Executive Technical Summary
Developed in partnership with underground mining specialists across multiple continents.
Designed to withstand repeated blast exposure before replacement is required.
Higher resilience than conventional polypropylene or polyethylene barricade mesh.
Remains flexible and intact at temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F), where standard mesh becomes brittle and fails.
Lightweight and compact roll format for easier underground transport and deployment.
Fluorescent orange color maximizes visibility in low-light headings and restricted zones.
Lower total cost of ownership despite a higher initial purchase price, due to reduced replacement frequency.
Available for large-volume orders with coordinated logistics support to remote mining sites worldwide.
Blast Resistance and Operational Efficiency
The FF09 is engineered to resist multiple blast cycles before structural failure, significantly reducing downtime between shots.
Crews can quickly identify restricted headings and return operations to service without waiting for a full barricade replacement.
Reduced replacement frequency improves operational continuity and lowers total material consumption over a mining season.
Unlike standard polypropylene mesh, the polyester fiber core with PVC coating maintains structural integrity under blast pressure and in extreme cold simultaneously.
Installation and Deployment Practices
Supplied in roll format (1.27 m x 92 m / 50 in x 300 ft) for efficient underground storage and transport.
Installed using steel cable, wire rope or elastic rope at the top, or both top and bottom depending on blast intensity and site requirements.
Reinforced borders allow cable threading without damaging the mesh structure.
Material can be cut to size using standard underground tools, allowing adaptation to non-standard heading widths.
Compatible complementary accessories: SHM04 elastic rope hook and SC080504 black elastic rope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many blasts can the FF09 withstand?
Performance depends on blast intensity, charge weight and installation method. The fence is engineered to remain functional through multiple blast cycles before replacement is required, outperforming conventional polypropylene mesh in comparable conditions.
Why is the FF09 superior to standard plastic barricade mesh?
The FF09 was engineered specifically for underground mining environments. Its polyester fiber core with PVC coating offers greater flexibility in extreme cold, higher resilience under blast pressure, and superior visibility compared to conventional polypropylene or polyethylene mesh. It does not become brittle at -40°C, which is a common failure point for standard plastic mesh.
How is the FF09 installed underground?
The fence is attached using steel cable or rope at the top, or both top and bottom. Reinforced borders allow secure cable integration without tearing. The material can also be cut to fit non-standard heading widths using standard underground tools.
Is the higher purchase price justified?
Yes. Reduced replacement frequency across multiple blast cycles typically results in a measurably lower total cost of ownership compared to cheaper alternatives that require replacement after each shot. For high-frequency blasting operations, the cost advantage is significant.
Can the FF09 be shipped to remote or international mining sites?
Yes. Large-volume orders can be supplied with coordinated logistics support to remote mining sites worldwide, including operations in Northern Canada, South America, Africa and Australia.
What accessories are recommended for installation?
Barry recommends the SHM04 elastic rope hook and the SC080504 black elastic rope as complementary installation accessories, both available directly from Barry Cordage.
Is the FF09 suitable for surface mining applications as well?
While the FF09 was developed and validated for underground mining environments, its high visibility, weather resistance and durability make it equally suitable for surface boundary marking, course delimitation and hazard zone identification in open-pit and surface mining operations.
