User’s choices of conical picks currently involve specifying their material and geometric parameters (functional requirements), incorporating the place and conditions of their work (operational requirements). The selection is usually made based on solely one criterion, which is the price. Thus, at the stage of both purchase and operation, the quality of picks, as well as their matching for a specific machine, are not assessed. The problem of defining whether the producer has fulfilled the user’s requirements arises only when the user questions the picks’ quality. Analysis of this problem has resulted in developing assumptions, concepts and research procedures based on the cutting process requirements. The procedure allows conducting tests to determine the geometric parameters of a pick, the type of material of the pick body and WC-Co insert, as well as the pick wear rate (intensity). The C2 index describes the wear rate (intensity)—the smaller its value, the slower the pick’s wear. Laboratory tests were carried out at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, Poland. Following the developed method and procedure, the quality of picks was precisely and unambiguously assessed. The C2 index, apart from testing the quality of picks, was also used to forecast their wear. Based on the C2 index, a method is proposed to estimate the wear rate of conical picks provided by different manufacturers and determine the acceptable unit price and operating costs. Thus, it is possible and reasonable to precisely define the investment requirements and appropriately select the pick. Relevant tests were carried out for eight different types of conical picks used in roadheaders, longwall shearers and shaft-boring roadheaders.

Currently, the user’s choice of a conical pick involves specifying its geometric and material parameters, taking into account the place and conditions of its work. The selection is then made, usually on the basis of solely one criterion, which is the price. Thus, at the stage of both purchase and operation, the quality of picks and their suitability for a specific machine and the processed mineral are not assessed. Therefore, a method was developed to enable conducting tests that determine the geometric parameters of a pick, the types of materials of the pick body and WC insert as well as the pick wear rate (intensity) in a laboratory workstation. The wear rate (intensity) is described by the C2 index – the smaller is its value, the slower is the pick’s wear. The C2 index has been used to forecast the wear of picks and to determine their unit price and operating costs. This allows for precise determination of investment requirements and a proper selection of the pick.

The wearing of cutting tools is a bottleneck of many branches in the industry. However, the tools used in the mining sector are extraordinarily prone to rapid deterioration since many rocks exhibit aggressive abrasive properties. A typical example of a fast wearing cutting tool is a conical pick. It is used in the mining industry and other businesses requiring rock cutting, such as in roadworks and tunnelling. Both manufacturers and users attempt to find a way to enhance the lifespan of the working surface of conical picks via different approaches, namely heat treatment, chemical treatment, work hardening, and hardfacing, etc. To correctly estimate the resistance to abrasive wear for a particular conical pick, one must select appropriate procedures and methods. By this time, the most common estimation method is to measure the mass loss before and after cutting, preserving the specified and constant conditions. This method was developed for users (mines) and manufacturers of cutting tools, especially conical picks. Alternative methods of assessing the picks’ wear are also sought. In this paper, the authors perform additional volumetric loss measurements via a photogrammetric approach, which results in a 3D scan of brand-new and exploited conical pick. Three different sets of four picks were measured both in the domain of mass loss and volume loss, and the results were compared. Slight differences in parameters C2 and C3 were found. Additionally, the authors enclose recommendations regarding the proper use of the methods mentioned above, mainly focusing on the ability to perform linear and angular measurements of the tool performed on the 3D scan.

Development of mineral deposits located at significant depth may be carried out by means of vertical shafts. Shaft sinking technology usually requires a number of works to be carried out, including the selection of appropriate excavating techniques adapted to geological and hydrological conditions, including natural hazards. The production technology and the machines used determine the level of sinking costs and execution period. The article discusses the excavating technologies currently used across the world. Then the assumptions, concept and construction of a new generation of shaft sinking system were presented. The proposed new solution of the system and the excavating technology allow for parallel execution of key processes related to winning, loading, transport and shaft wall-side lining, which significantly increases the progress of sinking. The shaft sinking system was created by scientists from AGH in cooperation with KOPEX-Przedsiębiorstwo Budowy Szybów S. A. and Instytut Techniki Górniczej KOMAG.

Problems related with abrasive wear of tangential-rotary picks during cutting process and its limitations, have been discussed in the present study. Essential for the parameters of cutting process geometrical, kinematic and material parameters of tangential-rotary picks and types of their wear, have been discussed. Testing procedure in aspect of the wear of tangential-rotary picks and their durability estimation, has been described. Manners of the abrasion of pick body and pick edge of the tangential-rotary picks, have been determined. Particular attention was paid to procedure of hard facing of the pick operational part and its influence onto mining process. Results of examination of tangential-rotary picks with hard facing layer on operational part near insert made of abrasion sintered carbide are also cited.