Efficiency of drilling rigs in the mining industry Automatic translate

In the solid minerals mining industry, the efficiency of deposit development depends on the fleet of specialized equipment. Drilling rigs play a central role in the process chain , with their technical condition and capabilities determining the cost per ton of ore or coal. Engineers are constantly upgrading rock-breaking mechanisms to increase drilling speed and reduce specific energy consumption.

Functionality of equipment in mining

Drilling rigs perform tasks such as breaking rock mass using mechanical, thermal, or a combination of these methods. Unlike the oil and gas sector, where the goal is to create a production channel for pumping fluids, in the mining industry, boreholes are more often used to place explosives or extract core samples. Geologists and mining engineers use these machines at all stages of the mine life cycle, from geological exploration to quarry operation.

The specific nature of the work requires high maneuverability and vibration resistance from the equipment. The machines operate in dusty conditions, subject to temperature fluctuations, and complex face geometry. The stability of the drilling rig under these conditions determines the smooth operation of the entire operation.

Methods of rock destruction

To understand efficiency, it’s important to differentiate between drilling technologies based on rock hardness. There are several main types of downhole drilling that determine the choice of a specific rig model:

• Rotary drilling : Used primarily in soft and medium-hard rock, such as in open-pit coal mines. Rock is broken through axial pressure and the rotation of the bit (cutting or roller bit), which chips and abrades the rock.
  
• Rotary percussion drilling : Most effective for hard and abrasive rocks. It uses a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer or a top hammer. The impact energy is transferred directly to the rock-cutting tool, ensuring high penetration rates into granite or basalt.
  

Performance parameters

The assessment of the profitability of using drilling equipment is based on specific metrics:

• Rate of penetration : This indicator is measured in meters per hour and depends on a combination of torque, feed force, and impact frequency. Optimizing these parameters for a specific rock type allows for a shorter drilling cycle per hole.
  
• Technical Availability Factor (TAF) : The reliability of components and assemblies determines how much time a vehicle spends in operation and how much time it spends in repair. A high TAF is achieved through the use of wear-resistant steels in the mast and undercarriage.
  
• Positioning accuracy : Borehole deviation from the planned grid results in poor rock fragmentation during blasting. Modern navigation systems minimize this error, ensuring correct bench geometry.
  

Automation and telemetry

Mining equipment manufacturers are implementing digital systems to control work processes. Instead of simple mechanical controls, operators use CAN-based interfaces that transmit system status data in real time. MWD (Measurement While Drilling) systems collect information on formation hardness directly during operation.

Progressive solutions in this area:

• Remote control : The operator can remain in a safe area, controlling the machine via radio control. This eliminates the need for personnel to be near the edge of a bench or in a potential collapse zone.
  
• Predictive diagnostics : Algorithms analyze hydraulic fluid temperature, circuit pressure, and vibration. The system alerts mechanics to the need for component replacement before an emergency shutdown occurs.
  
• Autonomous drilling : Programmable rigs are capable of independently traveling to a point, leveling, and drilling according to a downloaded digital map without direct human intervention.
  

Occupational safety and environmental standards

Working with powerful machinery is associated with risks, so designers pay special attention to personnel protection. Cabins on modern equipment comply with ROPS/FOPS standards, protecting the operator from rollovers or falling objects. Dust suppression systems (dry or wet) are essential to prevent the development of occupational lung diseases in miners.

Environmental considerations also impact engine design. Switching to Tier 4 and Stage V compliant powertrains reduces nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. Electric drilling rigs, powered by a cable network or batteries, completely eliminate exhaust gases at the face, which is especially important for underground mines, where ventilation requires significant energy consumption.