Normet Group Oy has acquired the shares in Dynamic Rock Support AS in Norway. The acquisition broadens Normet’s offering for rock reinforcement with the new generation, energy absorbent D-Bolt system.
Dynamic Rock Support AS (DRS), owned by ProVenture Seed, Salvesen&Thams, NTNU – the Norwegian University of Science and Technology – and the founders, is based in Trondheim, Norway and has subsidiaries in Australia and Canada.
Thor Egil Five, Chairman of Dynamic Rock Support AS, explains: “DRS is a spin-out from the NTNU and was founded in 2008. It is always gratifying to see technology developed in a start-up company and then take the next step in contribution to industry and society.” The company’s main focus is on providing reliable technology that ensures safety and gives cost savings for underground mines, particularly where challenging ground conditions involve squeezing or dynamic risk management. DRS has developed the D-Bolt which is a novel rock bolt specifically designed for efficient and reliable rock reinforcement in squeezing and burst-prone strata. The patented technology was developed by Professor Charlie C. Li at NTNU.
“This acquisition is a good strategic fit to Normet as it broadens our offering to underground customers and reinforces our aim to be a total solution provider especially in ground support and rock reinforcement”, Tom Melbye, President of Normet Group, says, “With the D-Bolt system, together with our sprayed concrete, grouting and injection technologies and products, we can now help our customers to make underground mines and tunnels safer, even in difficult strata and high stresses and deformations.”
Since successful laboratory and field tests started in 2008, and the start of commercial sales in 2010, DRS has gained a strong market share of rock support business especially in Nordic region, Canada and Australia.
“We believe that Normet, which shares DRS’ focus on quality and improving the safety of underground workers is a very fitting host for DRS”, says Gisle Østereng, CEO of Dynamic Rock Support AS, “With the backing of Normet’s worldwide organization, the technology and expertise fostered by DRS will continue to impact mining and tunneling operators with world-class ground support and rock reinforcement products.”
Dynamic Rock Support AS will be part of Normet’s Rock Reinforcement Business Line, managed by Mike Rispin, Senior Vice President of Normet Group. Rispin explains: “Focus will be maintained on bringing the innovative technology of the D-Bolt to our existing and new customers. Blended with our expertise in resin and cementitious based bolt grouts, and coupled with a proven track record in rock mass reinforcement via injection, we offer an unparalleled array of solution offerings.”
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