 (where the carrier 23 is proximal to the draw point brow 111, and the position shown in Fig. 7 (where the carrier 23 is away from the draw point brow 111). As illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7, this range ensures that the carrier 23, and thus the movable member 3, are adequately supported by the first and second supports 9, 11 throughout the range of movement.

[0108] In other examples, movable member 3 is slid into the rail or slot 13 and fixed at a location relative to the supports 9, 11. This may include providing fasteners 80 through aperture 21 and 55 to secure the carrier 23 to the supports 9,11. In this configuration, the movable member 3 is rotatably connected to the carrier 23 to assist the flow of ore and to reinforce the draw point (105). For maintenance or replacement, the fasteners 80 may be selectively removed to allow the carrier 23 and movable member 3 to be repositioned or removed from the rail or slot 13. A second example implementing this is described below.

Components in a second example

[0109] Referring to Figs. 32 to 35, a second example of the system 401 includes a movable member 3 that is supported at both ends 5, 7 by a carrier 23 (formed by carrier bodies 51). The carriers 23, in turn, are fixed relative to the walls 107, 109 with first and second supports 409, 411. Similar to the first example, the first and second supports 409, 411 have slots 413 to receive the carriers 23. This allows the carriers 23 (and movable member 3) to be selectively moved and located relative to the draw point brow 111. The carriers 23 are then fixed in position, such as with fasteners 80 fixing the carriers 23 the respective supports 409, 411. Advantageously, this allows a degree of adjustment so that the supports 409, 411 do not need to be placed in a precise location.

[0110] In this example the movable member 3 is rotatable to assist and regulate the flow of ore 101 and/or to protect the draw point brow 111. The fasteners 80 fixing the carriers 23 to the supports 409, 411 prevent the movable member 3 from sliding out of the selected during use. [0111] This example also includes a mesh screen 473 to inhibit flow of ore 101 above the movable member 3. The mesh screen 473 is clamped in place by a mesh screen plate 471 and mesh screen support flange 475.

[0112] The support 409, as illustrated in Fig. 36, includes a slot 13 to receive the carriers 23 and a plurality of apertures 21 to receive one or more fasteners 80 to secure the carriers 23 at a desired location. The support 409 also includes a mesh screen support flange 475 that can, at least in part, also function as a gusset to support the surfaces of the slot 13. The mesh support flange 475 has one more apertures 475 to receive bolts to assist clamping of the mesh screen 473. The support 409 can also include other features of the support 9, 11 described above. Furthermore, the support 411 may be a mirror image of the support 409 illustrated in Fig. 36.

[0113] Similarly, the movable member 3 and the carriers 23 are similar to those described in the above examples.

[0114] The mesh screen plate 471 includes a substantially flat plate to form one half of a clamp to clamp the mesh screen 473. The mesh screen plate 471 includes one or more apertures 472 that match the apertures 476 in the mesh support flange 475. Fasteners, such as a nut and bolt passing through apertures 472, 476 can be used to assemble the mesh screen plate 471 and mesh support flange 475 such that the mesh screen 473 is clamped in between.

Installation of the second example

[0115] Installation of the system 401 can be similar to the above examples, with the exception of fixing the carrier 23 and the mesh screen 473. This includes fixing the supports 409, 411 relative to the walls 107, 109 with rock bolts 41. In this example, the supports 409, 411 are fixed directly to the walls 107, 109 but it is to be appreciated that modifications can include legs 31 extending to the floor 108.

[0116] A pair of carrier bodies 51 are placed around each end of the movable member 3 such that the arcuate bearing surfaces 53 face the external surface of the cylindrical movable member 3. In some examples, a lubricant (which may include wet or dry lubricant) is applied to reduce friction between the arcuate bearing surface and the movable member 3. The carriers 23 with the movable member 3 are then inserted into the slot 413. The open slot 413 allows this installation process to occur from within the tunnel instead of from below the drawbell 103 to reduce risks to workers.

[0117] The carriers 23 are slid into the slots 413 until the movable member 3 is at, or close to, a desired location relative to the brow 111. In some examples, it may be desirable locate the movable member 3 as close to the brow 111 as possible and thus installation may include sliding the carrier 23 all the way into the slot 413 until it abuts stop 17 (as shown in Fig. 35). Finer movement may be required to align the apertures 21 and apertures 55 after which a fastener (such as a bolt) is passed through to secure movable member 3 at the location.

[0118] As shown in Fig. 34, a minor gap 420 may be present between the walls 107, 109 and the supports 409, 411. This is because the walls 107,109 that are formed from excavation are not perfectly smooth and flat and where practicalities of tunnelling are such that perfect and consistent tunnel widths are not possible. In some examples, the gap 420 is filled with shotcrete or other fillers. In some examples, the filler may be one of the final steps of installation, whilst in other examples this can be done earlier such as after installation of the supports but before insertion of the carriers 23 and movable members 3. In some examples, foam, shield or other materials may be placed around parts such as fasteners and other surfaces to provide a protective barrier to shotcrete.

[0119] The mesh screen 473 can be placed by positioning in the desired location adjacent to the mesh support flange 475 and then clamping the mesh screen 473 in place with the mesh screen plate 471.

[0120] A further variation of a support 509 suitable for the second example is illustrated in Fig. 39. In this example, the support 509 includes arcuate bearing surfaces 418 at the stop 17. If the movable member 3 is desirable located at the stop 17, then only one carrier body 51 is required in the slot 413. That is, the combination of the arcuate bearing surfaces 418 of the stop 17 and the arcuate bearing surfaces 53 of one carrier body 51 holds an end of the movable member 3 (whilst providing a rotatable connection). This can reduce resources required for the system. If adjustment to an alternate position is desired (as shown in Fig. 39), then a further carrier body 51’ can be added to support the movable member 3 in the alternate position. Variations

[0121] In other examples, the movable member 3 is connected to at least one of the supports by a pivotable (i.e. hinged) connection. For example, a first end 5 of the movable member 3 is hinged to a first support 9, and the second end 7 of the movable member 3 is slidingly received in a slot 13 of the second support 11.

[0122] Figs. 28 and 29 illustrate an alternative configuration of the system 201 to reinforce the draw point brow 111. In this configuration, a movable member 3 is connected to the supports 9, 11 such that the member 3 moves vertically (i.e. in a direction between the rock roof 110 and floor 108. In this example, gravity biases the movable member 3 towards the floor 108, whereby the movable member 3 can provide reinforcement and protection to the draw point brow 111 and/or regulate the flow of ore.

[0123] It is to be appreciated that in other examples, the system 1 can be configured for the movable member 3 to move in not only a vertical or horizontal direction, but a combination of the two. This may be provided by have a sloped rail 13, or even an arcuate rail 13.

System for a flow of particles into a collection zone

[0124] Fig. 31 illustrates an alternative system 301, to regulate a flow of particles 302 into a collection zone 305 and/or to reinforce a brow 311 of the collection zone 305. In this example, the flow of particles 302 generally flow to the collection zone 305, whereby particles are collected from the collection zone 305 via a conveyor belt 350. To ensure the conveyor belt 350 is not overloaded, the flow of particles 302 needs to be regulated. This can be achieved by having a brow 311 to ensure only a certain level of particles 302 can flow into the collection zone 305. However a static brow will, over time, be worn by the flow of particles 302.

[0125] The system 301 includes first and second supports 9, 11 mounted at opposing walls 307 of the collection zone 305. The supports 9, 11 support a movable member 3 that operates similar to the movable member in the systems 1, 201 described above. The movable member 3 absorbs impact and abrasion from the particles as well as regulating the amount of particles flowing into the collection zone 305. [0126] In some examples, the flow of particles 302 to the collection zone 305 is supplied via a funnel or hopper (not illustrated). of a system with a door and vertical adjustment of the moveable member

[0127] Some of the above described examples, include a system 1 where the movable member 3 slides into a substantially horizontal rail or slot 13. However, it is to be appreciated that other forms of adjustment can be designed and configured. For example, the movable member 3 may be vertically adjusted into position as illustrated in the example system 601 illustrated in Figs. 40 to 43.

[0128] In this example, the system includes supports 609, 611 with, when in situ, vertically orientated slots 13. The vertically orientated slots 13 (see Fig. 43) allow the carrier 23 and corresponding moveable member 3 to be adjusted vertically into a desired location after which fasteners 80 can be used to fix the moveable member 3 in place. Similar to examples described above, the carrier 23 can allow the moveable member 3 to rotate relative to the supports 609, 611 to assist in regulation of flow of ore.

[0129] In addition, the example system 601 further includes a door 690 to stop, or otherwise mitigate, further flow of ore. In some examples, the door 690 is an isolation mechanism to isolate parts of the mine - for example during an explosive event or when ore extraction is not required. In other examples, the door 690 can be used in routine use to further regulate the ore from flowing into the tunnel.

[0130] The door 690 is hinged and may be selectively configured by an actuator 692 between an open configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 41, and a closed configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 42. The door 690 opens away from the drawbell and brow 111.

[0131] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.