UNDERGROUND DRILLING
Facing the future
For analysis of underground drilling trends , India is a good example , given the equipment its miners have been investing in to maximise development rates . Successfully operating at a number of sites across India the PM 2.3 is taking a strong foothold in the market . The standard production drill rig Production Master 2.3 , offered by Mine Master , part of the GHH Group , is a self-propelled , long-hole drill rig designed for drilling parallel up-holes and downholes as well as fans and rings in vertical or inclined planes . A top-hammer system gives the possibility of drilling in a range of 64-165 mm holes depending on the configuration , while the high energy drifter allows for faster drilling . A remote control panel is included for easy operation and drilling accuracy . The user-friendly positioning system offers drilling in required directions . The rig has very good stability for fast tramming even in tough road conditions . With a width of 2 m , a length of 9.2 to 9.6 m and a height of 2.45 to 3 m depending on the feed and cabin type , the PM2.3 can negotiate difficult
The world ’ s first automated one-boom jumbo for the small segment , Epiroc ’ s new Boomer S10 S
Paul Moore looks at the latest technology evolution in underground development jumbos & production drills including the latest battery electric options
Mine Master is producing a new , lighter version of the already highly successful Face Master 2.3 machine underground conditions very well .
A specific case when GHH India were planning to do a slot pass and slot excavation in a long hole open stopping operation proved the operational excellence of this long-hole production drill rig . This was a complicated drilling situation , where the extraction in a crown pillar was required and drilling accuracy and hole diameter played a key role . The compactness of the machine allowed for excellent manoeuvrability and with the ease of operation of the PM2.3 the team on site was able to successfully complete the slot excavation to its final profile . “ The powerful 26 kW drifter also made it possible to complete this exercise in a shorter period of time . The PM 2.3 is definitely useful in the thinner orebody due to narrower development in reef to reduce dilution .”
The complimentary machine to the PM 2.3 production machine is the Face Master 2.3 – a twin boom drilling jumbo . There are a significant number of these rigs in operation globally already . Mine Master is producing the new , lighter version of this machine and says it will be even more optimal for customers . “ It is a perfect choice for face drilling and bolts installation in hard rock medium cross section or in cross cuts in larger tunnels . Its compact dimensions make it very manoeuvrable and the kinematics allow for accurate movements of both booms , thus the operator can control the working unit without wasting time for adjusting the booms relatively to the face ensuring maximum productivity . Proportional valves enable precise feeder manoeuvring from hole to hole . This function is especially important for bolt / mesh installation .” Equipped as standard with an operator ’ s
canopy , it is also available with a closed , airconditioned , or heated , cabin improving the operator ’ s comfort levels and well-being and therefore also improving performance and ultimate productivity . “ The FM 2.320 drive system configuration provides one of the best traction parameters among underground drills available on the market . The Face Master 2.320 can be equipped with a Proximity Detection Interface ( PDI ) to allow for level 9 compliance with machine control and display the activities to the operator . Also for operator ’ s safety an optional laser barrier or boom isolation switch can be installed .”
On the battery electric front , one of KGHM ’ s strategic goals is to start using ‘ green energy ’ and zero-emission solutions in their underground copper operations . These goals are in line with the current global trends in mining . They recently carried out lengthy tests of the Roof Master 1.8KE , battery electric bolter , and its implementation in KGHM ’ s Ludin mine has been very successful . “ Based on the reports from the mine there have been key benefits highlighted by its management ; these include : reduction of ventilation costs due to no gas emission ( CO 2 or NO X ), lower running cost in comparison to the diesel engine , lower service cost , and elimination of transport costs and fuel distribution ultimately leading to significant reduction in overall operating costs . The customer also highlighted there was less heat generation and comfort of work improved significantly through less vibration and noise reduction , leading to enhanced operator performance and ultimate productivity increase .”
According to the mine the results of tests clearly show that it is highly recommended to continue the implementation of battery driven machines , which in consequence will have a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon footprint . Mine Master is also planning on using the platform-based approach of the RM1.8KE to make other products in its portfolio available as battery electric rigs . These include the low profile drill rig FLP1410E , as well as the single and double boom drills FM2.310E and the FM2.320E .
Sandvik Mining ’ s roadmap continues
Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions plans to electrify its full i-Series drilling line by 2030 , drill rigs which tram on battery and plug into the grid while drilling / bolting . Launches for the DD422iE- DC ( development drill ) and DS422iE ( rock bolter ) are expected in 2022 , with the DL432iE ( longhole drill ) and the DT923iE ( jumbo drill ) coming to market between 2023 and 2026 . Since the rollout of the first battery-electric drill in 2016 – the DD422iE – over 3 million metres have been drilled and over 13,000 km have been trammed with these electric machines .
44 International Mining | JUNE 2022