Thyssen Mining Claims World Record Raise Bore at BHP's Jansen Potash Mine
According to International Mining, Thyssen Mining and TRL Mining Construction LP have completed twin 8-metre diameter raise bore excavations at BHP’s Jansen potash mine in Saskatchewan, setting what the company believes is a world record for the largest diameter hole pulled using raise-boring techniques.
Record-Breaking Underground Work at Jansen
The scope involved excavating an underground raw ore storage bin between mine levels, with final dimensions of 8 metres wide, 15 metres long, and 34 metres high. The team used a dual-barrel raise-boring configuration to achieve an oblong profile, resulting in 5,576 tonnes of rock excavated. Compared to conventional excavation methods, the approach delivered 64 days of schedule savings.
The project was completed using a Robbins 123RVF raise bore drill with a reamer designed and fabricated by Epiroc. Thyssen Mining noted the project achieved zero recordable incidents and was executed in full compliance with site safety systems.
“The successful outcome was the result of close collaboration between BHP, site contractors, suppliers, and engineering teams, all supporting a willingness to challenge conventional mining techniques in favour of operational excellence,” Thyssen Mining said in a statement reported by International Mining.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Saskatchewan is a serious opportunity. BHP’s Jansen potash mine is driving demand for specialized underground construction work in Canada. Subcontractors with raise boring, shaft sinking, or underground excavation capabilities should be actively tracking this project.
- Schedule performance wins contracts. Thyssen’s 64-day savings over conventional methods is the kind of measurable result that gets noticed by major operators. Subcontractors who can quantify efficiency gains are better positioned in competitive bid environments.
- Collaboration is part of the pitch. The project involved BHP, site contractors, suppliers, and engineering teams working together. Field service companies that can demonstrate integration with a client’s safety systems and existing site teams have a clear edge on large-scale underground jobs.
- Zero incidents matters as much as the record. The zero recordable incident outcome was highlighted alongside the technical milestone, a reminder that safety performance is a qualifying condition, not a differentiator, on projects of this scale.
