Don MacLean, founder of MacLean Engineering, has been recognized as a mining technology pioneer at the inaugural 2014 International Mining Technology Hall of Fame gathering in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 22.
MacLean developed drawpoint obstruction clearance machines for block caving rigs, including blockhole jumbos, in the late 1970s. It was a simple concept that revolutionized underground bulk mining. MacLean also spearheaded the invention of high reach and medium reach rigs in the 1990s. These rigs helped operators break drawpoint boulders below the brow by utilizing highpressure water impulses. This technique licensed a technology from South Africa munitions manufacturer Denel.
MacLean’s vision and willingness to create and adapt new technologies not only drove his company’s success in the international market, but also greatly infl uenced the underground mining equipment environment.
“We are extremely proud that through their research International Mining chose to recognize Don,” said MacLean’s son and company president Kevin MacLean.
“Although it is Don’s name on the award, there are so many people that have contributed not only to the Blockholer line, but to the company as a whole. Don did not do this alone and he and I would both like to recognize all of those people who have contributed to the quality of MacLean products over the last 40 years.”
Founded in 1973, MacLean Engineering & Marketing Co. Limited provides engineering solutions to the global underground, hard rock mining industry.
The MacLean product line includes ground support and ore fl ow facilitation equipment as well as a complete line of Mine-Mate utility vehicles.
MacLean Engineering operates manufacturing facilities in Collingwood and Owen Sound, Ontario, and has additional locations in Sudbury; Val-d’Or, Quebec; Thompson, Manitoba; Creighton, Saskatchewan; Phalaborwa, South Africa; and Perth, Australia.
