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Friday, 20th April 2007 (3313 views)

The increased use of a new type of electric rock drill is having beneficial effects on a mining operation in South Africa.

While pneumatic drills have been a traditional feature of mining operations over the last century, the Hilti TE MD 20 flameproof electric drills, a number of which are being used in South Africa's underground mines, are being lauded by those who use them.

Many involved in the mining industry are celebrating the drills' efficiency, productivity and health benefits that come with them.

One of the champions of the electric drill is Wayne Sterley, who is believed to have responded to the demand for better drilling methods as mining operations become deeper and trickier.

Mr Sterley told Mining Weekly how the Hilti group was approached by AngloGold Ashanti to add electric motors to conventional drills.

"It took the company four- and-a-half years to develop the electric system, which is used to drill blast holes and anchor holes for in-stope bolting and gully bolting," he told the publication.

 

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