ROCK TOOLS
Terelion ' s Warrior DTH tools are built to be a reliable workhorse – combining high performance and efficiency with a rugged construction
recent months .” month at the gold mine where we have been carrying out tests in
The system has been running on the gold mine in WA but Mincon has continued to experience issues with the output of the rig in H1 2023 . “ These issues are due to a lack of reliable rig power output and are unrelated to the Greenhammer system … this emphasises the importance of our collaboration with a major rig manufacturer which is well progressed … a successful outcome with this collaboration opens up access to a very large rig fleet suitable for conversion , coupled with a strong support network .”
Greenhammer is a hydraulic DTH hammer technology and both 10 in and 12 in versions have already been extensively tested during development works . It is not a small system or easily replicable , and Mincon has placed patents around the system to protect it . The system is also more than just the hydraulic hammer ; it includes all the drill string and the supporting on-rig infrastructure and handling . Mincon has emphasised a big upside as its significant savings on fuel .
The system has been run on Mincon ’ s own rig at an iron ore mine in Western Australia but the first commercial Greenhammer contract is with an unnamed contractor operating at the abovementioned major gold mine in Western Australia . The contract provided for the mobilisation of the Greenhammer system to be run on a Minconowned test rig as well as a full Mincon team to support drilling blastholes on an agreed price per metre drilled .
cemented carbide inserts on a drill bit back to virgin material – pure tungsten – which can then be used in manufacturing new cemented carbide inserts . Tools from recycled solid carbide require 70 % less energy which results in 40 % less CO 2 emissions .
“ At Terelion , we are committed to working towards a more sustainable mining future . Doing so will benefit all : our planet , our customers , and our business . Our aim is 90 % circularity by 2030 . Key in achieving this is our Circularity Program . We are very happy that Rio Tinto Kennecott shares this ambition and has decided to join our program – a clear testament also to their commitment in this area . We look forward to a successful partnership that ultimately encourages others to join this exciting initiative ,” said Graeme McKenzie , Operations Director at Terelion .
The process of separating cemented carbide inserts from the steel body of the drill bit is done through an elaborate heating process . The inserts are then gathered and shipped to Terelion ’ s recycling partner – saving more than 90 % of shipping emissions in the process ( compared to shipping the complete drill bits ).
The used products are collected on site at Kennecott and transported to a partner where the dull tungsten carbide drill bits are separated from the steel . The used carbide inserts are then sent to a process plant in Austria where they are transformed back to its original powder form , and then made into new tungsten carbide inserts that are used as the raw material for making new drill bits .
The Terelion Circularity program for tungsten carbide drill bits at the Rio Tinto Kennecott mine is estimated to reduce CO 2 emissions related to carbide drill bits by 64 %. The energy consumption will be reduced by 70 % compared with sourcing tungsten carbide via conventional mining methods .
“ We ’ re always looking for new and inventive ways to reduce our carbon footprint and cut waste ,” said Rio Tinto Kennecott General Manager Minerals Brendan Murphy . “ We are excited to support this innovative circularity program and look forward to seeing the difference it can make .”
A ceremony took place at the Rio Tinto Kennecott Mine on the of May 23 , 2023 . It marked the start of the circularity program between the two companies .
On products , while globally known for its roller cone bits , the newest addition from Terelion is its Warrior DTH product line . The offering has 4 in , 5 in , 6 in , 7 in and 8 in hammers – built to be a reliable workhorse – combining high performance and efficiency with a rugged construction . Its easy-to-service design allows for minimal service time and higher productivity . A range of QL shank bits complement the hammer range for reliable and high performance drilling .
Terelion says introducing the Warrior DTH line was a natural development . “ Many mines and quarries prefer the DTH method for production drilling . In addition , DTH is ideal for drilling the pre-split and buffer holes in surface mining operations that use rotary for their production drilling . For these mines , Terelion now offers the perfect combo .”
IM
Kennecott joins Terelion Circularity Program
The mining industry is also on a trajectory to a more sustainable future . Key to achieving more sustainable operations is increased circularity throughout the whole value chain . Rio Tinto Kennecott ’ s ( Salt Lake City , USA ) recent decision to join Terelion ’ s Circularity Program marked a significant milestone in delivering on this ambitious goal .
Cemented carbide is a key component in highquality drill bits . One important ingredient in the manufacturing is tungsten , a rare mineral difficult to come by . Through Terelion ’ s Circularity program , it is now possible to recycle all
Brunner & Lay ’ s ST45 Tube Drilling System
Brunner & Lay ’ s new ST45 Tube Drilling System for underground long hole drilling it says is capable of reducing hole deviation and increasing consumable life . Proven over hundreds of thousands of drill footage across Australia , Brunner & Lay says it solves the problem of drilling straight 76 mm straight holes . This nullifies the requirement to move to ST58 and 89 mm holes associated with all the associated mine design changes . During production drilling at one mine , hole deviation has been reduced by 50 % using ST45 Tube Drilling System in place of T45 M / F Rods . The innovation has shoulder drive to reduce hole deviation and increase rigidity ; more contact area and points than trapezoidal or rope ; and more rigid thread recess than T45 shoulder drive .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 | International Mining 27