DRILLING MACHINE IN

MINING
• Drilling is a crucial process in mining operations, and drilling machines
play a key role in extracting valuable minerals and ores from the
Earth. There are various types of drilling machines used in mining,
each serving specific purposes. Here are some common types:
TYPES OF DRILLING MACHINES
• Drill Rigs:
• Blasthole Drills: These drills are used for drilling holes for blasting operations. They are often large and can drill
deep into the earth.
• Exploration Drills: Used in the early stages of mining to extract core samples and gather information about the
geological composition of the area.
• Jumbo Drills:
• These are used in underground mining to drill holes for blasting. They are typically mounted on tracks and can drill
multiple holes simultaneously.
• Raise Boring Machines:
• Used for creating vertical or inclined openings (raises) in mines. This type of drilling is often employed to connect
different levels of a mine.
• Directional Drills:
• Used for drilling holes at specific angles or directions. This is useful in situations where precision is required, such
as drilling for exploration purposes.
• Top Hammer Drills and Down-the-Hole Drills:
• Top Hammer Drills: The hammer is on top of the drill string, suitable for smaller hole sizes.
• Down-the-Hole Drills (DTH): The hammer is at the bottom, suitable for larger hole sizes. DTH drilling is common in
open-pit mining.
• Rotary Drills:
• Utilize a rotating drill bit to cut into the earth. These drills are commonly used
for both surface and underground mining operations.
• Core Drills:
• Extract cylindrical cores of rock for detailed geological analysis. Core drilling is
vital for understanding the composition of the rock and identifying mineral
deposits.
• Auger Drills:
• Used for softer materials and are particularly useful in environmental and
geotechnical drilling.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE CHOICE
OF DRILLING MACHINE
• Geological Conditions:
• The composition and hardness of the rock or ore formation influence the choice of drilling
equipment. Harder formations may require more powerful drills or specialized bits.
• Type of Deposit:
• Different types of mineral deposits (e.g., coal, metal ores) may require specific drilling techniques.
For instance, coal may be softer and require different equipment compared to hard rock mining.
• Drilling Purpose:
• The purpose of drilling, whether it's for exploration, production, or geotechnical studies, can
influence the choice of drilling machine. For example, core drilling is commonly used for exploration
purposes.
• Drilling Method:
• Various drilling methods, such as rotary drilling, percussion drilling, or auger drilling, may be suitable
for different applications. The desired hole size and depth also play a role in selecting the
appropriate drilling method.
• Mining Method:
• The choice of mining method (open-pit, underground, or a combination) affects
the type of drilling machine required. Underground mining often involves jumbo
drills, while blasthole drills are common in open-pit mining.
• Drilling Depth and Diameter:
• The depth and diameter of the holes needed for mining operations influence the
selection of drilling equipment. Some drills are better suited for deep drilling,
while others may be more efficient for shallower holes.
• Economic Considerations:
• The cost of drilling equipment, maintenance, and operational expenses are
crucial factors in the decision-making process. The overall economics of the
mining project impact the choice of drilling machines.
• Environmental Impact:
• Environmental considerations, including noise levels, dust generation, and the
ecological impact of drilling operations, may influence the choice of drilling
technology and equipment.
• Site Accessibility:
• The terrain and accessibility of the mining site can affect the choice of drilling
equipment. Some machines are more suitable for rugged or confined spaces.
• Safety Requirements:
• Safety considerations, including the risk of rockfalls, gas emissions, and other
hazards, influence the selection of drilling equipment with appropriate safety
features.
• Technological Advancements:
• Advances in drilling technology may introduce new and more efficient drilling
machines. Miners may consider adopting the latest technologies to improve
productivity and reduce environmental impact.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Adherence to local and international regulations regarding mining practices,
emissions, and safety standards can impact the choice of drilling equipment.
• Mining engineers and geologists carefully assess these factors to
choose the most effective and efficient drilling machines for a specific
mining project. The goal is to optimize the drilling process to extract
minerals economically while minimizing environmental impact and
ensuring worker safety.
• When selecting a drill machine for hard rock drilling, factors such as
the rock hardness, depth of drilling, hole diameter, and the specific
requirements of the mining operation are considered. Additionally,
the choice between top hammer, DTH, or rotary drilling methods
depends on the geological conditions and the objectives of the drilling
operation. Advancements in drill bit technology, materials, and drilling
techniques continue to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of
hard rock drilling in mining.
• Blasthole Drills:
• Blasthole drills are large, powerful machines designed specifically for drilling
holes for blasting operations in hard rock. They are commonly used in open-
pit mining for extracting minerals like copper, iron, and gold.
• Top Hammer Drills:
• Top hammer drills are versatile and can handle hard rock drilling efficiently.
The hammer, which strikes the drill bit, is located at the top of the drill string.
These drills are suitable for smaller hole sizes and are commonly used in both
surface and underground mining operations.
• Down-the-Hole (DTH) Drills:
• DTH drills are effective for drilling in hard rock formations. In this type of
drilling, the hammer is located at the bottom of the drill string, delivering
powerful blows to the rock. DTH drilling is often used in open-pit mining.
• Rotary Drills:
• Rotary drills use a rotating drill bit to cut through hard rock. These drills are versatile and can be
used in various mining applications, including both surface and underground mining.
• Diamond Core Drills:
• Diamond core drills are specialized for obtaining cylindrical cores of hard rock for geological
analysis. The drill bit is embedded with industrial diamonds, making it capable of cutting through
extremely hard formations.
• Raise Boring Machines:
• Raise boring machines are used for drilling vertical or inclined holes in hard rock. These machines
are often employed in underground mining to create openings between different levels of a mine.
• Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs):
• While not exclusively used in mining, TBMs are capable of drilling through hard rock to create
tunnels. They are commonly used in large infrastructure projects such as mine access tunnels.
• Drill and Blast Rigs:
• These rigs are specifically designed for drilling holes in hard rock formations for
subsequent blasting. They are commonly used in both surface and underground mining
operations.
SECONDARY SIZE REDUCTION
EQUIPMENT
• In mining operations, secondary rock breaking machinery is employed
before processing to further break down large rocks into smaller,
more manageable pieces.
• This is often a critical step in the comminution process, preparing the
material for subsequent stages such as milling, crushing, or screening.
Here are some types of machinery commonly used for secondary rock
breaking in mining:
• Rock Breakers / Hydraulic Hammers:
• Hydraulic rock breakers or hammers are powerful tools designed to break
oversized or hard rocks. They are often mounted on excavators and use
hydraulic power to deliver repetitive blows to the rock surface, fracturing it
into smaller pieces.
• Secondary Blasting:
• Controlled blasting techniques may be employed as a secondary rock
breaking method. This involves strategically placing explosives in specific
areas to break down large rocks into more manageable sizes. It's important to
note that secondary blasting is typically done in a controlled manner to
minimize environmental impact.
• Hydraulic Splitters:
• Hydraulic splitters use hydraulic pressure to exert force on a rock, causing it to
fracture along predefined lines. This method is suitable for breaking large
rocks into smaller, more manageable pieces without the need for explosives.
• Vibrating Grizzlies:
• Vibrating grizzlies are used to separate and size large rocks before they enter the
primary crusher. These machines use vibration to shake off fines and smaller
particles, leaving behind the larger rocks for further processing.
• Feeder Breakers:
• Feeder breakers are specialized machines designed to break oversized rocks at the
entrance of the material handling system. They often include a conveyor belt to
transport the broken material to the next stage of processing.
• Excavator Attachments:
• Various attachments for excavators, such as ripper teeth or rock buckets, can be
used for breaking down large rocks. These attachments are designed to withstand
the forces involved in rock breaking.
• Rock Trenchers:
• Rock trenchers are used to cut through hard rock surfaces, creating trenches or
channels. While primarily used in construction and civil engineering, they can also
be adapted for mining applications.
• The choice of secondary rock breaking machinery depends on factors
such as the size and hardness of the rocks, the desired final product
size, and the overall processing requirements.
• Safety, environmental impact, and operational efficiency are also
critical considerations in selecting the appropriate equipment for
secondary rock breaking in mining operations.