In the tough and unpredictable world of mining, Concrete Specialists are constantly looking for materials that can keep up with the extreme demands of the environment. One product that’s been turning heads and gaining serious traction in the industry is Minecrete—a powerful shotcrete hybrid created by Altecrete. Here’s why it’s quickly becoming the preferred solution underground.
What Is Minecrete?
Minecrete is a next-generation shotcrete hybrid that’s engineered specifically for the mining sector. It brings together the fast-curing benefits of traditional shotcrete with the resilience and adaptability of thin sprayed liners. The result? A highly effective material that works in both wet and dry conditions—perfect for applications like tunnel lining, shaft stabilization, and slope protection.
Superior Mechanical Strength
One of the biggest reasons Concrete Specialists choose Minecrete is because of its strength—real, tested, proven strength. Here’s a quick comparison to standard 40 MPa shotcrete:
- Compressive Strength:
- Minecrete: 18 MPa at 24 hours, 40 MPa at 28 days
- Standard Shotcrete: 4.5 MPa at 24 hours, 40 MPa at 28 days
- Tensile Strength:
- Minecrete: 3.2 MPa at 24 hours
- Standard Shotcrete: Significantly lower
- Shear Bond Strength:
- Minecrete: 5.3 MPa at 24 hours
- Standard Shotcrete: Just 0.13 MPa
With strength like this, Minecrete enhances structural integrity early in the process—helping reduce collapses and keep sites safer.
Rapid Curing for Increased Productivity
In mining, every minute counts. Downtime due to slow-curing materials can significantly delay operations and inflate costs. Minecrete’s rapid curing properties change the game—you can resume blasting operations as little as two hours after application (depending on site conditions). This quick turnaround minimizes interruptions, shortens project timelines, and boosts overall productivity. Whether you’re reinforcing a tunnel or stabilizing a shaft, Minecrete helps maintain momentum in even the most demanding environments.
Cost Efficiency and Reduced Material Usage
Minecrete delivers high performance with less material. Thanks to its superior strength-to-thickness ratio, a 25mm application can replace a traditional 50mm shotcrete layer—effectively cutting material requirements by 50%. This translates to:
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Lower transport and delivery costs
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Reduced storage needs on-site
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Less material handling and cleanup
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Decreased wear and tear on pumps and spraying equipment
The result? Significant savings on both direct and indirect costs. With fewer resources needed and less strain on equipment, Minecrete not only reduces your budget but also simplifies logistics and maintenance.
Enhanced Safety Features
Mining is inherently dangerous, so safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. Minecrete helps improve safety in several key ways:
- High Early Strength: Fast curing means support goes up quickly.
- Seismic Stability: Helps absorb ground movement, making excavations more secure.
- Low Rebound: Less rebound means less waste and a cleaner, safer site.
These benefits give teams peace of mind and help create a safer working environment.
Versatility in Application
Minecrete isn’t just strong and fast—it’s adaptable. Concrete Specialists use it across a wide range of mining scenarios:
- Tunnel Lining: Adds structural support and prevents collapse.
- Shaft Stabilization: Ensures safe, reliable access points.
- Slope Protection: Guards against erosion and rockfall in open areas.
Wherever it’s used, it delivers reliable results.
Integration with Advanced Equipment
To make the most of Minecrete, it’s often paired with cutting-edge machinery. One standout example is the Hencon Altecreter—a self-propelled, all-wheel-drive concrete mixer built for underground use. It offers:
- Output: 0 to 12 m³ per hour
- Efficiency: Cuts underground logistics and handling by up to 64%
- Savings: Reduces costs on secondary support materials by 50%
Using the right tools ensures Minecrete is applied efficiently and effectively.
Proven Success in the Field
The real test of any product is how it performs under pressure—on the ground, in real-world conditions. Across South Africa and in mining operations globally, Minecrete has become the go-to solution for critical applications such as tunnel linings, shaft walls, and slope stabilization. Its consistent, high-performance results are driving real change in the field. Operations that implement the report:
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Enhanced structural integrity and long-term durability
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Fewer repairs and lower ongoing maintenance costs
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Improved safety for workers and equipment
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Streamlined project timelines and reduced downtime
From deep underground shafts to exposed open-pit walls, Minecrete delivers the reliability miners need to keep operations safe, efficient, and on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main benefit of Minecrete over traditional shotcrete?
Minecrete offers better strength, faster curing, and requires less material—resulting in cost and time savings.
2. Can Minecrete be used in wet conditions?
Yes! It’s formulated to bond well in both wet and dry environments.
3. How does Minecrete support safety in mining?
By gaining strength quickly and improving seismic stability, Minecrete helps reduce risks underground.
4. Do I need special equipment to apply Minecrete?
You can use standard equipment, but machines like the Hencon Altecreter improve efficiency and control.
5. Is Minecrete better for the environment?
Absolutely. Using less material and reducing transportation needs helps lower your environmental footprint.
Summary
For Concrete Specialists in mining, Minecrete is more than just a material—it’s a game-changer. Its unmatched strength, rapid setting time, cost efficiency, and safety benefits make it the smart choice for today’s high-performance mining environments. If you’re looking to boost productivity, cut costs, and keep your crews safer, It is the solution you’ve been waiting for.
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