SURFACE DRILLING
drop but even there you cannot say there is yet a finalised solution . “ From a drilling perspective I can say that there will be several iterations before we get to a final all battery solution for blasthole rigs .” Interestingly , this may actually also include using cables on smaller blasthole drill rig models where it they are not currently used to help customers at least meet their interim Scope 1 targets .
Overall , the customer will always remain the primary focus on this technology journey . Sandvik recently stated on the new rig : “ Technology for us is only a tool to meet the customer ’ s needs . With this concept drill rig , the primary role of technology is to support a zero emissions approach at the customer ’ s operations , which of course aligns perfectly with Sandvik ’ s own sustainability goals .”
Komatsu ’ s ZR-Series – big gains in a short time
During the SME 2023 event in Denver in February , Justin Bollini , Komatsu Mining Application Engineer , gave a detailed update on its ZR series of blasthole drills . It is a relatively new product line so there ’ s a lot of new product development and proving of early serial number machines going on . There are four main models in Komatsu ’ s lineup today – namely the ZT44 ( diesel , DTH , 24.4 m typical hole depth and 165 mm hole diameter ), ZR77 ( diesel or electric , DTH or rotary , 16.8 m typical hole depth and 251 mm hole diameter ), ZR122 ( diesel or electric , DTH or rotary , 19.8 m typical hole depth and 311 mm hole diameter ) and the 320XPC ( electric , rotary , 19.8 typical hole depth and 351 mm hole diameter ).
The first three drills are all relatively recent additions , with the ZR122 the last to be introduced . The 320XPC is a longer term machine , which is still branded as P & H . The three newer drills have all been designed and developed in-house in Milwaukee by Komatsu ’ s engineering team . Bollini added : “ As we develop these products – trial them out and finalise the designs , the plan is to expand the product line to meet all customer needs .” Bollini focused on the newest ZR77 and the ZR122 . ‘ Z ’ is Komatsu ’ s drill classification , ‘ R ’ stands or rotary or a platform arrangement of machine , and the numbers refer to the pulldown available on the machine such as 77,000 lb of pulldown on the ZR77 . The ZR77 first launched at MINExpo 2016 , as the 77XR by P & H which was followed soon after by Komatsu ’ s acquisition of Joy Global , the P & H parent , in April 2017 . Changes and improvements were then made before its rebranding to the ZR77 . The ZR122 was released at MINExpo 2021 .
Key points on the ZR series include single rack and pinion pulldown with innovative lightweight carriage offering highest torque rotary head in class with a feed rate of 40 m / min . The live tower allows raising and lowering of the mast with the drill string attached , and carriage hoisted . Easy drill method conversion is done from rotary to DTH with an adjustable breakout wrench enabling fitment . Angled drilling is possible up to 30 degrees off vertical
Komatsu ' s all new ZR122 is being comprehensively tested and trialled in Minnesota ' s Iron Range
at 5 degree increments . Diesel to electric upgrade is done with configurable frames enabling modular exchange . The overall modular design offers one day assembly with easy ability to configure for multiple operating conditions including high altitude , extreme cold eg -50 ° C as well as big air options . An auto bit changer enables a five minute change with no operator manual intervention . Manoeuvrability is another big plus – 360-degree lower works turnability for better access on tight patterns . It also allows 1 in low profile windrow terrain deliverability compared to competitive drills that leave a 1 ft high drift . The lower profile also enables easier support equipment access and stable terrain for site personnel . Two final points – the LINCS control system offers an improved operator experience with joystick control , good cab ergonomics with < 60 dBA sounds , and mine to mill optimisation with stratification modelling and ProVision integration for real time machine health monitoring and productivity analysis .
Lastly , the ZR drills are fully automation ready – having HPGPS and geofencing , teleoperation capability , obstacle detection technology , auto navigation , a 360 degree camera system and the mentioned auto bit changer as an option .
Onto the ZR122 introduction in more detail . The machine at MINExpo 2021 was the first – serial number ZR122001 and was built as a field follow machine . The chosen testing method was a 24 / 7 minesite application in conjunction with a customer trial . Testing within a real mine ensures real world application data and customer feedback to help optimise current and future machines . But it is also a challenge – the machine will be taken out of production for key engineering validation tests , changes or updates . This needs to be planned with the customer to ensure mine productivity is not affected . Any changes or updates to the drill whether planned or unplanned will also be experienced by both the OEM and the customer .
20 International Mining | APRIL 2023