You are here: Home » News » Industry News » 7 Key Applications of Rockbreakers in the Mining Industry: Efficiency & Safety

7 Key Applications of Rockbreakers in the Mining Industry: Efficiency & Safety

Views: 0     Author: Kun Tang     Publish Time: 2026-01-23      Origin: Jinan YZH Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd.

In the high-stakes world of mining, "uptime" is the only metric that matters. Whether in an open-pit copper mine or a deep underground gold operation, the flow of material must never stop.

The Rockbreaker has evolved from a simple demolition tool into a critical production asset. While mobile excavators are common, the industry is increasingly relying on stationary Rock Breaker Booms Systems to solve the most persistent challenge in mining: Oversize Material.

This guide explores the seven specific applications of rockbreakers in mining and how they drive productivity while ensuring strict safety compliance.

1. Efficient Ore Extraction & Sizing

Before mineral processing can begin, the rock must be manageable.

  • The Challenge: Blasting is an art, not a perfect science. It often leaves behind massive boulders that are too large to load or transport.

  • The Application: Rockbreakers are used at the extraction face to reduce these "oversize" rocks into smaller pieces. This ensures that haul trucks are loaded efficiently and prevents damage to the truck beds caused by dropping massive boulders.

7 Key Applications of Rockbreakers in the Mining Industry: Efficiency & Safety

2. Optimizing Primary Crushing

This is the most critical application for stationary Rock Breaker Booms Systems.

  • The Role: The primary crusher (Jaw or Gyratory) is the bottleneck of the mine.

  • The Solution: A pedestal boom is mounted directly over the crusher feeder. It acts as a "gatekeeper," breaking large rocks before they enter the crushing chamber. This pre-conditioning allows the crusher to run at a consistent setting, maximizing throughput (tonnage per hour).

3. Clearing Blockages & Obstacles

Even with careful planning, "bridging" happens.

  • The Scenario: Rocks interlock over the crusher jaw, completely stopping the flow of material.

  • The Fix: Without a rockbreaker, a mine would have to stop the conveyor, lock out the system, and send a person in with a pry bar or explosives—a massive safety risk. A remote-operated Rock Breaker Booms System can reach into the jaw and dislodge the blockage in seconds, keeping the mine running safely.

4. Underground Tunnel Support (Scaling)

In underground mining, stability is paramount.

  • The Application: After blasting a new tunnel section, loose rock ("scale") hangs from the ceiling and walls.

  • The Method: Specialized rockbreakers are used for "scaling"—mechanically knocking down this loose rock to create a safe environment for miners and equipment to pass through. This is essential for tunnel infrastructure and pipeline installation.

5. Enhancing Operational Safety

Safety is the number one priority in modern mining.

  • Reducing Blasting: Historically, large rocks were cleared using secondary blasting. This required clearing the site and halting production due to fumes and fly-rock risks.

  • The Advantage: Hydraulic breakers eliminate the need for secondary explosives. By using a Rock Breaker Booms System, operators can break rock from a safe, climate-controlled control room, far removed from dust, noise, and vibration.

6. Equipment Maintenance & Protection

It may seem counterintuitive, but a breaker actually protects your other equipment.

  • The Logic: Forcing a crusher to process rock that is slightly too big causes immense stress on the liners and bearings.

  • The Benefit: By breaking the rock first, the rockbreaker ensures the crusher only processes material within its design limits. This significantly extends the lifespan of crusher liners and reduces unscheduled maintenance downtime.

7. Environmental Adaptability & Urban Mining

As mines expand or operate near populated areas, environmental impact becomes a legal issue.

  • The Shift: Traditional blasting creates ground tremors and noise pollution.

  • The Solution: Rockbreakers offer a controlled, precise method of excavation. For mines located near urban centers or sensitive ecosystems, hydraulic breaking is the only compliant way to extract hard rock without violating noise and vibration regulations.

7 Key Applications of Rockbreakers in the Mining Industry: Efficiency & Safety

Conclusion

The Rockbreaker is no longer just an accessory; it is a strategic necessity for the mining industry. From ensuring the safety of underground teams to guaranteeing the continuous flow of ore through the primary crusher, its applications are vast.

For mines looking to maximize efficiency and eliminate dangerous blockages, installing a dedicated Rock Breaker Booms System is the industry standard for operational excellence.

Ensure your mine never stops.Explore our heavy-duty breaking solutions designed for the harshest mining environments.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Why use a stationary boom instead of an excavator at the crusher?

A: A stationary Rock Breaker Booms System is safer (remote operation), cheaper to run (electric vs. diesel), and has a specialized reach designed specifically to cover the entire crusher box without damaging the liners.

Q2: How does a rockbreaker improve crusher throughput?

A: By breaking oversized rocks before they enter the crusher, the breaker prevents "bridging" (blockages) and ensures the crusher is always full (choke fed) with properly sized material, which is the most efficient way to run a crusher.

Q3: Can rockbreakers work in underground mines?

A: Yes. Low-profile rock breaker booms are specifically designed for underground grizzlies and ore passes where ceiling height is limited.

Q4: Is hydraulic breaking safer than secondary blasting?

A: Absolutely. Secondary blasting requires site evacuation, handling of explosives, and poses risks of fly-rock. Hydraulic breaking is continuous, controlled, and can be done without stopping nearby operations.


Related Products

ABOUT COMPANY
Since 2002, YZH has specialized in providing custom pedestal rockbreaker boom systems for mines and quarries worldwide. We combine 20+ years of engineering expertise with rigorous CE-certified quality to boost your productivity and safety through superior design. We don't just sell equipment,we deliver a partnership built on problem-solving.​​​​​​​
CONTACT INFO
Do you want to become our customer?
E-mail: yzh@breakerboomsystem.com
WhatsApp: +861561012802​​​​​​​7
Tel: +86-531-85962369 
Fax: +86-534-5987030
Office Add: Room 1520-1521, Building 3, Yunquan Center, High & New Tech Development Zone, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
© Copyright 2025 Jinan YZH Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd . All Rights Reserved.   Privacy Policy  Sitemap   Technical Support: sdzhidian