UNDERGROUND DRILLING
simple and modular design makes it easy to repair and replace parts , the company added .
Some of the machine ’ s safety features include FOPS LEVEL II certification from 1.5 m , boom inhibitors on both sides of the machine , magnetic proximity switches at cabin entry to cut off diesel and power , and a lockable master switch to prevent the start-up of the machine by unauthorised staff . The machine also has a reverse camera for better visibility , fail-safe hydraulic brakes ( service / emergency / parking ), a neutral braking system to prevent unintentional movement and clearly visible emergency stop buttons within easy reach of the operator . Navigation lights ( green / red ) show the safe side of the machine and the machine complies with 2006 / CE / 42 safety standards . A pre-start warning alarm , LED headlights to highlight any obstruction in the roadway , accessible wheel chocks and engine cooler cap with safety pressure release are also included in the safety features of the FLP1410 .
The FLP1410 drilling rig is equipped as standard with BMS ( Basic Monitoring System ), which provides up-to-date data on many of the machine ’ s parameters , helping to improve the machine ’ s performance . In addition , the machine can be equipped with FGS ( Feeder Guiding System ) and ADS . These systems improve drilling efficiency by creating a better shape of excavation , increasing the amount of mined
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material , reducing explosives and support work , and drilling according to the drill plan , Mine Master says .
The FGS works in the background , showing a projection of the drill pattern on the drill face , while the ADS enables fully-automatic operation once the machine has been prepared . ADS offers additional advantages such as reduced exposure to hazardous zones , while offering the ability to train up less experienced operators to perform drilling correctly . Reports on drilling work performed using both FGS and ADS systems allow for reconciliation of drilled holes from the assumed plan for complete analysis on the systems ’ performance .
With the ADS , the machine can drill autonomously during shift changes , allowing for continuous operation . Additionally , one operator can set up and supervise multiple rigs , further increasing efficiency . The machine can also be used in manual mode , providing operational flexibility . The ADS also results in an increased pull per blast and better geometry of the face , floor , roof and side walls , according to the company . This leads to reduced or no scaling , easier bolting , better tramming conditions and improved rock fragmentation .
Swick ’ s new drilling depths
Swick Mining Services , part of Perenti , recently achieved a major milestone at the Northern Star Resources ’ owned Jundee gold mine in Western Australia .
The companies successfully drilled the longest underground hole on-site using one of Swick ’ s DeepEX rigs , which Swick says are the world ’ s most powerful underground mobile rigs with capacities to drill exploration holes up to 3,000 m of NQ2 core .
At 1,895.4 m , this hole is the first to be completed in a comprehensive drill program that required the expertise of the DeepEX team to execute , Swick noted .
In addition to Jundee , Swick Mining Services ’ DeepEX team has also carried out work on BHP ’ s Olympic Dam mine site .
As well as drilling
deeper , Swick is also looking to electrify its fleet . Hybrid power options have been highlighted in the past and Gabrielle Iwanow , President of Perenti Contract Mining , noted at The Electric Mine 2024 that it was developing equipment inhouse , including Swick ’ s third-generation electric diamond drill .
Hexagon reducing overbreak / underbreak
Hexagon says it has offerings to empower mines to safely advance exploration , development and production faster and more economically through what it describes as unparalleled drilling accuracy .
Solutions that Hexagon offers for underground mining include drilling optimisation systems that combine hardware and software to facilitate the correct rig setup , ensure alignment and collaring accuracy and enable digital reporting .
Hexagon ’ s underground drilling portfolio comprises three products : n The Hexagon Azimuth Aligner , which Hexagon says ensures accuracy of exploration holes , leading to more accurate and cost-efficient resource definition ; n The Hexagon Production Optimiser targets vertical production drilling and , the company says , has been successful in eliminating redrilling , minimising ore dilution and ore loss and ultimately maximising stope profitability ; and n The Hexagon Development Optimiser provides accurate horizontal drilling that results in minimum overbreak / underbreak and maximum advance , reducing the need for local rock support and unplanned material movement and , consequently , optimising the cycle time and cost per metre , according to the company . Hexagon notes that its Development Optimiser delivers superior setup accuracy – addressing the primary cause of blasthole deviation – by maintaining rail trajectory to designed target and parallelism between rails ; and works independently of laserline , levelling and other on-board rig alignment systems .
Hexagon says the Development Optimiser also integrates seamlessly with rig and mine planning / drill and blast software for direct import and export of drilling data .
Since the release of the Hexagon Development Optimiser at the beginning of 2023 , the solution has produced significant improvements across sites , achieving an average reduction in overbreak of 44.3 % and up to a 77.7 % reduction in underbreak , the company claims . The system is currently in use in the APAC region , and Hexagon says it expects to enter the North American and Latin American markets in the near future . IM
14 International Mining | JULY 2024