If successful, the product is said to be one of the innovative technology from Anglo American’s FutureSmart approach to mining.
Atlas Copco underground rock excavation division president Scott Barker said: "We are very proud to be Anglo American’s partner in this joint development project and we are excited at the prospect of demonstrating this potential game-changing technology to the mining industry."
The technology will be designed to focus on mine development, and accelerating hard rock mining with safe techniques, according to Anglo American.
Atlas Copco global strategic projects and alliances manager Mikael Ramstrom said: "The mining industry need to be more cost efficient and predictable in its ore production systems.
"One way to achieve this is to move towards continuous mining systems based on mechanical rock cutting."
Through its underground rock excavation is a division, Atlas Copco produces and markets tunneling and mining equipment for various underground applications.
Image: Atlas Copco and Anglo American joint project team visit Anglo Platinum mine in South Africa. Photo: courtesy of Atlas Copco.
