ROCK TOOLS new drill rigs with more powerful compressors designed for larger hole sizes . New DTH solutions must also help reduce the environmental impact of drilling .
Sandvik ’ s new Malleo™ RH570 hammer family is equipped with a unique shank design concept that improves feed force transmission , added strength in the piston and multiple design feature updates for a more durable and longer lasting drill bit . The improved dynamics between the piston and bit results in up to 40 % stress level reduction . The bit is also lighter than predecessors , easing manual handling and reducing risk of operator injuries .
Field tests confirm 15 % higher penetration rate and 4.5 % more efficient usage of compressed air , compared to both competitor products and previous Sandvik DTH hammer families . With higher striking power and built-in reliability , Malleo™ RH570 delivers faster drilling , higher productivity and lower fuel consumption , without any compromises on performance or operator safety .
“ On top of our customers ’ wish list for a DTH hammer is productivity , low cost and reduced environmental impact , and we are delighted that our new Malleo™ RH570 hammer family can tick all the boxes ,” said Edgar Halling , Product Manager DTH at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions . “ We have taken our many years of engineering and field experience into designing a fast , reliable and highly productive hammer along with an innovative drill bit to match it . The air-efficiency significantly improves fuel economy , which is not only beneficial for reducing operational costs , but also a crucial sustainability factor .”
Epiroc launches breakthrough ET drill strings
Epiroc ’ s mining equipment has delivered exceptional performance and unmatched uptime for over a hundred years . The release of Epiroc ET66 , ET45 and ET38 it says marks a substantial breakthrough in tophammer drilling efficiency and reliability .
Developed over five years , the new Epiroc ET drill string components have undergone meticulous modeling , lab testing , and field trials . Multiple concepts were subjected to computer simulations and laboratory assessments before the most powerful concepts were chosen for field tests in Sweden and Canada .
The result is the Epiroc ET66 , ET45 and ET38 drill strings , representing the company ’ s most significant breakthrough in drill rod technology and quality since the 1990s . Designed and built for unbeatable durability and reliability , this nextgeneration drill string “ aims to make mining operations more manageable , safer , and highly efficient .”
Developed over five years , the new Epiroc ET drill string components have undergone meticulous modelling , lab testing , and field trials
The Epiroc ET drill string family is much stronger and stiffer than its previous versions , resulting in hardly any unplanned stops due to drill string failure . Additionally , the tube ' s shoulder drive can transfer more energy into the rock , reducing vibration in the drill string and rig .
“ This is the first launch of the complete Epiroc ET drill string family , a high-precision tubedrilling system that will streamline every aspect of mining . By transitioning to this next generation of ore drilling tools , our customers will rapidly improve their yearly utilisation rates and gain heightened profitability ,” says Fredrik Gransell , Head of Product Marketing , Epiroc Tools division .
The Epiroc ET66 , ET45 and ET38 drill strings are available now . Integrating it with existing Epiroc drill rig fleets significantly boost operational efficiency in all areas of operation . In addition to enhanced durability , the tubes have a new innovative thread geometry that ensures easier uncoupling and fewer stuck tubes – improving drill time , uptime , and the operator ' s safety .
For the 76 mm tubes , suitable for 89 mm drilling , we refer to the previously released Epiroc ET51 system , and later this year the Epiroc ET55 system ( the direct successor of the currently used ST58 system ).
“ The messaging when launching the Epiroc ET drill strings , was a no-brainer to come up with . It all boils down to this : Everybody loves uptime .
That translates into customer benefits like maximised utilisation rate , ease of use and increased profitability . And as always , we keep a strong focus on the operator ,” says Fredrik Ternström , Head of Strategic Communication , Epiroc Tools division . Epiroc showcased the new ET66 drill string at MINExpo 2024 .
Mincon ’ s complete exploration drilling solutions
In 2024 , Mincon introduced its full range of MRXT Series reverse circulation ( RC ) hammers , for exploration drilling . These air-powered
hammers – based on the proven range of MR hammers , which have been used for exploration
drilling past 1,000 metre hole depths – now include improvements that help reduce costs through faster drilling .
Mincon has achieved this by designing the hammers to use a top-load sample tube system . Sample tubes are a consumable item , and Mincon ’ s new design allows for easy visual inspection of sample tubes as well as faster replacement – a process that would ordinarily require complete disassembly and service of the hammer .
The MRXT hammers are joined by a new Venturi drill bit , a patented design that optimises airflow for increased sample return . Drilling with the MRXT hammers and Venturi drill bits will allow for improved geological sampling .
Rounding out the Mincon exploration drilling offering is the company ’ s world-leading APEX reverse circulation kits , designed to enhance any existing RC drill rig or even to convert a conventional rig for exploration drilling . APEX kits comprise : n APEX Combination Swivel , which has innovation that offer extended life , lower maintenance requirements , and modular components for easier reconditioning n APEX Head Wear Tube , offering extended life and superior sealing n APEX Deflector Box , with an easy-service design that reduces maintenance time .
Mincon XP + Series rotary drill bits
Mincon introduced its next-generation rotary drill bit range , the XP + Series , at this year ’ s MINExpo in Las Vegas . The XP + rotary drill bits build on the proven reliability of the Mincon XP Series and are designed to offer extended bit life , delivering superior durability in the most challenging drilling conditions worldwide .
The new XP + Series includes sizes 7 7 / 8 ", 9 ", 9 7 / 8 ", 10 5 / 8 ", and 12 1 / 4 ", providing customers with a versatile selection for a wide range of applications . Rounding off this enhanced lineup is the proven 13 3 / 4 " APS rotary drill bit , which continues to deliver excellent performance in demanding drilling environments for customers who require Mincon ’ s largest size rotary drill bit .
The XP + Series stands for eXtreme Performance Plus , reflecting Mincon ' s focus on extending the service life of its drill bits . Building on the durable and reliable XP Series , the XP + range is equipped with a robust hardening package to enhance endurance and performance in grueling ground conditions , from the deserts of Australia to the mining regions of Nevada .
Key innovations for the XP + series include : n “ Hard 7 " tungsten-based welding pattern on the shirttail , a critical area subjected to the most abrasive forces , to improve longevity . n Uprated XP + bearing package , which features tighter tolerances for increased durability and reduced downtime . n Double back-row carbide arrangement on the
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | International Mining