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Production Drilling
in Underground Mining
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We always take a hard view on costs
Working with Atlas Copco means working with highly
productive rock drilling solutions. It also means sharing a
common cost-cutting challenge. Like you, we are always
looking for new and effective ways to squeeze your produc-
tion costs but never at the expense of quality, safety or the
environment.
Mining and construction is a tough and competitive busi-
ness. Fortunately, our view on cutting costs is just as hard.
Get your free copy of Success Stories at
www.atlascopco.com/rock
Committed to your superior productivity.
Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
Fax: +46 8 670 7393
www.atlascopco.com
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 1
Foreword
2 Foreword by Mikael Ramstrm,
Product Line Manager,
Underground Drilling Equipment
Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
Talking technically
3 Percussive rock drilling
9 In-The-Hole (ITH) vs tophammer drilling in
underground mining
13 Drilling long straight holes
19 Automated long hole drilling
27 Faster Simba rigs set the pace
33 Increased productivity with ITH drilling
37 Tuning up your drilling system
39 Computer based training for rock drilling tools
41 The economic case for routine bit grinding
Case studies
45 Exploring the potential of El Aguilar
47 Increasing drilling rates at Ridgeway
49 Sub level caving for chromite at Ferbasa
53 First Cabletec cable bolting rig in South America
55 Innovative mining at Garpenberg
61 Automated longhole drilling with Simba at LKAB
Product specifications
65 Modular program with maximum flexibility
67 Tophammer drill rig specifications
78 Hydraulic rock drill specifications
79 Tophammer drilling equipment
100 ITH drill rig specifications
104 ITH rotation units
105 ITH drilling equipment
107 Rod Handling System (RHS)
108 Hydraulic feeds
109 Drill rig options
110 Secoroc grinding
118 Rock drill specifications
119 Complementary equipment
124 Lubrication
125 Service workshops
126 Conversion table
Front cover: Simba M7 C production drilling rig
at the Garpenberg mine, Sweden.
Contents
Produced by Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB, SE-701 91 rebro, Sweden, tel +46 19 670 70 00, fax 019-670 73 93. Publisher: Ulf Linder, ulf.linder@se.atlascopco.com
Production Manager: Anna Dahlman Herrgrd, anna.dahlman.herrgard@se.atlascopco.com Editor: Mike Smith, mike@tunnelbuilder.com
Senior Adviser: Hans Fernberg, hans.fernberg@se.atlascopco.com
Contributors: Alf Stenqvist, Bjrn Samuelsson, Bo Persson, Fredrik berg, Hans Fernberg, Leif Larsson, Patrik Ericsson,
all name.surname@se.atlascopco.com. Craig Griffiths, craig.griffiths@lkab.com Hkan Schunnesson, hakan.schunnesson@ltu.se,
Kyran Casteel, kyrancasteel @aol.com.
Digital copies of all Atlas Copco reference editions can be ordered from the publisher, address above, or online at www.atlascopco.com/rock.
Reproduction of individual articles only by agreement with the publisher.
Edited by Mike Smith, tunnelbuilder ltd, United Kingdom. Designed and typeset by ahrt, rebro, Sweden. Printed by Prinfo Welins Tryckeri, Sweden.
Legal notice
Copyright 2008, Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB, rebro, Sweden. All product names in this publication are trademarks of Atlas Copco.
Any unauthorized use or copying of the contents or any part thereof is prohibited. This applies in particular to trademarks, model denominations,
part numbers and drawings. Information in this publication is provided as is. Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB disclaims any representation or warranties
of any kind including without limitation warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement or content. In no event
will Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB be liable to any party or any damages for any use of this publication. The contents, including illustrations and photos,
in this publication may describe or show equipment with optional extras. It may also contain references to products or services that are not available
in your country. This publication, as well as specifications and equipment, is subject to change without notice. Consult your Atlas Copco Customer
Center for specific information.
2 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Mikael Ramstrm
Product Line Manager
Underground Drilling Equipment
Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
mikael.ramstrom@se.atlascopco.com
Welcome to our first reference edition focusing on produc-
tion drilling. This book is derived from our series entitled
Underground Mining Equipment following the recent dra-
matic growth in the importance and sophistication of produc-
tion drilling.
With the rise in demand for most minerals, mining companies
are having to respond with rapid increases in safe production,
both to satisfy their customers and to maximize profits after
a prolonged period of price stagnation.
Atlas Copco, as a world leader in the manufacture and supply
of mining equipment, is meeting the challenge with the Simba
series of highly efficient drill rigs to suit various underground
production situations. These rigs incorporate the latest RCS
computerization techniques and their modular design allows
customers to specify the drill unit, feed length, rockdrill, and
optional equipment to suit a variety of drill patterns. A whole
range of compatible tophammer and Secoroc ITH equipment
is available, including shanks, drill string and bits. We even
produce the grinding equipment necessary to get the best out
of each bit!
The underground drilling environment is made safer thanks
to our Boltec, Cabletec and Scaletec rigs, all of which are
helping increase the utilization of our Simba rigs. Continuous
innovation ensures that Simba rigs stay ahead, with drill bit
changers, laser rig alignment and positioning units adding
utilization, while computerized drill plans, strata logging and
onboard communications systems fine tune drilling quality.
As a result, Simba rigs can be equipped to drill continuously
through meal breaks and shift changes, reporting every move
to the office!
The trend to faster drilling is accompanied by higher pro-
ductivity, while improved accuracy with less hole deviation
means the hole bottom is closer to the preplanned coordinates,
leading to better ore recovery and less waste dilution.
For room-and-pillar and similar lateral mining techniques we
produce a range of Boomer rigs, while for smaller operations
where compressed air may be the only available power, we
still produce our handheld pusher rock drills.
When designing, manufacturing, selling and servicing Atlas
Copco equipment, we rely on our long heritage to produce
high-productivity machines that achieve the best return on
customer investment. Our worldwide presence through offices
in over 130 countries ensures that we are close to our custom-
ers, sharing their problems and understanding their methods
and applications. Their inputs are crucial to our engineers,
whose job is to continuously develop our products and sys-
tems in order to maintain our market leadership.
In this book we describe our underground production drilling
products, their applications, and their specifications. We hope
this will stimulate technical interchange between underground
miners, managers and consultants, universities, and our own
sales and marketing organization, resulting in better commu-
nication and collaboration.
Above all, we wish to make it easier for our customers to
select the right equipment for their particular application, for
more efficient production and a safer environment, so that we
continue to be the supplier of first choice.
Foreword
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 3
Principles
In percussive tophammer drilling,
energy is transmitted from the rock
drill via the shank adapter, drill steel
and drill bit to the rock, where it is used
for crushing.
A pneumatic or hydraulic rock drill
generates the energy required to break
the rock. A pressure is applied on drive
area a or b (in Figure 2), which drives
the impact piston forwards and back-
wards.
The impact piston of a hydraulic rock
drill strikes the shank adapter typically
50-60 times per second, a frequency of
50-60 Hz, although there are examples
of rock drills with much higher frequen-
cy like the COP 3038, which operates
at 102 Hz.
The entire system of rock drill, drill
steel, bit, and rock contact must harmo-
nize for maximum drilling economy
Stress waves
Theoretically, the stress wave has a
rectangular shape, and a length of twice
that of the piston. The stress amplitude
depends on the speed of the piston at the
moment of impact, and on the relation-
ship between the cross-sectional area
of the piston and that of the drill steel.
It takes about 0.004 second for a stress
Percussive rock drilling
A century of drilling
and development
Over the last 100 years or so there
have been rapid and impressive
increases in efficiency and pro-
ductivity in tophammer drilling.
Technical development started
from hitting a steel manually by a
sledgehammer, through pneumat-
ic handheld drills and rig-mounted
multiple drills, to todays high-
frequency hydraulic drills with
optional automatic control utiliz-
ing state-of-the-art technology to
achieve top efficiency.
Figure 1: Stress level in shock wave.
5200 m/s
2 x piston length
+

s
Figure 2: Principle of tophammer drilling.
machine housing
shank adapter
drill rod
drill bit
rock
coupling sleeve
damping piston impact piston
flushing hole
rotation splines
drive area
b
drive area
a
TALKING TECHNICALLY
4 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
wave to reach the rock using a 20 m
long drill steel.
The total stresses that the wave
contains are indicated in Figure 1. To
calculate the output power obtained
from a rock drill, the wave energy
content is multiplied by the impact
frequency of the piston, and is usu-
ally stated in kilowatts (kW). Two
rock drills having the same nominal
power rating might have quite different
properties. Rock drill design engineers
seek to find the best combinations
of various parameters, such as the
piston geometry, the impact rate and the
frequency for the application in mind.
The shock waves that are generated
by hydraulic and pneumatic rock drills
are significantly different in shape. Drill
rods used with hydraulic rock drills will
normally show substantially longer ser-
vice life, compared with pneumatic rock
drills, because of the higher peak stress
level obtained with the latters piston.
The reason is the larger cross-section
needed on the impact piston when oper-
ating at the lower pressures (6-8 bar) of
pneumatic systems compared to the
150-250 bar of hydraulic systems. The
more slender the piston shape, the lower
the stress level (see Figure 3).
In addition, a higher impact pressure,
a longer stroke length, and less piston
weight give a higher impact velocity
and a higher drill steel stress. Another
consideration is that, for any given per-
cussion pressure, the stress in the drill
steel will be higher with reduced cross-
section of the drill rods.
Figure 3 compares the stress level
generated by three different pistons
having the same weight, but differ-
ent shapes and working at different
pressures. The lowest stress, or shock
wave amplitude, is obtained with the long
slender piston working at high pressure.
Efficiency and losses
The wave loses some 5-7% of its
energy for every additional coupling,
as it travels along the drill string. This
loss is partly due to the difference in
cross-sectional area between the rod
and coupling sleeve, and partly due to
imperfect contact between the rod faces.
The poorer the contact, the greater the
energy loss.
When the shock wave reaches the bit,
the buttons are forced against the rock,
thereby crushing it. The efficiency at the
bit never reaches 100%, because some
of the energy is reflected as recoils or
reflecting waves (see Figure 4).
The recoils can be of tensile or com-
pressive type.
With a sharp bit, or when there gen-
erally is a shock wave with a too high
energy content, or when there is poor
rock contact, we get tensile wave reflec-
tions.
The poorer the contact between
the bit and the rock, the less is the bit
efficiency.
With a worn bit, or when we have
a shock wave with too low energy con-
tent, we get compression wave recoils.
Both recoil types cause damage to the
drill steel and rock drill, but the damage
can be reduced with an efficient damper
arrangement (see Figure 11, page 7).
Percussion pressure
It is only when drilling in sufficiently
hard rock that the maximum achievable
energy per blow can be utilized. In soft
rock, the percussion pressure, and thus
the energy per blow, will have to be low-
ered to reduce the recoils.
To get the longest possible service
life from shank adapters and rods, it is
important to ensure that the working
pressure (and impact energy) is matched
to the rock conditions and the drill
string at all times (see Figure 5).
Feed force
Drill feed maintains the drill bit in close
contact with the rock to get benefit from
the shock waves. However, the bit must
Figure 4: Nature of drill string
recoil or reflecting wave.
+

s
Primary wave
Reflecting wave
Figure 3: Stress levels generated by different pistons of same weight.
Piston 1
0,8 MPa
Piston 3 20 MPa
Piston 2 12 MPa
Shock-wave amplitude
1
2
3
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 5
still be able to rotate. The feed force
must always be matched to the percus-
sion pressure.
To do this, the feed force is increased
until the joints are well tightened (but
still easy to loosen) at a good penetra-
tion rate. Further increase will cause
deviation and shorter service life of the
drill steel due to problems with uncou-
pling the rods from a high tightening
torque.
In the case of poor feed, the penetra-
tion rate will drop, and probably the
rotation torque will not be high enough
to tighten the couplings, which will run
open. The service life of the drill steel
will thus be shortened.
If the impact pressure (and power) is
increased, the required feed force will
be increased (see Figure 6).
Rotation
The purpose of rotation is to turn the
drill bit to a suitable new position for the
next blow, giving the bit a correct index-
ation. Using button bits, the periphery
is turned about 10 mm between blows.
Consequently, the rotation rate needs
to be increased using higher impact
frequency and reduced bit diameter (see
Figures 7 and 8). If the actual rotation is
not smooth for a fixed impact frequency,
shank adapter life will be reduced.
When using insert bits instead of
button bits, the recommended rotation
rate is 10-20% higher.
Flushing
Drill cuttings are removed from the hole
bottom to the surface by water flushing
or air blowing, or a combination (water
mist). As the power output from rock
drills increases, giving increased pen-
etration rate, efficient flushing becomes
more important. The flushing capacity
must be increased with larger bits and
larger difference between the bit and
rod size diameters
The required flushing speed will
depend on:
specific gravity and particle size
the larger or heavier the particles,
the higher the flushing speed that is
required;
particle shape spherical particles
require more speed than flaky, leaf
shaped particles.
A rule-of-thumb is that the flushing
speed in the hole should be a minimum
of 0.5 m/s for water flushing and 10
m/s for air flushing (or water mist). The
flushing medium is normally water for
underground drilling.
Setting parameters
The drilling parameters for percussion
pressure, feed force, and rotation must
harmonize, in order to optimize drilling
economy.
In practice, the driller sets the per-
cussion pressure to get an acceptable,
but not excessive penetration rate, and
then sets the rotational speed with
regard to the percussive frequency and
bit diameter.
When drilling starts, the feed
is adjusted to get even and smooth
rotation. If this is not achieved, the
percussion and feed pressure can be
progressively reduced. Smooth and even
rotation will result in good penetration
and long component service lives.
Lost energy, representing low effici-
ency, will result in excess heat generation.
Figure 7: Relationship between impact
frequency and drill bit rotation.
Figure 8: Working relationship between bit diameter (x-axis) and speed of rotation for a given drill.
Figure 5: Percussion pressure is lowered in
softer rock to reduce reflected energy.
Percussion pressure
Soft rock Hard rock
Figure 6: Feed force must be match-
ed to percussion pressure.
Low percussion
pressure
High percussion
pressure
Feeding
TALKING TECHNICALLY
6 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
The temperature of the adapter sleeve
can be checked to ensure that the
drilling parameters are correctly set.
Immediately after drilling, the tem-
perature should be approximately 45
degrees C when drilling with water
flushing and about 60 degrees C for
air flushing. Atlas Copco provides
a temperature gauge: part number
P/N 9850 8715 00. Loose couplings will
cause drilling problems, but they can be
tightened during drilling by increasing
the friction of the bit against the hole
bottom. This can be done by increasing
the feed, increasing or decreasing the
rotation rate, or by changing the bit.
Additional factors in
longhole drilling
There are some special parameters that
have to be borne in mind for longhole
drilling.
Water entry: The entry of water
into a rock drill and the hydraulic
Figure 9: A range of rock types and hardnesses, which can be tackled by rock drills successfully.
10,000 psi 30,000 psi 50,000 psi 70,000 psi
70 MPa 210 MPa 350 MPa 480 MPa
Soft/Medium hard rock Hard rock Very hard rock
Figure 10: Comparison of properties for the two stroke lengths in the COP 2550UX rock drill.
40 38
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
45 50 54
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
Frequency (Hz)
Stroke 2
Stroke 3
Impact
Energy (J)
Impact
Power (kW)
Impact
Pressure (bar)
Percussion Data COP 2550UX
E
n
e
r
g
y

P
o
w
e
r
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
The chart shows indata for impact pressure 180 bar with stroke length 3 (intersection 1).
The frequency is read to 40 Hz (2), the impact power at this frequency is 16,8 kW (3) and the impact energy is 420 J (4).
By changing to stroke length 2 and maintain the impact energy 420J (5) the impact pressure needs to be set to 238 bar (6).
The frequency achieved is 53 Hz (7) and the new impact power is 22,2 kW (8).
1
3
2 7
4
6
5
8 S
t
r
o
k
e

l
e
n
g
t
h

3
Stroke length 2
A changed stroke length and impact pressure
can maintain the impact energy
but increse the frequency and the impact power.
P= Impact power
E= Impact energy
f = Frequency
Equal Impact Energy
E
E E
=

P
f
Feed Force
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 7
system may, especially when in com-
bination with drill cuttings, lead to
premature wear and failure of rock
drill and hydraulic system components.
Consequently there will be high run-
ning costs and downtime.
This risk can be limited by using
a drill collar assembled on the shank
adapter when drilling upwards. Worn
out flushing seals must be changed
immediately. The new COP 2550UX
rock drill has extra seals to cope with
high flushing pressure and prevent
water ingress, especially in drilling up-
holes. Water from the tell-tale hole at
the front of Atlas Copco drills gives a
signal to the operator when the seals are
worn out.
Dirt entry: Dirt in combination
with water will cause heavy wear and
reduce the service life of components.
All Atlas Copco rock drills sold on
underground drill rigs have pressurized
mating surfaces, which means that the
lubrication air pressure, generally 2-3
bar, is applied to the mating surfaces
and cavities for the tie rods, preventing
dirt entry.
Heavy drill strings: A heavy drill
string may cause problems, especially
when drilling long holes downwards
with tube drill strings such as TDS 76
and TDS 87. The high contact pressure
at the bit leads to high rotation torques,
which may lead to problems with
uncoupling the threads and high wear
on the driver in the rock drill. With an
extractor device, uncoupling the tubes
can be eased, even if the drill string is
not stuck. With a hanging drill string,
the extractor helps the percussion in
rattling loose the drill string.
Adapting impact power to
rock and bits
The concept of impact power can be
confusing, since a combination of high
energy and low frequency can give
equally large power as for low energy
and high frequency. Two rock drills
having the same nominal power rating
might therefore have quite different
properties.
Simplified, impact energy require-
ment derives from rock properties
and the hole dimension. Increased
frequency, and the power, then gives a
higher penetration rate.
Atlas Copcos COP 1838HE drill is
especially developed for long hole drill-
ing with a bit diameter 76-89 mm. The
impact piston has two different stroke
lengths, giving two rock drills in one.
COP 2550UX is a new 25 kW rock
drill for T51 drill steel with a bit diam-
eter 76115 mm. It also has two stroke
positions, and is supplied with a power-
ful hydraulic extractor to save time and
drill steel.
Figure 10 shows the impact power as
a function of the impact rate for stroke
lengths 2 and 3. The corresponding
impact pressure at each graph point is
shown in black. There is also a compari-
son of the same impact energy for the
two strokes. For soft rock or small bits
a lower impact energy and a higher fre-
quency is preferable because each blow
contains enough impact energy to crush
the rock and, therefore, the penetration
rate increases the higher the frequency.
Stroke length 2 in Figure 10 is thus more
suitable because, for a certain (low)
energy, it gives the highest frequency.
For hard rock or large bits high
impact energy is required to crush the
rock. With the COP 2550UX, both
strokes 2 and 3 give high impact ener-
gies if the pressure is raised. Stroke
length 3 has a lower frequency and is
thus most suitable if the input power is
limited. If not, stroke 2 can be used.
This means also that a rock drill does
not necessarily have to be run at its rated
impact power to perform optimally. The
impact energy required for the actual bit-
rock combination is much less than the
maximum impact energy.
A change between stroke lengths
but at the same impact pressure does
not normally require any change in
feed force. It is therefore advisable to
choose a rock drill with as much impact
energy as needed to crush the rock, but
not excessively high, and the frequency
set as high as possible to get the best
penetration rate.
Obviously a rock drill cannot be
tuned to deliver the ideal shock wave
energy to crush the rock throughout the
drilling operation. The bit gets worn and
so the ideal energy amount increases,
but its possible to set the parameters to
a good compromise.
Hydraulic dual damper
Atlas Copcos more recently devel-
oped hydraulic rock drills like COP
1838-series and COP 4050MUX have a
dual-damping system. This is an effec-
tive device for giving a good suspension
of the drill string just as it absorbs com-
pression recoil energy.
Older models like COP 1238ME
have a hydraulic single-stage damping
system, which is less effective and lacks
the energy-absorbing feature, but still is
better than drilling without damper.
The dual-damping system pro-
vides good contact between the bit
and rock to increase penetration rate,
and give a good tightening torque on
Figure 11: Hydraulic double damper.
1
2
1
3
7
6
5
4
8
floating
position
Constant
oil flow
TALKING TECHNICALLY
8 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
coupling threads. It also increases shank
adapter and drill steel service lives.
Referring to Figure 11, the basic
reflex damper system consists of a
damping piston (1), accumulator (2) and
shank adapter (3). The impact piston
is (4). When the reflected shock wave
knocks the damper piston backwards (to
the right), the pressure rapidly rises in
the chamber (5) as the check valve (6) is
closed. This forces oil in chamber (5) to
be released to the oil reservoir (7) over
the edge (8). This absorbs the energy
by means of heat. At the same time, the
accumulator (2) is charged, to provide
a fast movement of the damper piston
back to establishing contact again with
the shank adapter (3).
A good way of checking that a cor-
rect feed force is applied is to monitor
the damper pressure. When drilling
horizontally it should be kept constant
at a certain level depending on the
rock drill model, the drill steel and bit.
When drilling upwards, the damper
pressure will increase due to the
increased weight of the drill string, and
the opposite when drilling downwards.
Atlas Copco longhole drill rigs have
a control system feature called DPCI
(Damper Pressure Controlled Impact),
which senses the damper pressure and
maintains set impact pressures depend-
ing on the damper pressure.
Hydraulic extractor
A major contributor to overall produc-
tivity and economy in longhole drilling
is Atlas Copcos device, the hydraulic
extractor, which is optional on all Atlas
Copco hydraulic rock drills for longhole
drilling.
The extractor is comparable to a slid-
ing hammer and it eliminates jamming
in the hole, but can also be used to ease
loosening of joints during longhole
drilling downwards. In Figure 12a, the
impact piston (on the right) has hit the
shank adapter and started a return stroke
away from it. The extractor piston has
been hit by the shank adapter through
the collar on the middle of the shank.
The extractor piston bounces on the
hydraulic fluid (red) and hits the shank
adapter again, but in the right direction
to free a stuck steel, as indicated by the
feed force arrow.
Feed system
In order to obtain controlled rotation
torque for good, but not excessive, cou-
pling tightening, Atlas Copco uses its
RPCF (Rotation Pressure Controlled
Feed) feature in the drill control system.
If the rotation pressure (and torque)
increases, the feed force is reduced, and
vice-versa, in a controlled way. If the
rotation pressure gets excessively high,
the feed is reversed (anti-jamming) in
order not to get stuck.
The drilling equipment performs best
when the feed is applied in a controlled
and smooth way. A hydraulic cylinder
feed gives a smoother operation than a
chain driven feed.
Set parameters
All final settings must take place at
the face, where the effect of parameter
changes can be assessed properly.
Atlas Copco gives thorough general
instructions on how to set the initial
rock drill parameters at every start up
of a new rig.
By using the Atlas Copco-developed
drilling simulation program Diarot, one
can predict drilling performance and
give settings recom menda tions in order
to optimize drilling for the conditions.
Again, all final settings must take place
on site in any case.
Hydraulic rock drill
suitability
See the separate machine specifications
in the final section of this reference edi-
tion as regards the suitable conditions
for each drill model.
Fredrik berg
Figures 12a and 12b: Operation of a hydraulic extractor.
12a
12b
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 9
Tophammer drilling
The main drawback with tophammer
drilling is the in-hole deviation that li-
mits the practical hole length. As the
magnitude of deviation is exponential
to the hole length, tophammer holes are
normally restricted to around 30 m. Pene-
trating structured rock with strong foli-
ation and bedding properties can cause
deviations of up to 5-10% (see Figure 2).
As a result, many mines avoid drill-
ing holes deeper than 20 m, unless guide
rods are added directly behind the bit,
or drill tubes are used. In these cases,
the deviation can be expected to decrease
In-The-Hole (ITH) vs tophammer
drilling in underground mining
Pneumatic and
hydraulic
Until the late 1960s, pneumatic
tophammer drilling, employing
around 6 bar pressure, was the
logical choice for the full variety of
holes needed in an underground
mine. Raiseborers employing
rotary drilling were introduced to
supercede conventional manual
stoper drilling using ladders and
timber platforms, or the Alimak
method. By boosting mine air
pressure up from 6-7 bar to 10-11
bar, down the hole (DTH) hammer
drilling became feasible, and was
used mainly for holes requiring
high accuracy, such as for drain-
age, cables and long hole winzes
and raises.
For production drilling in open
stoping, the down the hole drill
became popular, especially in
Canada. It could be used for drill-
ing in all directions, including
up holes, and the term DTH, as
used in surface applications, was
dropped in favour of the more
descriptive ITH for underground
work. Pneumatic tophammer
drills were progressively replaced
by more-efficient hydraulic rock
drills, and the pneumatic pres-
sure was increased in stages up to
25-28 bar for the new generation
of ITH hammers.
Figure 1: Simba M6 C production drill rig with ITH.
Figure 2: Influence of bedding and foliation on drilling.
In case is greater than 15 the
hole deflects perpendicularly
to foliation (bedding).
TALKING TECHNICALLY
10 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
to 3-5%. Figure 3 illustrates the problem
with tophammer drilling patterns in a
typical sub level stoping application. The
problem is, in fact, three-dimensional, and
can produce excessive burden and toe spa-
cing, resulting in misfires or poor frag-
mentation.
ITH drilling
The penetration rate of ITH rock drills
is almost proportional to the applied
air pressure, so an increase to 28 bar
will almost treble the net penetration
achieved using 10.5 bar. As water mist
drilling is necessary underground for
dust suppression, there is a net penetra-
tion loss of some 20% compared to dry
drilling on the surface.
Positive features of ITH

Straight holes normally the in-hole


deviation is maintained within
+/-0.5% (max +/-1%). This means
that hole lengths up to 75 m are
commonly used in large mines, such
as El Soldado and Mount Isa, with
negligible hole deviation. Such hole
accuracy can result in substantial
savings in the development of dril-
ling drifts, as the sublevels can be
spaced further apart. A prerequisite
is that the orebodies have adequate
size and regular ore/waste bound-
aries. Less hole deviation means
controlled fragmentation of blasted
material, resulting in less drawpoint
hang-ups, less secondary breaking,
less blockages of ore passes and
chutes, and better overall economy of
materials handling. The usage of ITH
drilling challenges the mine planner
to a new dimension of stope design
and geometry. As actual versus de-
signed hole pattern and location coin-
cides well, the ore/waste ratio can
be better controlled. Figure 4 shows
the drill pattern used at El Soldado,
where 64 mm tophammer drilling is
used for establishing the trough un-
dercuts, combined with 165 mm ITH
drilling for downhole bench drilling
from the sub level above. In order
to get best usage of the larger holes,
the layout of this level resembles a
surface bench used at quarries and
open pits.
30
S
h
a
f
t
Parallel hole drilling Radial hole drilling
45.0 45.0
50 to 75 m
50 to 75 m
3.5 3.5
E
B
E
A
A
C
C
C
O
R
T
E
B
Section Plan drilling level
Figure 4: Tophammer and ITH drilling patterns.
Figure 3: Typical influence of bedding on long hole tophammer drilling in sublevel open stoping, maximum
hole length 30 m.
Typical influence
of bedding on long
hole tophammer
drilling in sublevel
open stoping, max
hole length 30 m
Ore boundaries
Designed hole direction
Actual hole direction
Critical area for fragmentation
2.0
15.00 m
3.70
1.50
2.50
50 45
15.00 m
1.500
3.70
6.50
Parallel hole drilling Radial hole drilling
Production drilling pattern using ITH at El Soldado, Chile
Undercut drilling using tophammer at El Soldado, Chile
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 11

Longhole raises can be better devel-


oped, with higher precision.

Less risk of getting stuck in fractured


and faulted rock conditions.

Low noise level at the worksite, as the


hammer is working inside the hole,
close to the bit.

Simplicity of operation, service and


maintenance means that high avail-
ability of equipment can be expected.
Nevertheless, to obtain high utiliza-
tion, a certain scope of mining is re-
quired. A single rig has a capacity of
about 60,000-80,000 drilled m/year,
depending on conditions, assuming
2 or 3 shifts/day, so yield per rig can
easily exceed 1 million m
3
, provided
that drill sites are available and this
order of production is required.
As the hammer is always in direct
contact with the bit, no percussive
energy is lost in joints. Hence, the net
penetration rate does not drop as the
hole gets deeper. For tophammer dril-
ling, around 5 % of the percussive en-
ergy is lost at every additional rod
joint.
Drawbacks with ITH

6-25 bar compressed air pipes have


to be installed on the drilling level, to
provide the required pressure boost.
High air volume consumption
ITH drills larger holes of 90-254 mm.
The normal range is 110 -178 mm,
compared with tophammers at
51-102 mm. As more explosives are
used per metre of hole, the cracks
after detonation propagate further
away from the hole. As a rule of
thumb, for every additional 25 mm
of hole diameter, the cracks migrate
one more metre. As a result, draw-
point brows and sidewalls in pillars
might be overblasted and cracked.
Irregular, narrow orebodies cannot
take advantage of the longer and
larger diameter holes.
As tophammer drilling constitutes
the only alternative choice for deve-
lopment of drifts, crosscuts, ramps,
rock reinforcement and miscella-
neous infrastructure, an additional
drilling method is being introduced
with ITH. Figure 5 shows a topham-
mer Simba used for both cable bolts
and production holes.
Uphole drilling is avoided as much
as possible, except in sublevel caving
applications, due to the large amount
of wet drill cuttings descending to
the working site. Installed rock rein-
forcement might also be subjected to
damage.
Summary
There is no simple answer as to which
drilling method is preferable. There are
advantages and disadvantages with both
methods. One governing issue is how
much in-hole deviation can be accepted
for successful blasting results.
Regarding hole deviation related
to misalignment and collaring errors,
new Atlas Copco drill rigs for both
tophammer and ITH drilling are robustly
designed and equipped to keep devia-
tion problems to a minimum. Figure 6
shows differences in hole deviation with
the different methods.
Hans Fernberg
Crown pillar
Typical
cabl e
bolting
51 mm
drill bit
4.5 m
8-15 m
Production
drilling
74 mm
drill bit
Drawpoint level
Figure 5: Tophammer Simba is used for both cable
bolts and production drilling at Zinkgruvan, Sweden.
Figure 6: Influence of drilling methods on deviation.
Conventional tophammer T45/51
TALKING TECHNICALLY
12 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Simba L6 C drilling upholes.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 13
Drilling according to plan
To achieve the required fragmentation
as indicated by the pre-calculated bla-
sting results, it is a prerequisite that the
blast holes are drilled according to the
drill plan. This means that the holes
must be collared in exactly the right
position, and then drilled in the correct
direction and to the exact depth indi-
cated in the drill plan.
Precision in collaring and hole align-
ment can be achieved with proper sur-
veying and mark-ups of the drill pattern
grid, coupled with a drill angle indica-
tor mounted on the drill feed, and a hole
depth instrument.
It is also essential to have a good
view of the collaring procedure from
the operators cabin. Various causes of
hole deviation are shown in Figure 1.
The most influential factor in achieving
accurate drill holes is in-hole deviation
during drilling, which is usually a result
of the particular geological characteris-
tics of the rock mass, such as the grain
size, and the degree of fracturing and
foliation. The adverse effect of bedding
and foliation on in-hole deviation can
be clearly seen in Figure 2 where the
drill holes have tended to deviate in
directions at right angles to the jointing
within the rock mass. It is also notice-
able that the longer the drill holes,
the more accentuated is the deviation.
It is often claimed that the amount of
deviation is proportional to the depth
squared.
Experience shows that the approach
angle of the drill bit towards the bed-
ding planes is crucial, and there appears
to be a tendency for the drill bit to pene-
trate the rock in a direction that is paral-
lel to the bedding plane when the angle
of approach is less than 15 degrees. In
contrast, drilling through homogenous
rock, such as isotropic granite with mi-
nor fracturing, results in little or no in-
hole deviation.
Drill string bending
Aside from geological conditions of the
rock mass, other perhaps less obvious
in-hole factors can have a marked influ-
ence on hole deviation, such as hammer
specifications and condition, and the bit
and drill string design and condition
(Figure 3).
During the drilling operation, the fric-
tion generated between the drill bit
and the rock induces a torque in the
Drilling long straight holes
Avoiding hole
deviation
To achieve good fragmentation du-
ring blasting, it is important that
the drill holes follow the designed
direction along their entire length.
Two obvious causes of hole devia-
tion, how ever, are poor hole align-
ment and imprecise collaring,
although in principle these can be
avoided by good working practice
on the part of the drill rig operator.
A third, and less easy factor to over-
come is in-hole deviation, usually
owing to the geological conditions
of the rock mass being drilled. Con-
sider, for example, a hole that is
being drilled in rock comprised of a
soft and hard layer separated along
a plane that is not at right angles
to the drilling direction. Depending
on the angle of approach to the
plane of separation, hole deviation
will arise as a result of the bit
either sliding along the harder ma-
terial, or, alternatively, penetrating
the softer material faster. Only if
the rig operator knows at what
depth this plane of separation lies,
can he take appropriate action,
such as reducing the percussion
and feed pressure of the rock drill
when passing from soft to hard or
hard to soft rock. Figure 1: Various causes of hole deviation.
Planned
hole
Collaring
misalignment
Collaring offset
In-hole
deviation
Incorrect
depth
Due to
collar error
TALKING TECHNICALLY
14 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
drill string above a certain drill rotation
rate. The larger the drill string diameter
and the greater the rotation rate, the
higher is the torque necessary, and thus
feed force, to keep the drill string joints
sufficiently well tightened.
At a particular point along the hole,
the drill string will buckle, so that ra-
ther than being straight in the hole it is
supported by the hole wall close to the
midpoint between rock drill and the hole
bottom. For a COP 1838ME rock drill,
with a drill string diameter of 38 mm
and a feed force of 6,400 N at a percus-
sive pressure of 200 bar, this bending
length is approximately 11 m. In practice,
bending occurs at a somewhat shorter
interval since the drill string is never
perfectly straight at the commencement
of drilling.
When the drill string has been ex-
tended to twice the theoretical bending
length, it will buckle once more, so that
it is now supported at two points along
the hole. At three times the theoretical
bending length, the drill string will once
again buckle, and so on with increasing
hole depth.
Assuming the same combination of
drill string, impact force and rotation
rate, rock drills with floating dampers,
such as the COP 1800-series, COP 2550
and the COP 4050 rock drills require
less feed force to keep the drill string
joints well tightened than those rock
drills incorporating fixed dampers,
such as the COP 1032 and COP 1238
units. Those rock drills with an axial
bearing between the drill string and the
machine require the greatest feed force
to maintain joint tightness.
Drill bits and regrinding
Also influencing hole deviation is the
geometry of the drill bit face and its
condition, particularly with respect to
regrinding.
From an accuracy point of view, a flat
front bit or a drop centre (concave) front
bit (Figure 5) results in a straighter hole
than a drill bit with a convex front.
It must also be remembered that to
obtain the best hole accuracy with all
drill bits, they must be reground so that
their faces are restored to their original
shape in terms of both the buttons and
the steel, even if this is more time con-
suming than simply polishing the but-
tons and not removing any of the steel
between the buttons. In this regard, drop-
centre drill bits are, once again, prefer-
able to their convex counterparts since
the concave shape needs only to be re-
ground such that the profile of the cen-
tral buttons is restored to its original pat-
tern without adversely affecting hole
straightness, even when the concave face
eventu ally wears flat through normal
operation.
If the drill bit face is plane all the way
out to its periphery, the bending moment
in the drill string will be proportional to
the product of the feed force and the hole
diameter, while the lateral displacement
of the drill string will be limited by the
diameters of the drill bit and the drill
string. Thus, if the drill bit is correctly
and frequently reground, the feed force
will be directed to the periphery of the
drill bit so that the whole cutting face
is in contact with the base of the hole,
even if the drill string buckles. With
poor and infrequent regrinding, how-
ever, the drill bit may wiggle on the
hole-bottom owing to the uneven distri-
bution of the feed force, and will sooner
or later result in hole deviation.
Drill string considerations
Other things being equal, the larger the
diameter of the drill string, the straighter
the drill hole that will be achieved, since
the drill string diameter has more of an
influence on the bending length than the
feed force (Figure 6). In addition, a larger
diameter drill string increases the safety
margin against wiggling (i.e. the ratio
between the maximum bending moment
of the drill string and the bending mo-
ment at which bending occurs) so that less
careful regrinding can be tolerated before
wiggling sets in. This does not mean,
Figure 2: Hole deviation shown in a wall of varied, jointed rock types.
D
i
r
e
c
t
i
o
n

o
f

f
o
l
i
a
t
i
o
n
/
b
e
d
d
i
n
g
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 15
however, that larger string dia-meters
should be deployed in preference to less
careful grinding. Since drill tubes have
larger diam eters than drill rods, they
result in greater hole straightness.
A complete drill string of tubes is
often necessary in downward produc-
tion drilling underground in order to
achieve sufficient flushing capacity.
An attractive alternative is the adop-
tion of a guide tube connected to the
drill bit, which, owing to its larger dia-
meter, reduces the possible amplitude of
drill bit wiggle compared with rods.
Also, as the possible angle of wiggling
decreases with increasing length of the
guide tube, the guide tube incorporated
into the drill bit should be as long as
possible.
Unlike a drill string comprised solely
of tubes, where the stress waves are
transmitted via shoulder impact, stress
waves in a drill string incorporating a
guide tube are transmitted down the rods
to the guide tube via bottom impact.
Thus the guide tube does not suffer from
premature female thread failure.
Even though a guide tube will always
result in a marginal decrease in drilling
rate (depending only on the cross sec-
tional area increase relative to the rods
in the rest of the drill string, rather than
the drill tube length), the improved hole
straightness achieved is normally of
greater value to the mining engineer.
Another way to minimize wiggling
is to use Retrac bits (Figures 7 and 8).
Characterized by a bit skirt with the
same outer diameter as the bit head, in
effect a very short guide tube with maxi-
mum possible diameter, Retrac bits have
been developed primarily to improve
retraction of the drill string in difficult
rock conditions where the tendency for
jamming frequently occurs. Debris from
the hole is flushed through slots ma-
chined along the bit, and the rear end of
the skirt has a cutting edge between every
slot.
Since the Retrac bit cannot wiggle
as much as a standard bit with a skirt
that is significantly smaller than the bit
head, hole straightness is, once again,
improved.
However, the use of long guide
tubes will normally result in straighter
holes than those drilled using Retrac
bits.
Importance of rotation
If a drill string is buckled, then the
buckled section may rotate, whereby the
bit will work over all of the hole bottom.
In this case, there should be no hole de-
viation, even if the bit is only in contact
with the rock at one or two points at the
periphery.
It is more likely, however, that the
buckled section will not rotate, which
means that the drill string will be sub-
jected to rotational bending. The ben-
ding moment in the drill string corre-
sponds to the maximum nominal bend-
ing stress in the drill string, which is
measured some distance from the
threaded ends of a rod. However, stress-
concentration factors in areas close to
the threaded ends result in stresses in
these regions that are significantly higher
than the nominal bending stress. For
example, the rotational bending stress
in a drill string incorporating 38 mm
diameter rods with a feed force of
6,400 N and a hole diameter of 89 mm
is approximately 15 MPa, equivalent to
around 5% of the stress wave amplitude
generated by the piston. In this case,
therefore, either the impact velocity of
the piston must be reduced so that the
stress wave amplitude is 5% smaller, or
the hole may be drilled at a 5% higher
impact velocity (corresponding to 5%
higher frequency, around 15% higher
impact power and, hence, a 15% higher
rate of drilling) provided that the drill
string length is less than the theoretical
bending length.
In practice, the operator cannot be
expected to reduce the percussion pres-
sure simply because the pre-determined
Figure 4: Button bit with flat front.
Figure 3: The drill rig operator can eliminate, in principle, many of the factors influencing hole deviation.
Less easy to overcome, however, are the geological conditions of the rock mass being drilled and
equipment-related influences.
Figure 5: Button bit with drop centre front.
Out-of-the-hole
factors
Operator-related
factors
In-hole factors Equipment related
factors
Set-up errors Drilling parameters Rock conditions
Wrong set up
position
Wrong set up
angle
Feed force
Rotation
Flushing
Grain size
Fractures
Foliation
Hammer
parameters and
condition
Bit and drill string
design condition
Cradle guides
Drill steel support
TALKING TECHNICALLY
16 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
bending length of the drill string has
been exceeded. On the contrary, the
operator requires increased percussion
pressure to counteract the decreasing
drilling rate owing to increasing bit wear.
Therefore, the operator must determine
percussion pressure according to the
particular circumstances, so the drill rig
may be operated at higher percussion
pressures for those holes where the
hole depth does not exceed the bending
length. Alternatively, if the hole depth
exceeds the theoretical bending length,
the percussion pressure must be regu-
lated so that the drill string is not sub-
jected to rotational bending at those
points where it is buckled.
Drill string rotation also gives rise to
another complicating factor with respect
to hole straightness in terms of the
phenomenon of whirling. Similar to
the critical rotation rate for rotating
machines, whirling gives rise to a
smaller bending length than for a drill
string that is not rotating, and mathemati-
cally can be shown to be approximately
80% of theoretical bending length of a
stationary drill string.
Non-vertical holes
The bending length referred to thus far
relates only to vertical holes. For slanted
holes, the weight of the drill string gives
rise to bending, so that the drill string
is never straight, and, as with rotational
influences, results in a shortening of the
theoretical bending length as the hole
becomes more horizontal. In benching
and production drilling underground,
the holes are almost vertical however,
and the effect of drill hole angle is nor-
mally negli gible in these applications.
Figure 7: Bit with Retrac skirt. Drop
centre front and ballistic buttons.
Figure 8: Bit with Retrac skirt. Drop
centre front and spherical buttons.
Figure 6: Larger diameter drill strings result in less In-hole deviation as a function of hole depth.
Long hole precision drilling
In-hole deviation as function
of hole length
(Derived from investigations
at LKAB, Kiruna)
Drill Strings relating to Diagram
T38 SPEEDROD

T38 SPEEDROD

/
Standard bit
T45 SPEEDROD

/T45 GUIDE ROD/


(old design)/Retrac Bit
TDS 64 tube/TDS 64 tube/Guide Bit
15 20 25 30 35 40 m
Hole depth
Deviation
1.50 m
1.00 m
0.50 m
T
3
8
S
P
E
E
D
R
O
D
T
4
5
S
P
E
E
D
R
O
D
T
4
5
G
u
id
e
r
o
d
T
D
S
6
4
t
u
b
e
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 17
Other factors
Although relatively uncommon, an other
phenomenon is worth mentioning with
respect to in-hole deviation.
During drilling, the piston subjects
the drill string to a pulsed axial stress,
the periodic load of which may theo-
retically initiate resonance vibration,
resulting in plastic deformation of the
drill string close to the joints. This
phenomenon is very rare, how ever,
owing to the fact that the boundary
condition between the bit and the rock
is never constant. Also, as soon as
the drill string length is greater than
the theoretical bending length, it will
be supported by the hole wall at one or
more points along its length, thereby
inhibiting resonance vibration.
Remedies
From a practical point of view, there are
various ways and means to minimize
hole deviation owing to the factors out-
lined above:
A stiff drill string, and small clear-
ance between the hole and the drill
string components, will result in
straighter holes.
For tophammer drilling, Atlas Copco
provides TDS tubes that can be
added behind the drill bit to improve
the flushing and reduce the risk of
the drill string becoming stuck.
Even more accurate than tophammer
drilling are ITH, COPROD and
rotary drilling, all of which result in
less deviation than with tophammer
drills.
Less deviation can be achieved
through a combination of reduced
feed force and increased rotational
speed.
Shorter holes allow the rig operator
to better control the extent of hole
deviation.
Summary
Clearly it is impossible to completely eli-
minate hole deviation, but with the right
choice of equipment and by utilizing
this equipment in the optimum manner,
the drill rig operator can influence hole
deviation in a positive way.
Patrik Ericsson
Figure 9: Bit with standard skirt and drop centre
front.
140 exciting pages
all about:
Mining methods
in underground mining
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TALKING TECHNICALLY
18 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Simba M4 C drilling upholes.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 19
Rig Control System
RCS, which is a CAN-bus based system
using standard PC-computer technol-
ogy, has facilitated a quantum leap for-
ward with respect to logging capabili-
ties, serviceability and drilling accuracy
of drill rigs. CAN-bus systems use a
single cable that interconnects a series
of electronic components and allowing
them to communicate with each other.
The electronic modules are all developed
solely for the rigs, and are ruggedized
and protected from external magnetic
and electric influences. For production
drilling rigs, the flexibility of the system
is highly utilized, and can be adapted
and configured for all different types
of applications. Customers can start at
a low level of automation and, as their
requirements change, can upgrade the
functions. New functionality can be ad-
ded, without major rebuilding of the
rigs.
The current generation of drill rigs
is designed for high productivity, accu-
rate drilling, and a comfortable working
environment for the operator.
Evolution of RCS
The Atlas Copco direct control system
DCS is designed for basic drill rigs. DCS
provides the operator with basic manual
functionality, such as manual boom po-
sitioning, and manual drilling and rod
handling. Although common on small
Boomer drill rigs, the system is only
available for the Simba 157 and Simba
1257 production drilling rigs.
The EDS electrical direct control sy-
stem is an extension of the DCS control
system, utilizing electrically controlled
hydraulic valves instead of, or in con-
junction with, conventional hydraulic
valves. The system is common on small
and medium size Simba drill rigs.
The RCS succeeded the Electrical
Control System (ECS) in 2001, when the
latter became obsolete. RCS is intended
for all kinds of automation in both basic
and more advanced rigs. All Atlas Copco
computerized rigs are equipped with
RCS technology, which activates hydra-
ulic valves around the rig by an elec-
trical signal from a PC rather than a
switch or a lever on the operator's panel.
Not only does this provide for advanced
automation, proportional-type valve
control, and incorporation of timers
and parameter-based rock drilling con-
trol, but it also allows the system to be
upgraded by installing new software at
the worksite.
The simplicity of the system means
that the driller does not have to be an
The RCS-based production drilling rigs provide excellent operator's environment and improved
drilling performance.
Automated longhole drilling
Redefining drilling
standards
Since the 1990s, Atlas Copco has
been researching innovative ways
of applying the rapid advances in
computer technology to the speci-
fic needs of the mining and con-
struction industries. The result is
a generation of fully computerized
drill rigs with much improved pro-
ductivity, accuracy and service-
ability.
Designed with precision drill-
ing, high productivity and swift av-
ailability in mind, the M and L ran-
ges of Simba production drill rigs
are equipped with the Atlas Copco
Rig Control System (RCS), which
is flexible and easily expandable.
Significantly, the technology pro-
vides for varying degrees of rig
automation and, ultimately, the
possibility of fully automated and
remotely monitored drilling.
These drill rigs are of modulari-
zed design in both hardware and
software, so their functionality is
upgradeable step by step. Options
such as Advanced Boom Control
(ABC) Regular, ABC Total, Drill Plan
Handling, Full Drill Data Handling
(FDDH) and communication prod-
ucts are available to facilitate qua-
lity drilling. Atlas Copco has appli-
ed the same new automation tech-
nology for all drilling equipment
such as Boomer drill rigs, Boltec
rock bolting rigs, raise borers,
the Cabletec cable bolting rig, the
Scaletec scaling rig and ROC sur-
face crawler rigs as well as under-
ground loaders and trucks.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
20 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
electrical engineer or an IT technician
to operate, maintain or even upgrade a
rig, yet still benefits from electronic and
computer technology in increasing pro-
ductivity and decreasing drilling costs.
Levels of automation
With the RCS platform established,
Atlas Copco has been able to engineer
a wide variety of new automated func-
tions for all of its RCS drill rigs aimed
at lowering costs while increasing per-
formance.
The Simba M and L ranges of longhole
drill rigs can be engineered to three dif-
ferent levels of automation: ABC Basic,
ABC Regular and ABC Total.
Included in all Simba RCS systems
is a standard level of automation, ABC
Basic. It consists of computer controlled
boom and feed movement allowing ac-
curate proportional movement. Also in-
cluded are: system monitoring and fault
diagnostics; data loading procedure;
angle indication of feed position; hole
length indication; basic logging; manual
drill unit positioning; and manual rod
handling functions.
There are two optional levels of ABC,
namely Regular and Total. ABC Regular
provides a medium level of automation,
assisting the operator to accurately posi-
tion, align and drill holes to the required
depth, and to gather drilling data for of-
fice analysis. For a Simba drill rig, ABC
Regular includes the ABC basic func-
tionality plus: automatic rod handling
and one-hole automatic drilling; boom
position feedback on operators display;
logging of drilled hole on PC-card which
can be analyzed in the office, using the
Ore Manager software. Options to ABC
regular cover navigation to mine coordi-
nate system; bit changer for tophammer
drill rigs; drill plan handling without
full fan automation, but with automatic
positioning help. ABC Total enables a
complete fan to be drilled automatically,
converting the operators role to that of
supervising the drill rig. For production
drilling applications, a single operator
can handle several rigs by just starting
the autonomous drilling of the com-
plete fan, and then move over to the next
drill rig. ABC Total for a Simba drill
rig includes the ABC Regular func-
tionality plus: automatic fan drilling
Advantages Disadvantages
DCS
- Basic and robust
- Automation not possible
- Line-of-sight remote control not
possible
EDS
- Basic and robust
- Remote control panel - line of
sight (LOS)
- Automation not possible
- Less control functions for
the drilling process
RCS
- Full automation possible
- Designed for built-in optional
functionality
- Can be upgraded in the field
- Easy to maintain and adjust
- Simple hydraulic and
electrical system
- Low maintenance cost
- Easy to operate, with good
man-machine interface
- Less hose metres
- Depending on automation level
the RCS may require a more
extensive training programme
Points for and against various control options.
Different levels of automation can be achieved for major drill rig operations.
Advantages ABC Basic ABC Regular ABC Total
Operation
- Drill rig operation
Man-machine interface
Drill rig set up
- Angle indication
- Manual drill positioning
- Automatic drill positioning
- Automatic anchoring

n/a
n/a

n/a

Rod handling
- Manual rod handling system
- Automatic rod handling system

n/a

Drill control
- Hole length indication
- Advanced drill control
- Automatic drill control (one-hole-auto)
- Breakthrough automatic stop
- Detection of worn out drill bit
- Automatic fan drilling

n/a
n/a

n/a

n/a

Logging functionality
- Statistic logging
- Maintenance logging
- Drill quality logging
- Measure While Drilling (MWD)

System monitoring
- Basic system monitoring
- Rock drill surveillance system
- Smart oil leakage shutdown access

Rig communication and data exchange


- Basic communication
- Mine text massage system
- Rig Remote Access (RRA)

PC software
- Ore Manager
n/a
Equipped as standard; Optional; n/a not available option
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 21
from pre-selected drill plan; manual
sequence and position teach-in to pre-
pare for a fully automatically drilled fan;
automatic drilling, with manual positi-
oning, automatic collaring and drilling;
hole to hole move strategy; hole sequ-
ence programming; and computer gui-
ded positioning of boom and feed ac-
cording to a pre-selected fan plan.
Drill rig operation
Common to all automation levels is the
man-machine interface (MMI), which
provides the operator with a simple and
logical graphical display of different func-
tions for drilling control, such as the rig
angle, current drilling parameters, rig
monitoring and fault detection.
The interface incorporates an Atlas
Copco display and control panel unit mo-
unted either in the cabin/canopy on the
drill rig or on a remote trolley linked to
the rig by a CAN-bus cable.
Logical control makes the system easy
to learn and, importantly, on-screen gauge
displays eliminate the requirement for
hydraulic hoses to be linked to the con-
trol panel or fed into the cabin.
Drill rig setup
A hole alignment accuracy of within
0.1 degree is attainable with the Simba
L and M rigs as electronic sensors
provide graphical information on the
operator's display regarding the drill's
rotation angle and tilt angle, or fan in-
clination. The operator can configure
the direction of rotation and locate the
zero points according to the mines drill
plan. Collaring angles for each hole can
be logged and stored if the drill-quality
logging option is installed.
Manual drill unit positioning is fitted
as standard on all the Simba M and L
drill rigs, whereby the drilling unit and
feed extension are manually operated
from the control panel. Proportionally
controlled valves help the operator to
quickly establish the required feed di-
rection using the joysticks while pre-
programmed drill unit rotation end stops
prevent accidental damage to any hoses.
To speed up feed positioning in cases
where the drill plan handling option is
used there is an additional function cal-
led Automatic Angle Adjustment (AAA).
By simply holding down a button on the
control lever the feed will be positioned
in a fast and accurate way according to
positions defined on the drill plan.
Further automation during rig setup
can be achieved at the ABC Total level
with the automatic control of the drill
rig stingers and feed extension during
anchoring and de-anchoring.
Rod Handling System
To satisfy current drilling demands, a
Rod Handling System (RHS) is includ-
ed on Simba rigs. Depending on the se-
lected drill string, the RHS allows the
operator to use either Speedrods or TDS
tubes. TDS tubes improve hole straight-
ness and flushing speed whilst minimiz-
ing the risk of the rods becoming stuck
in the hole. The RHS, which incorpo-
rates pre-programmed interlocks to
prevent the rock drill and rod handling
arms from hitting each other, can be
operated manually with the position le-
ver and buttons on the operator's panel.
By automating the rod handling sequ-
ence, which is included in ABC Regular
and ABC Total, more drill metres per
shift can consistently be achieved, most
notably as a result of drilling during
breaks and shift changeovers. Operators
need only to key in the required depth
to initiate automatic collaring and dril-
ling of a hole, including automatic ad-
dition of rods during the drilling sequence
and removal when drilling reaches the
pre-determined depth. To simplify drill
bit changes in mid-hole, the system will
automatically feed rods into the hole
after the bit change and continue dril-
ling to the required depth in one se-
quence.
Drill control
Drilling to a precise hole-length is pref-
erable to estimating the number of rods
necessary to complete a hole. All three
automation levels offer an indication of
hole length on the operator's graphical
display panel, together with penetra-
tion rate. This latter information can be
particularly helpful in fine tuning the
system or when testing different drill
bits, and in giving a better understand-
ing of what is actually happening in the
hole.
Advanced rock drill control is now
made possible using RCS, with the RCS
platform providing smoother control of
the drilling operation, minimizing drill
steel stress and improving the penetra-
tion rate. These benefits are achieved
through control algorithms incorporated
into the system. To maintain maximum
penetration rates in different ground
conditions, as well as in different drill-
ing directions, the Rotation Pressure
Controlled Feed (RPCF) algorithm ad-
justs the drill feed-pressure depending
upon the measured rotation pressure. As
well as improving the penetration rate,
this maximizes the life of the shank
adapter, tubes/rods and drill bits by en-
suring that the tube/rods joints are tight-
ened with a constant torque throughout
the whole length. This can also make rod
removal easier as it is unlikely that the
joints will be too tight. The Dampening
The RPCF keeps the rod joints tight.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
22 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Pressure Control Impact (DPCI) algo-
rithm, meanwhile, ensures that the drill
bit has good contact with the rock du-
ring high percussion periods by adjust-
ing the percussion pressure according
to the measured damping pressure. This
protects the rock drill from striking in
open air or with full power in loose rock
formations.
Finally, an anti-jamming function
reverses the feed of the rock drill when
excessive rotation pressure alerts the sy-
stem to a jam, and re-initiates the col-
laring sequence for the hole.
Automated drill control, on the other
hand, enables a hole to be drilled to a
pre-determined depth in an automatic
sequence that includes automatic collar-
ing for the first rod. The collaring length
can also be adjusted via the operator's
display and control panel to suit varying
rock conditions. Together, these features
result in much smoother collaring than
can be achieved by manual drill control
and, importantly, help to minimize hole
deviations.
Several other automated drill func-
tions can be incorporated to the Simba
M and L rigs.
Breakthrough Automatic Stop (ABC
Total and optional on ABC Regular)
terminates drilling when the bit enters
a lower level, thereby preventing the po-
tential costly loss of the drill string.
Automatic detection of worn-out drill
bits can alert the operator when the drill
bits have exceeded preset values and
need replacing. This is done by measur-
ing the drilling sequence time.
System monitoring and
logging functionality
As with all the other drilling opera-
tions, various levels of automation can
be achieved for system monitoring, data
logging and downloading functions.
The Simba M and L rigs are equipped
at all automation levels with a basic
system of monitoring vital rig param-
eters. Added protection to the drill can
be provided by the rock drill lubrication
surveillance system, which terminates
drilling if the rock drill lubrication air
pressure and/or lubrication oil level and
pressure fall due to insufficient levels.
Maintenance logging, a tool that draws
the operator's attention to any uncharac-
teristic rig performance, is included in
all levels of automation. Should key rig
or rock drill operating parameters, such
as hydraulic oil temperature and level,
percussion pressure or rotation pressure
exceed pre-set thresholds, the control
function will identify the condition. In
these instances, rig and rock drill para-
meters will then be monitored and logged
according to pre-set sampling times. By
downloading and evaluating the data,
technicians can identify drilling prob-
lems owing to abuse, poor preventative
maintenance or extreme drilling condi-
tions.
Accidental loss of hydraulic oil can
be detrimental, both in terms of cost for
the mine and the environment. Protec-
tion against such leakages is available
through the smart oil leakage shutdown
system, whereby the rig is shut down
and the operator alerted with an on-
screen message, if the control system
detects a hydraulic oil leakage exceed-
ing preset values.
The Simba M and L rigs are also eq-
uipped to log basic statistical data such
as percussion hours, which can be down-
loaded onto a PC card by the operator.
This tool is useful for service schedul-
ing. Percussion hours for each individual
Drill rig monitoring and
diagnostics. Abnormal
operational events
recorded and stored in
the Event Log
(a, above), coupled
with colour coding and
descriptions of various
cables and modules
(b, above right) make
fault finding (c, left)
easier and faster.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 23
rock drill used on the rig can also be
logged separately.
It is vital to accurately position holes
for the charging and blasting process
and the drill quality logging function
provides feedback to the planning per-
sonnel on what was drilled, when and
where. The Simba M and L rigs equip-
ped with this tool can log hole angle and
depth as well as position data, which can
be downloaded and used later to be com-
pared with the actual drill plan.
IREDES
In order to facilitate use of different eq-
uipment from different producers in the
same organization, Atlas Copco, toge-
ther with other major machine manufac-
turers, mining and construction companies
and third party suppliers, has established a
standard for data exchange between
rock excavation equipment and users
computer systems. This International
Rock Excavation Data Exchange Stan-
dard, or IREDES, is the common lan-
guage in data exchange for mining and
tunnelling. Ore Manager, which is
IREDES compatible, can also be used
to analyze the outcome of a drilling
sequence in order to optimize the sub-
sequent charge and blast sequences.
By defining one common format or
language for handling data, the mining
industry can introduce new technology
without being dependent upon one sup-
plier for intelligent mining automation
systems.
Indeed, third-party companies are
enabled to provide add-on IREDES-
conformant parts to a range of custom-
ers at reasonable prices.
Such standardized systems also mean
that end-users' costs can be kept to a
minimum, since data transfer does not
require more expensive, tailor-made in-
terfaces. Such cost considerations are
particularly important for those com-
panies and projects where automation
could make the development of small-
scale operations more viable.
Original equipment manufacturers
will also benefit from the development
of standardized systems since valuable
resources that would otherwise be tied
up with interface customization could
be freed up to concentrate on other
technology developments.
Rig communication
The communication link between the
operator and the rig is a basic function
Direct menus on the display allow required information to be found quickly, including (bottom right clockwise) drilling parameters, angle indication,
settings and drill plan.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
24 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
that enables the operator to keep track
of the drill rig status or drill production
data for maintenance and production
monitoring purposes. Such a basic data
exchange function is included in all
Simba rig control systems, whereby the
operators can download/upload data/
programmes from/to the rig control
system using a PC-card. Very simple to
use, the data is stored as .txt files, which
can be accessed on any standard PC.
As an option, a mine text message
system can be incorporated in the
Simba M and L rigs allowing the opera-
tor to receive status and alarm messages
transmitted from the drill rig over the
mine's local radio network. These war-
ning messages can be customized to a
specific mine site and can include sta-
tus, warning, error and alarm messages.
This function, or the similar data online
function, is essential when operating
the drill rig in ABC Regular or ABC
Total automation modes as it allows the
operator to respond to planned and un-
planned events on the rig, even when it
is unattended. Used to its full potential,
this system of one-way messaging from
the rig to portable radios and computers
makes it possible for a single operator
to oversee the operation of multiple drill
rigs, while dedicated service request
messages can be transmitted directly
to the service technician.
Another possible feature is the Re-
mote Desktop, which enables access to
the drilling menus from a remote loca-
tion.
Automation options
All Simba drill rigs can be equipped
with a series of major automation op-
tions, such as: Measure While Drilling,
Drill Plan Handling, Drill Plan Adap-
tation, Mine Navigation, Full Drill Data
Handling, Rig Remote Access and Ore
Manager.
Measure While Drilling (MWD) fun-
ction logs a number of parameters while
drilling to provide quality input for ana-
lysis of the rock properties. Hole depth,
penetration rate, damper pressure, feed
pressure, percussion pressure, rotation
pressure and air/water pressure are re-
corded at intervals during drilling and
the information, coupled with hole devi-
ation measurements, will indicate ore
boundaries and assist in the charging
and blasting process. By optimizing the
rock fragmentation in this way, costs for
the whole rock excavation process can
be reduced.
Drill Plan Handling (DPH) includes
features such as importing drill plans
that contain planned drill holes; export-
ing quality logs that contain the drill
result; graphical view of the planned
and drilled holes; automatic angle ad-
justment to the closest hole in the drill
plan; automatic adjustment of the hole
start points, so they fit the working area
of the rig; basic navigation, manually
entering the difference of the rigs ideal
position and the actual position, and/or
drill bit to point out marked reference
points in the drift.
Drill Plan Adaptation (DPA) is an
option to Drill Plan Handling that al-
lows the operator to adjust the collaring
point of the holes, keeping the hole bot-
toms in the same position. Using this
option, the operator can avoid obstacles
and installations, and carry out collar-
ing in cracked zones.
Mine Navigation (MN) is an option
to drill plan handling that gives more
possible navigation methods. The drill
plans can be planned in the overall mine
coordinate system.
Full Drill Data Handling (FDDH) is
always included in ABC Total and is an
option to ABC Regular. FDDH includes
features such as: importing drill plans
that contain planned drill holes; export-
ing quality logs that contain the drill
result; graphical view of the planned
and drilled holes; automatic angle ad-
justment to the closest hole in the drill
plan; automatic adjustment of the hole
start points, so they fit the working area
of the rig; basic navigation, manually
entering the difference of the rigs ideal
position and the actual position, and/or
drill bit to point out marked reference
points in the drift. FDDH also includes
Measure While Drilling (MWD).
The Rig Remote Access (RRA) op-
tion integrates the drill rig to the cus-
tomers site computer network. This en-
ables functionality such as work order
handling, log data transfer, and remote
troubleshooting. Using RRA, drill plans
can be uploaded to the drill rig, or log
files downloaded to the controllers PC
via a LAN/WLAN connection. Drill rig
status can be observed on-line using a
standard web browser on a remote PC.
Since machine monitoring is carried
out through the mine site data network,
there is no extra requirement for a ma-
chine specific data communication sy-
stem or network. This reduces the level
of cost and support necessary as local,
on-site IT technicians can undertake rig
communication and network support.
PC-card for transferring of drill plans and log information to and from the drill rig.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 25
Further cost reductions are possible
through: rationalization opportunities,
even at smaller mine sites; cost-effec-
tive integration into existing network
systems owing to standard communi-
cation protocols; more efficient pro-
duction and rig maintenance planning
owing to automated information ex-
change between central office and the
rig; and increased rig availability as a
result of online expert trouble shooting
assistance from Atlas Copco, provided
the mine data network has Internet con-
nectivity or modem connection on site.
Ore Manager (OM) can generate a
PC-compatible drill plan, which has to
be available when you should operate a
drill rig at the ABC Total level of auto-
mation. Ore Manager is a Windows-
based support software for the drilling
operation in mining projects. OM runs
on a regular office PC. It is primarily
used for the creation, organization and
administration of drill fans for Simba
drill rigs equipped with the optional
ABC Regular or ABC Total functions.
OM also has functionalities for retriev-
ing and analysing quality logs and MWD
data. OM provides a quick and easy way
to check a drill fan and to compare the
drilling result with the planned fan. The
result is collected from the quality log.
CAD integration
A more elaborate method of handling
drill fans and planning of production
drilling is to integrate the Simba drill
rigs with the CAD/planning system at
the mine site. This means that there is
no need for manual handling or design
of fan plans in the mine. The fan plans
are designed in the CAD system ac-
cording to known or anticipated ore
boundaries.
In a CAD system the mine design
exists in a 3-D model. The ring design
package of the CAD system generates
a fan plan for the Simba and exports
it in IREDES format. The fan plan is
transferred into the Simba via the mine
network or by means of a PC card.
The operator of the Simba accepts the
fan plan, navigates the drill rig, drills
the fan, and saves the quality log file
back to the CAD system.
At the moment, integration exists be-
tween Simba RCS and Surpac, Vulcan
and Mine 2-4D systems, and more are
to come.
Drilling economy
The new generation of computerized
drill rigs offers a very precise adapta-
tion of the drilling parameters to actual
rock conditions, resulting in better dril-
ling economy. Correct adjustment to the
actual rock conditions ensures precise
collaring, straight holes without devia-
tion, and extended lifetime of drill
string components. The drillers expe-
rience counts, but RCS assists him to
do a good job. Modern drilling in mines
is associated with very precise require-
ments, in order to get the best fragmen-
tation and not to unnecessarily dilute
the ore.
To ensure efficiency in the mining
process the Atlas Copco Simba produc-
tion drill rig can be used to drill just in
the ore and avoid drilling, charging and
blasting areas with pure waste.
A well-designed fan plan adapted to
the actual ore deposits, correct drill rig
navigation, accurate drilling, precise
explosives loading, and correctly timed
blasting all ensure a good production
result. The Simba with RCS assists the
miner to fulfil these requirements and
to control the grade of the ore.
Since introducing the Simba M and
L Atlas Copco has delivered a great
number of Simba production drill rigs
of 7 different configurations of compu-
terized production drilling equipment.
The modular concept of mechanical,
hydraulic, electronic, and software com-
ponents introduced with the new gener-
ation rigs has made this possible. Atlas
Copco strategy with RCS is to develop
a complete programme of electronically
controlled drill rig products for the mi-
ning and construction businesses and
to introduce automation options for all
applications. For operators, the learn-
ing time is short, and beginners and ex-
perienced drillers alike are capable of
production drilling after a couple of
days of training.
To use new technology like CAD in-
tegration requires some training in new
areas, such as navigation, and under-
standing of the mine design drawings.
Conclusions
Precision drilling, high productivity and
swift availability are the criteria for low
cost and successful longhole produc-
tion drilling. With the RCS technology,
Atlas Copco gives the driller the oppor-
tunity to undertake longhole drilling
with faster and more reliable control of
the entire operation, while improving
drill string life and reducing costs per
drill metre.
As all mines are, above all, chasing
costs, the range of high precision drill
rigs gives the mine planners and stope
designers opportunities to better opti-
mize the mining process and thereby
save costs and increase productivity.
Patrik Ericsson
Rig Remote Access offers supervision or control of a drill rig.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
26 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Simba M6 C-ITH drilling downholes.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 27
TALKING TECHNICALLY
Advanced technology
Atlas Copco launched the M and L
series in September, 2001 to replace
the previous generation of Simba drill
rigs.
Designed with precision drilling,
high productivity and swift availability
in mind, the Simba production drill rigs
are engineered around the Rig Control
System RCS platform, a flexible and
easily expandable control system that
has already been used to great effect in
the Boomer range of face drilling rigs.
Significantly, the technology provides
for varying degrees of rig automation
and, ultimately, the possibility of fully
automated and remotely monitored
drilling.
Thanks to this advanced, and easy
to learn, computer-based technology,
the M and L series Simba rigs can be
integrated into the total planning of
the mining operation, with a level of
monitoring and detailed control that
hitherto has not been possible. Further
potential for increased productivity can
be achieved through improved precision
and better control, which allow the
operator to drill longer and larger holes,
with greater spacing and burden.
Simba range
Precision drilling, high productivity
and good availability are fundamental
requirements for low cost and successful
production drilling. Designed with these
criteria in mind, the range of Simba M
The Simba M and L series production drill rigs incorporate nine different drill units, three feed lengths,
six rock drills and an extensive options programme.
Faster Simba rigs set the pace
Great opportunities
The ultimate objective for all
miners i s to reduce the cost
per tonne of ore produced, and
thi s goes hand in hand wi th
the overall effort to introduce
more efficient mining methods
and equipment. The Simba range
of high precision production drill
rigs represents a concept that
makes the drill rig productive
and easy to operate. Fast and
exact positioning and collaring,
sturdy construction and small
hole deviation, fast rodhandling,
reliable automatic functions, good
exploitation of rock drill power,
simple and quick servicing and
high transport speed make the
Simba M and L models Atlas
Copco's most efficient generation.
But perhaps the real cost saving
potential for mine management
lies in the new opportunities to
better follow the ore boundaries,
to reduce the drilling density and
to reduce development by spac-
ing the drill drifts and sublevels
further apart. Simba production
drill rigs incorporate a solution for
every drilling application.
28 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TALKING TECHNICALLY
and L series production drill rigs incor-
porate a solution for every drilling
application.
The complete range features the
following models: M3 C, L3 C, M4 C,
M6 C, L6 C and M7 C. The models
M3 C, M4 C, M6 C are also available
for in-the-hole hammer drilling (ITH).
The range is broadened by the avail-
ability of an array of options such as
rod handling systems, extractor units
for the rock drills, air/water-mist flush-
ing, additional stingers, water reel, BAS
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, MWD
Measure While Drilling and upgrades
of the level of automation to ABC
Regular and ABC Total.
The COP 1838 rock drill is fitted as
standard across all the new M series
and is suitable for hole diameters
of 51-89 mm or 89 COP HEX for
76-89 mm diameter holes. The two L
series models, meanwhile, are equipped
with the powerful COP 4050 rock drill
for drillhole diameters ranging from
89-127 mm. Consequently, these larger
rigs are equipped with a larger power
pack than the M series (2 x 75 kW rather
than 2 x 55 kW) to match the require-
ments of the much larger rock drill. All
the machines can also be equipped with
RHS rod handling system for mecha-
nized drilling.
For ITH capability, COP 34, 44, 54
and 64 hammers can be supplied for
hole diameters of 95-178 mm.
All Simba production drill rigs are
based on the sturdy modular designed
articu lated M-carrier, and are powered
by a Deutz low-emission diesel engine
(Stage III/Tier III). Rated at 112 kW,
this particular engine provides for
longer life, lower maintenance and
operational costs, and, above all, fast
tramming speeds of up to 15 km/h.
This makes the Simbas particularly
effective when negotiating steep ramps
or inclines. Other features include
high ground clearance, four-wheel
traction, and articulated steering for
easy manoeuvring, while an optional
silenced FOPS-approved cabin, with
panoramic view, affords an improved
working environment for the operator.
Five different positioning systems
are available through various combina-
tions of the pendulum, the slide table
and, in the case of the M3 C and M4 C
models, an optional turntable. All of
the new Simbas offer 360 degree ring
drilling, and can drill parallel holes
up to 3 m apart, making the machines
ideal for longhole drilling applications,
such as in sublevel stoping and sublevel
caving.
All tophammer rock drills for the
Simba rigs are equipped with a dual
damping system, which means that
more impact energy can be exploited
without increasing wear in the drill
steel in other words, higher produc-
tion for the same, or a lower, cost.
To further enhance longhole drilling
productivity and cost efficiency, par-
ticularly in difficult rock conditions, an
extractor unit is available as an option
for the COP 1838, COP 2250 and COP
4050 rock drills. This unique back
hammering device serves two main
purposes:
To practically eliminate jamming
and the subsequent loss of drill strings
stuck in holes; and
to assist in the uncoupling of drill
string joints.
The back hammering action is a
reversed percussive effect equal to around
20% of the conventional drilling impact
energy. This reduces the rod hand-
ling time between holes by eliminating
jammed joints, as well as reducing wear
on gripper jaws, the shank and the drill.
A jammed drill string can also poten-
tially represent a significant replace-
ment cost for a mining operation or
contractor. Once again, the incorpora-
tion of the extractor can minimize such
costs through its ability to actively
back hammer on the jammed string to
remove the obstacle.
The improved drill unit, with up to
four stingers on the drill feed, provides a
solid set up. The aluminium feed incor-
porates two hydraulic stingers mounted
directly on the feed beam as standard,
and can be equipped with a further two
for rock solid positioning in particu-
larly difficult conditions. This provides
improved stability in the set-up of the
feed, which is extremely important in
collaring and drilling straight holes.
With the help of the stingers the drill-
ing unit is supported during the drilling
process.
The stingers absorb the side forces
during collaring and remove the stress
created by the feed force. The combined
drill steel support/guide can also be
Simba type M3 drilling configurations
1
8
2
5
Type M3
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
R

2
9
7
0

(
R
D
)
4
9
1
5
380
o
7440
1500 (PH)
9
0
0
1
1
5
0
30
o

30
o

Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)
Simba type M4 drilling configurations.
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
Type M4
1500
380
o

3000 (PH)
1
5
0
0
(
P
H
)
750 750
4
6
0
0
4
9
1
5
7440
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)
9
0
0
1
1
5
0
30
o
30
o

Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensionsion mm RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
R

2
9
7
0

(
R
D
)

R 2790 (PH)
1
8
2
5
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 29
TALKING TECHNICALLY
easily adapted for different combinations
of drill steel and drill tube.
The double-bottom feed beam easily
withstands the high stresses involved
when drilling, while the double action
hydraulic cylinder, with its direct cou-
pling to the cradle, gives smoother and
steadier movement of the rock drill.
Thanks to the replaceable wear pads
and easily adjustable cradle, centring of
the rock drill can be maintained without
difficulty.
Extendable intelligence
The heart, or perhaps more accurately,
the brain, of the new machines is the
RCS platform, which not only allows
the rig operator to drill faster and with
much greater precision, but also simpli-
fies the drilling functions and trouble
shooting.
The RCS allows for extendable intel-
ligence, provides a good operator inter-
face, and has the potential to be linked up
to mine planning software. The system
affords three levels of automation Basic,
Regular and Total.
At the ABC Basic level of automa-
tion, all drilling operations are manu-
ally controlled from the operators panel
and its large display screen. To enhance
the quality of the drilling, functions for
angle of drilling and hole depth meas-
urement are incorporated as standard,
along with statistics logging and event
logging to help in preventative mainte-
nance.
Incorporating all the functions of
ABC Basic, the ABC Regular level
of automation allows the operator to
initiate automated single hole drilling.
Extended logging capability and drill
plan handling are available as options.
Ultimately, the drill rig can be fully
automated if equipped to the ABC Total
level, with the operator using the con-
trol and display panels only to set up
and initiate automated sequences such
as automated multi-hole drilling. As
a result, only one, or a team of a few
operators at most, is required to operate
and supervise several drill rigs.
Monitored and controlled from the
operators panel, each drilling function
is handled by dedicated, locally posi-
tioned modules that are interconnected
through a CAN-bus network. The RCS
has enabled Atlas Copco to reduce the
total hose length on the Simba produc-
tion drill rigs by around 30%, which
provides for higher machine avail-
ability owing to fewer hose failures.
Furthermore, the introduction of RCS
has simplified cabling significantly,
and the system is programmed for self-
diagnosis, making trouble shooting
much easier. Together, the combination
of the RCS and the proportional hydrau-
lics provides greater drill precision and
smoother positioning, particularly during
hole collaring. Hydraulic oil leakage is
also kept to a minimum, for example due
to hose failure, by automatic shutdown of
the hydraulic pumps.
By also enabling smoother control
of the drilling operation, the RCS plat-
form helps to minimize drill steel stress
and to improve the penetration rate. To
optimize penetration rates in different
ground conditions, as well as in dif-
ferent drilling directions, the control
system constantly monitors changes
in the rock conditions, and adjusts the
drill feed pressure, depending upon the
measured rotation pressure, to further
increase the penetration rate without
risking the life of the drill. If rota-
tion resistance becomes excessive, an
anti-jamming function is activated, and
the collaring sequence for a new hole
is initiated.
As well as improving the penetration
rate, the RCS maximizes the life of the
shank adapter, tubes and drill bits by
ensuring that the tube joints are tightened
with a constant torque throughout the
whole length. At the Zinkgruvan lead
The advanced hydraulics system has enabled Atlas Copco to reduce the total hose length by around
30%, which dramatically improves the operators line-of-sight, as fewer hydraulic hoses are linked
to the control panel or fed into the cabin.
30 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TALKING TECHNICALLY
and zinc mine in Sweden, for example,
drill tube life has increased from the
1,200-1,300 m being achieved with the
mines earlier rigs, to more than 1,800 m
with its Simba M4 C.
Significantly, the RCS system is
capable of accepting new software,
which can be easily extended. Another
important feature is its easy integration
into other systems.
Modular overlap
The RCS Simba production drill rigs
incorporate features and components
found on the Atlas Copco RCS rigs.
These include the RCS platform, which
was introduced on the Boomers some
three years before the launch of the new
generation Simbas.
Spare parts and consumables for
the Simba rigs are, for the most part,
the same, so technicians familiar with
the other RCS rigs should have no dif-
ficulty in finding their way around the
new Simba drill rigs.
Indeed, the same modular design
concept, as in other RCS rigs, provides
a better serviceability. Being able to use
standard equipment and systems is a
great advantage to maintenance opera-
tions, and much effort has gone into
making each module easily accessible
for maintenance.
Components that require regular
service are especially easy to get to,
and the Simba production drill rigs
have been designed so that they can
be readily dismantled into their main
components, for ease of lowering into
narrow shafts.
Such development of standardized
equipment and systems has important
implications for both the mine and the
manufacturer. The mine is no longer
dependent on tailor-made, or special,
solutions for its drilling requirements,
while the overlap between the product
families has enabled Atlas Copco to
reduce the assembly lead times at its
factory.
All of the new Simbas offer 360 degree ring drilling and can drill parallel holes up to 3 m apart, making the machines ideal for longhole drilling applications
such as in sublevel stoping and sublevel caving.
10
o
1
1
5
0
45
o
90
o
360
o
1
6
0
0
2000
Stinger extension
850
Stinger extension
Dimensions with
0
o
boom-lift
35
o
boom-swing
Parallell holes with
0
o
boom-lift
35
o
boom-swing
Coverage area
1100x4690 mm
Dimensions with
45
o
boom-lift
25
o
boom-swing
1200 (900)
Feed extension
150
Dimensions
in mm
Type M7
7
8
5
0
3900 1600
7
0
0
6
1
4
0
9
0
0
35
o
25
o
Simba type M6 drilling configurations.
Type M6
4
5

o

4
5

o
1

1
5
0

9
0
0

2
7
8
0
380
o
3
0

o

4
5

o

3000 (PH)
5
0
0
0

5
6
5
0

8520
Stinger e xtension
Stinger e xtension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drillin g
PH = Pa ra llel holes
F eed ex tension
1200 (900)
R 27 6 0 (R D )
R

4
8
8
0

(
R
D
)


Type M6
4
5

o

4
5

o
1

1
5
0

9
0
0

2
7
8
0
380
o
3
0

o

4
5

o

3000 (PH)
5
0
0
0

5
6
5
0

8520
Stinger e xtension
Stinger e xtension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drillin g
PH = Pa ra llel holes
F eed ex tension
1200 (900)
R 27 6 0 (R D )
R

4
8
8
0

(
R
D
)


PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 31
TALKING TECHNICALLY
Zinkgruvan experience
The first of the new generation Simba
drill rigs was delivered in September,
2001 to the underground Zinkgruvan
lead and zinc mine, just a few hours drive
from Atlas Copcos drill rig manufac-
turing facility at rebro, in Sweden.
Historically, the mine actually encom-
passed three separate operations, but,
more recently, access tunnels have been
driven to link the entire operation to-
gether. Whilst this has meant improved
equipment utilization, the tramming dis-
tances for such equipment is now much
longer. Production is currently being
ramped up from around 850,000 t/y in
2002, to some 900,000 t/y, using sub-
level open stoping and longhole open
stoping with paste fill.
The latter method was introduced to
eliminate the need for post-mining of
pillar remnants, and because of poor
rock conditions.
The mine has identified four major
improvements with its Simba M4 C
compared with the rigs predecessors:
The new rotation unit provides much
better precision, especially beneficial
when drilling opening slots.
The four stingers afford a more stable
feed setup, giving good precision in
hole alignment, collaring and during
drilling.
Hydraulic oil spillage is almost totally
eliminated, owing to a 30% reduction
in hoses and a smart oil leakage shut-
down system.
The easy-to-learn CAN-bus system,
which simplifies trouble shooting.
In November, 2002 Zinkgruvan took
delivery of its second Simba M-series
machine, an M7 C that will be deployed
primarily for drilling 54 mm-diameter
cablebolt holes. Around 50,000 m/y of
cablebolting is carried out at the mine.
The rig will also be required to fill in
as a production unit, drilling 76 mm-
diameter holes.
Patrik Ericsson
A

H
O
L
M
B
E
R
G

2
0
0
7
Type 3
Positioning:
Rotation, 380
Tilt forwards, 30
Tilt backwards, 30
Side movement, 1.5 m
with sliding table
Type 4
Positioning:
Rotation, 380
Tilt forwards, 30
Tilt backwards, 30
Side movement, 1.5 m
with sliding table
Extra side movement, 0.75 m
with pendulum arm
Type 6
Positioning:
Rotation, 380
Tilt forwards, 45
Tilt backwards, 30
Sideways, 1.5 m
Type 7
Positioning:
Reach, 3.5 - 5.1 m
Rotation, 360
Boom up, 45
Boom down, 15
Sideways, 35
Forwards, 90
Backwards, 10
Alternative pendulum
arm with 90
turned
feedholder
Canopy
Telescopic
and FOPS-
approved
Cabin with
panoramic
view and
FOPS-approved
Rear module
Engine module
Type M3/L3
Type M4
Type M6/L6
Type M7
T
Extra:
urn table 20
Front module
Power pack
Type L
Type M
COP 1838ME/MEX
COP 2550UX
COP 1838HE/HEX
COP 34,44,54,64
COP 4050MUX
Atlas Copco 2003
With an entirely new frame, nine different drill units, three feed lengths, six rock drills and an extensive
options programme, Atlas Copco can offer the right Simba for every application.
Simba modular program with maximum flexibility
32 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TALKING TECHNICALLY
Simba M7 C.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 33
TALKING TECHNICALLY
Quality holes
In the hole range 100-254 mm, ITH
drilling is the dominant drilling method
today. The main features of ITH drill-
ing in this hole range are: excellent
hole straightness within 1.5% devia-
tion without guiding equipment; good
hole cleaning, with plenty of air for
hole cleaning from the hammer; good
hole quality, with smooth and even hole
walls for easy charging of explosives;
deep hole drilling capacity, with con-
stant penetration and no energy losses
in joints; and efficient energy transmis-
sion, with the piston striking directly on
the bit.
The COP 34-84 series of hammers
was introduced from 1992, and imme-
diately became the benchmark for pro-
ductivity within ITH drilling. Over the
years, the increase in average drill-
ing pressure, from 17 bar to a current
market standard of 25 bar, has improved
hammer performance, and productivity
has increased proportionally to air pres-
sure.
The introduction of the Atlas Copco
ROC L8 and L6 ser ies of high-
performance, high-pressure ITH rigs
gave another boost to the sales of ham-
mers. The flexibility, productivity and
manoeuvr a bility of these rigs, when
equipped with a COP hammer, makes
them the most productive combination
on the market today.
COP 64 Gold
The increase in drilling pressure also
had some negative impact on the inter-
nal components of the ITH hammer,
as the increased stress promoted the
ITH growing in
popularity
The ITH drilling method is grow-
ing in popularity, with increases
in all application segments, inclu-
ding blasthole, water well, foun-
dation, oil & gas, cooling systems
and drilling for heat exchange
pumps.
ITH competes favourably with
rotary drilling in open pit mines,
mainly thanks to increased pro-
ductivity and flexibility. Open
pit mining has adopted smaller
holes where rotary drilling has
either been replaced by ITH, or
where ITH has been introduced
to create a better finish to the pit
wall, as the method is also per-
fect for pre- splitting and smooth
blasting, which avoids back-crack-
ing.
ITH drilling offers increased
productivity, and is favoured by
contractors for production drill-
ing. In larger quarries, the opti-
mum hole size is 110-140 mm.
With todays demands for strict
hole control for safe blasting in
populated areas, ITH drilling is
a popular choice among quarry
operators.
Increased productivity with
ITH drilling
New Secoroc hammer and bit ready for
action on an Atlas Copco drill rig.
Cutaway section of Secoroc COP 64 Gold.
34 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TALKING TECHNICALLY
risk of premature failures. So, in 1998,
Atlas Copco Secoroc decided on a long-
term strategy to improve reliability,
while retaining the benchmark status
of the COP 64 ITH hammer.
Stage One of this strategy was the
development of the second generation
six-inch hammer, COP 64.2, introduced
in October, 2000, which incorporated
newly-designed steel disc spring and
lower buffer. Performance was vastly
improved, thanks to a drastic reduction
in the number of internal failures. It
was also possible to rebuild the hammer
without diminishing its performance,
making it even more attractive.
Stage Two was the introduction of
the third generation COP 64 hammer,
COP 64 Gold, which was unveiled
in August, 2001. This version offers
sustained performance and improved
longevity of the external parts. The
COP 64.2 resolved internal component
reliability, while the COP 64 Gold has
experienced a dramatic drop in the
number of cylinder failures.
COP 64 Gold also boasts improved
sustainable efficiency, maintaining an
average of 96% of original performance
throughout its service life, which is a
further improvement on COP 64.2.
Durability improvements, thanks to
the higher tensile strength of the new
steel grade, are especially noticeable
when the cylinder approaches minimum
thickness limits. COP 64 Gold enjoys
a greater durability margin than its
predecessor.
With the introduction of COP 64
Gold, hammer life will increase sub-
stantially. Less internal and external
wear, together with a reduced minimum
cylinder wear limit, are key contributing
factors. The hammer is virtually main-
tenance-free, with no need for an econ-
omy kit in most applications. Ultimately,
this means customers can look forward
to increased drill rig availability.
The sum total of these improvements
shows COP 64 Gold to have more than
50% greater service life, in abrasive
rock conditions, than its predecessor.
The customer benefits from lower
cost/metre drilled, thanks to less down-
time and greater abrasion resistance,
and 30-50% longer life of external
parts.
Higher availability results from less
breakage in the threads of top sub and
chuck-ends of the cylinder, and there are
fewer stoppages for service and main-
tenance. Improved penetration rate and
higher efficiency are a result of reduced
friction of the piston, and a greater life
cycle penetration rate is the overall
reward.
To sum up, the customer can drill
more holes per hammer than previously.
Applications
COP 64 Gold is a high-pressure ham-
mer, where performance is related to
air pressure. A lower limit of 12 bar for
deep hole applications is a good rule of
thumb. The hammer is designed for the
same types of application as COP 64.2,
with special focus on high-pressure
applications. In abrasive formations,
performance will be up to 50% better
than COP 64.2, in what is an ideal ap-
plication for COP 64 Gold.
In soft unconsolidated rock drill-
ing, the 12-spline chuck concept and
the improved durability make COP 64
Gold the perfect hammer. High pressure
yields higher productivity, and drilling
pressures of 28-30 bar are not unusual.
The COP 64 Gold hammer concept
offers customers a tool to meet the most
exacting requirements.
Hammer cylinder
The new cylinder has been redesigned
in a number of important ways. COP 64
Gold boasts a cylinder made of low
alloy wrought and toughened steel, a
new grade with a higher combined Mo-
lybdenum and Vanadium content (4.8%)
than its predecessor. The result is grea-
ter impact strength and higher wear
and temperature resistance. All in all,
this means greater resistance to brea-
kage, impact, temperature and wear for
the new hammer cylinder.
Thanks to the new steel grade, cy-
linder properties have been greatly im-
proved. Wear has been reduced, both
internally and externally. Cuttings and
moving parts no longer cause the prob-
lems they once did. In effect, the service
life of the cylinder has been extended
con siderably. The new steel grade pos-
sesses greater tensile strength, which
means the minimum wear limit can
be decreased from an overall cylinder
diameter of 132 mm, to 130 mm.
Table 1 Comparison of COP 64.2 and COP 64 Gold steel.
COP 64.2 steel COP 64 Gold steel Improvement
Yield point ReL(Mpa) 700 1400 100%
Breaking strength Rm(Mpa) 1000 1950 95%
Hardness (HRc) 32 42 31%
Table 1 reveals not only that the yield point for the new steel grade is twice as high, but
also that breaking strength has been almost doubled.
Secoroc COP 64 Gold.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 35
TALKING TECHNICALLY
The result is a hammer that main-
tains performance far longer than its
predecessor, while being, in effect,
maintenance-free.
Longitudinal milled slots have re-
placed the circular undercut found
in COP 64.2. The piston now enjoys
100% guidance throughout its stroke,
as op posed to the older undercut that
let it partially move freely at the end of
the downward stroke. Thanks to these
slots, wear on the porting edges of the
cylinder undercuts and piston has been
eliminated. That means air leakage is
down to a minimum, and so are noise
levels!
The polygon-shaped piston pro-
vides a ten-point guide system, while
retaining excellent force on the bit. It
is sturdier than its forerunner, fitting
hand-in-glove with the milled slots to
provide superior guidance and airflow
all the way through the hammer.
The QL 60-style chuck, together
with a 12-spline bit, add up to a stronger
bit shank. This is especially useful in
soft and unconsolidated rock conditions,
where bits tend to move axially in and
out in the chuck during drilling. This
may lead to greater friction between
chuck and splines, causing premature
spline wear. Furthermore, the increase
in the number of splines, from eight to
twelve, leads to greater surface contact
between bit and chuck, lessening stress
on the splines.
The high demand for COP 64 Gold
hammers, particularly in applications
where performance and reliability are
major considerations, has led Atlas
Copco Secoroc to add the COP 54 Gold
to this increasingly successful range.
Leif Larsson and
Patrik Ericsson
Increase in service life of COP 64 Gold, which has a 50% longer life than its predecesssor.
Total improvement
Due to wear resistance
Due to wear limit change
Due to less cylinder failure
Results of comparative tests with COP 64.2 and COP 64 Gold. The COP 64 Gold drilled 50% further.
New Material
Old Material
16 000
14 000
12 000
10 000
8 000
6 000
4 000
2 000
0
146 145 144 143 142 141 140 139 138 137 136 135 134 133 132 131 130 129 128
D
r
i
l
l

m
e
t
r
e
s
Cylinder OD (mm)
36 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TALKING TECHNICALLY
Simba M6 C-ITH.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 37
Complex parameters
A rock drilling system is complex and
many parameters decide its perform-
ance. Taking into account the rock char-
acteristics, these parameters include:

bit diameter, design and button type;

type of flushing media used;

drill rod type and geometry;

piston mass and geometry;

the frequency and velocity of the


rock drill impact piston;

rotation speed;

feed force.
To get the most out of a drilling
system, all these factors must work in
harmony. The system should also match
the overall excavation method. This
means that fragmentation for loading
and crushing is another consideration.
The bit that counts
A combination of drill bit, drill rods,
shank adapter, rock drill and drill rig
determine the performance of the rock
drilling system, and this is an area in
which Atlas Copco has considerable
knowledge. Here we want to focus on
the drill string, i.e. the drill bit, rods and
shank adapter.
Three parameters should be consid-
ered when choosing a drill bit. They
are:

Penetration rate

Hole straightness

Service life
In 95% of all percussive rock drill-
ing, a button bit is selected to drill
the hole to a given diameter. The bits
ability to penetrate the rock efficiently
depends on how well the contact
between the surface of the buttons
and rock is established, their buttons
shape and number, the bits flushing
characteristics and the brittleness, or
drillability, of the rock.
Tests have shown that the relatively
smaller contact surface and the larger
protrusion of the ballistic button help
to break the rock more efficiently
giving higher penetration rate than the
spherical button (see Figures 1 and 2).
This efficiency also gives the best hole
straightness and we recommend bal-
listic button bits for most applications.
Additional reasons are:
The larger protrusion makes it easier
to clean the hole, leaving the bit to
deal with fresh rock, thereby avoid-
ing secondary crushing.

Atlas Copco Secorocs patented


grinding system, using a profiled
diamond grinding wheel, maintains
the performance of the ballistic
button by restoring its original pro-
file, which is essential for optimum
penetration rate and service life
(Figure 3).
However, spherical buttons are still
preferred in certain types of hard and
Tuning up your drilling system
Optimum combination
of factors
Choosing the right rock drilling
tools and adjusting all the set-
tings in the drilling system can
boost performance and cut costs,
but its not always easy. To dis-
cover the optimal combination, a
customer can compare test results
step by step or use rock drilling
simulation such as Atlas Copcos
Diarot package.
Figure 1: Ballistic buttons (left) and spherical but-
tons: The ballistic buttons are generally considered
the best choice for most rock drilling applications.
Figure 2: How the
buttons bite:
Under the same
impact energy the
ballistic button
will penetrate
deeper into the
rock, since it has
a smaller contact
area (footprint)
than the spherical
button.
Additional Penentration
TALKING TECHNICALLY
38 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
abrasive rock formations, where they
can have a superior service life.
Perfect partner
The design of the drill bit, especially
the number, placement and shape of the
buttons, makes it the perfect partner for
the rock drill and its percussive energy
to press the buttons into the rock. If the
power of the rock drill is insufficient, or
the buttons are worn too flat, the pen-
etration rate decreases and hole devia-
tion increases. In addition, the risk of
damaging the buttons increases with the
size of the wear flat. There is also a risk
of drilling with non-tightened couplings
due to lack of rotation torque, something
that leads to short drill steel life.
Using the Diarot rock drilling simu-
lation system Atlas Copco is able to
simulate the performance of different
drill bit designs, using data from a work-
site or from its extensive database.
After the button bit, we should exam-
ine the drill rods and shank adapter. The
task is to transfer the rock drill pistons
energy through the drill string and drill
bit into the rock. The COP 1838 hydrau-
lic drill piston impacts on the drill string
5060 times a second and, each time,
the buttons penetrate 0.51.5 mm into
the rock. If the design and setting of
the drilling equipment is matched to
the rock, energy transmission will be
nearly optimal and this, in turn, will
affect the service life of the drill string
positively.
When the piston in the rock drill
strikes the shank adapter the kinetic
energy of the piston is converted into a
compressive stress wave, which travels
through the drill string and into the rock
and breaks it. In a well-tuned rock drill-
ing system, most of the energy in the
stress wave is being utilized to break the
rock. In a mismatched drilling system,
some of the energy in the stress wave
will be reflected and returned back up
the drill string as a tensile stress wave.
Tensile stress waves are much more
detrimental to the drill string in com-
parison to compressive stress waves.
The drill strings joints must be
tight enough for energy transmission
to be fully effective. Loose joints result
in energy loss and drill string failure
(Figure 4), which can be simply detect-
ed by measuring the temperature on the
coupling.
Rigid rods pay off
There are different types of rods in the
Atlas Copco Secoroc range and we rec-
ommend the Speedrod, with integrated
couplings for extension drilling (Figure
5). A drill string with Speedrod gives
faster penetration than one with exten-
sion rods and couplings, as less energy
is lost at the joints. Furthermore, the
Speedrods threads are easy to keep tight
during drilling, giving very efficient
energy transmission.
Drill rods must be selected to suit
the entire system. The largest possible
rod diameter for the hole dimension is
recommended. A larger-diameter rod
has a longer service life (because of
less stress per unit area sq mm) and
because it transmits more energy per
blow. Furthermore, large rods are also
more rigid and, in the same way as TDS
guide tubes, will give straighter holes
and better blasting results. Finally, to
make the whole system work as effi-
ciently as possible, the drill rods must
also suit the rock drill, its piston and
shank adapter.
Alf Stenqvist
Figure 3: Bit grinding shop.
Figure 5: Secoroc Speedrods and MF drill rods.
Figure 4: Extension rod joints must be kept tight
during drilling. Loose joints cause overheating
and energy loss, drastically reducing efficiency.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 39
Expert knowledge
The course is based on the skills and
experience gained by key Atlas Copco
Secoroc personnel over many years, and
conveys expert knowledge in the
use of modern rock drilling products.
CBT Rock Drilling Tools version 4.0
was released after six years of patient
development.
Computer based training transfers
knowledge about drill string products
and their use, in a simple and efficient
way. Aided by 3-dimensional anima-
tions, photographs, film sequences and
interactive lessons, the training course
explains how the markets leading drill
string products can increase both pro-
ductivity and profit.
With version 4.0, CBT now includes
training on Atlas Copco Secoroc pro-
ducts, with: separate packages divided
into tophammer, ITH and raise-boring;
separate libraries for drilling equipment
and applications in all packages; up-
dated product training section on top-
hammer equipment including trouble-
shooting, bit grinding, and care and main-
tenance; product training section on
ITH equipment including troublesho-
oting, bit grinding, and care and main-
tenance; product training section on con-
sumables for raise boring equipment,
including care and maintenance; focus
tests on each lesson; and a new section
of product selection exercises.
Computer based training for rock
drilling tools
Latest version
Atlas Copco Secoroc recently in-
troduced version 4.0 of its Com-
puter-Based Training (CBT) pack-
age as being of paramount im-
portance in achieving the highest
level of competence in rock drill-
ing tools among distributors and
customers, as well as its own sales
force. Correct understanding of
how to choose, use and maintain
the rock drilling tools affects pro-
fitability for all, and adds to com-
petitiveness. Atlas Copco Secoroc
believes that the CBT package for
rock drilling tools is the most com-
prehensive interactive training tool
available in the industry today.
Main menu. This is the first picture shown when you start the CBT. From this main
menu you can choose which of the courses you would like to enter.
Course menu. View picture for the course Raise boring. Under the text Introduction you find two
buttons, Learning objectives will explain what you are expected to learn. Introduction will give
you an overview by running pictures and a speaker talking. Under Lessons you choose chapters.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
40 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Complete training
The whole Secoroc CBT Rock Drilling
Tools package comprises approximately
50 hours of lessons and tests. With a
recommended maximum of four hours
of lectures per day, the total length of
a complete training course on rock
drilling tools can be estimated at three
weeks.
CBT enables efficient training when-
ever the need arises. For instance, a
new employee can start the learning
process right away, and learn about
how the product is manufactured, its
characteristics, wear limits, and much
more. A modular structure enables users
to study lesson by lesson, or in a selec-
tive way at their own pace. With per-
sonal computers, learning can take
place whenever and wherever the indi-
vidual chooses, including in the field.
The training package teaches you to
find the right tool for any given rock
drilling application at any time of the
day. Experience with CBT version 2.0
resulted in good market acceptance of
version 3.0, which has been success-
fully advising both key customers and
technical schools. The new version of
CBT 4.0 is expected to contribute fur-
ther to the added value in Atlas Copco
Secoroc sales service.
Bjrn Samuelsson
Chapter. In this section you choose the lesson you want. In the lower right
corner you find four buttons. X will finish the actual step. Number two will
take you back one step. The third button allows you to scroll through the course.
Lesson. There are three buttons for presentations. Video camera
button: running pictures and speaker text. Photo camera button: pictures
from more important or difficult parts. Text button: pictures and text.
Step player. When pressing the step player button you will find film
sequences or animations. At the end of every lesson you can also go through
a test, Focus test, to check your knowledge.
Product selection exercises. At the end you also have the possibility
to go through some real exercises, where you will have the background for a
specific rock excavation and from that choose suitable equipment to do the job.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 41
Grinding methods
There are two different methods of bit
grinding to restore the buttons. The pre-
ferred method uses a diamond coated
profiled wheel, and the other, a grind-
ing cup.
The profiled wheel provides a smooth
and efficient grinding oper ation, which,
throughout its life, maintains the cor-
rect button shape and pro trusion. It
features correct centring on all buttons,
producing a high quality cemented car-
bide surface, with no risk of cemented
carbide nipple. Long bit life, and higher
penetration rates, will result from good
grinding quality.
Disadvantages of using the grinding
cup are that it may produce an incor-
rect button shape and protrusion. It is
difficult to centre the grinding cup over
the gauge button, and there is also a risk
of producing a sharp cemented carbide
nipple on the button, and a possibility
of scratches due to the larger diamond
grain used. Reduced bit life will result
from poor grinding quality.
Several tests have been carried out
to find which method gives the best
bit performance. The grinding wheel
gives the correct shape to the button,
regardless of the amount of wear on the
wheel, ensuring that the bit will achieve
The economic case for routine
bit grinding
Cutting hole costs
The button bit was originally de-
veloped to do the job of an insert
bit, without the necessity for fre-
quent grinding. However, it was
soon found that the service life of
a button bit increased consider-
ably if the cemented carbide but-
tons were ground.
Nowadays, it has become ex-
tremely important to grind button
bits at proper intervals, in order to
extend the service life of the rock
drilling tool, maintain penetration
rates, and drill straight holes.
In all rock excavation opera-
tions, the cost is usually ex pressed
in cost per drilled metre (cost/dm),
in cost per cubic metre (cost/cu m),
or in cost per tonne.
The cost to produce a hole de-
pends on how fast it can be dril-
led, and how many tools will be
consumed. The cost to produce a
cubic metre of rock is dependent
upon the cost of the hole, and the
cost of blasting. If the blasthole is
of poor quality, then more explo-
sives will be consumed in blast-
ing the rock. Unsharpened bits
very often give a poor quality hole
with deviation.
Grinding constitutes around
2% of the costs of the entire drill-
ing operation. To run the business
without grinding could multiply
this cost, with up to 100% added
when production losses are taken
into account. Labour and mate-
rial are the highest costs, while
the machine investment cost is
low when utilization is high,
with a large number of bits to be
ground.
Diagram 1: Typical bit life grinding at different intervals.
Total bit life
drill metres
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
10 20 30 40 50 60
10 regrindings
per drill bit
Grinding interval
drill metres
The Secoroc Grind Matic BQ2 grinding machine
can handle drill bits up to 127 mm in diameter.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
42 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
standard penetration rate throughout its
entire life. It has also been shown that
bit life is increased considerably when
grinding wheels are used, rather than
grinding cups. Wheels also excavate
steel around the button, simplifying the
grinding task, and giving the bit a more
exact profile.
Bit life
With so many parameters involved, it
is difficult to estimate bit service life.
First, a proper grinding interval must
be established, preferably at the stage
when the button has a wear flat of one
third of the button diameter. When the
number of drilled metres to reach this
stage has been established, then a cal-
culation of bit life can be made, by multi-
plying by the number of times it can be
reground. As a general rule, a bit can
be reground 10 times, but smaller bits
may achieve slightly less than this
figure, while larger bits may achieve
more. So, if the grinding interval has
been established as 60 drill metres,
then the average bit life will be 660
drill metres (Diagram 1). If a bit is
over drilled, and the wear flat is more
than half of the button diameter, there
is a tendency towards cracked buttons.
There is always a sharp edge created
on the button, and this becomes sharper
the more the bit is overdrilled. This
sharp edge, especi ally on ballistic but-
tons, is very brittle. Once the edge cracks,
pieces of cemented carbide break away
and circulate in the hole, causing sec-
ondary damage to the buttons.
When a bit doesnt show any vis-
ible wear flat, it may be suffering from
micro cracks on the cemented carbide
surface.
This is known colloquially as snake-
skin, and can be clearly seen when using
a magnifier. In this case, the surface
has to be ground away, otherwise the
micro cracks lead to more severe da-
mage on the buttons. Likewise, buttons
which protrude too much must be ground
down to avoid damage (Diagram 2).
Penetration rate
When the right bit has been chosen
for the rock condition, it will provide
maximum penetration rate, along
with acceptable hole straightness. In
rock conditions like Swedish granite,
with a compressive strength of around
2,200 bar, the bit gets a wear flat after
just 10-20 drill metres, accompanied by
a small drop in penetration rate. When
it has a wear flat equivalent to one-third
of the button diameter, the penetration
will have dropped by 5%. If the bit is
used further until it has a two-thirds
wear flat, the penetration will have
dropped more than 30% (Diagram 3).
Diagram 2: Risk of total loss when a bit is overdrilled.
Diagram 3: Penetration rate drops as the button profiles flatten.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 43
When a bit has a heavy wear flat it
tends to deviate, and, by the time it rea-
ches the bottom of the hole, it will have
deviated far more than planned. As a
result, the blast will produce coarse
fragmentation, and much secondary
blasting may be required.
In slope hole drilling, it is of utmost
importance that the holes are straight.
If the holes deviate, the slope walls will
be uneven, making rock reinforcement
more difficult than expected.
Rock formations with different lay-
ers and joints are often characterized
by heavy hole deviation, putting extra
stress on the remaining rock tools in
the drillstring. A sharp bit always cuts
better, and will prevent both deviation,
and its disadvantages.
Grinding machines
Two parameters guide the selection of
the right grinding machine: the number
of bits to be ground; and whether the
machine should be portable or station-
ary. Several kinds of grinding machines
are available to satisfy these parameters.
In most cases, a simple machine will
suffice for a small operation, grinding
only a few bits. The semi-automatic
machines are more suitable for larger
operations, such as mines and construc-
tion sites, where the machine can be sta-
tionary, and the rocktools can be brought
to it.
Grind Matic HG is a water or air-
cooled handheld machine for grinding
cups. Both spherical and ballistic cups
are available. The machine is driven by
up to 7 bar compressed air, and is suit-
able for a small grinding operation.
Grind Matic Manual B is an air-
driven portable grinder using diamond-
coated grinding wheels for spherical
and ballistic buttons. The machine is
mounted in a box fitted with wheels and
handles for easy set up. It is mainly for
threaded button bits, but small down-
the-hole bits can be ground in this
machine. A steel spring is mounted in
the profile of the grinding wheel, where
it functions as a centring device, allow-
ing for easy grinding.
Grind Matic Manual B-DTH is simi-
lar to the Grind Matic Manual B. It is
mainly intended for in-the-hole bits, but
can also be used for threaded bits with a
special bit holder. As an optional acces-
sory, the machine can be equipped with
a belt grinder for gauge grinding.
Grind Matic BQ2 is the latest semi-
automatic machine, with many features
such as auto-indexing device, timer con-
trol, automatic feed, and an automatic
centring arm.
These features, coupled to an ergo-
nomic design, ensure high productivity,
and the machine is designed to handle
large volumes of threaded button bits.
Cooling water is recycled after the
waste product has been separated in a
container.
Grind Matic BQ2-DTH is the latest
grinding machine for mainly down-
the-hole and Coprod bits. It can also
Cost of grinding reduces dramatically with volume.
Annual grinding volume buttons
Figures on the left side of the diagram
show cost per button in SEK.
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Labour cost
Grinding material cost
Machine cost
5

0
0
0
1
0

0
0
0
2
5

0
0
0
5
0

0
0
0
7
5

0
0
0
1
0
0

0
0
0
Diamond grinding wheels. Grind Matic Manual B.
TALKING TECHNICALLY
44 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
be used for threaded bits with a special
bit holder. The machine has the same
features as Grind Matic BQ2, and can
grind bits up to 7 in diameter.
Grinding advice
The Grind Matic machines secret of
success is that both the grinding table
and the diamond grinding wheel rotate.
The result is perfectly ground button
surfaces, regardless of whether the but-
tons are spherical or ballistic.
In addition, the machines unique
diamond grinding wheel is designed
to ensure even wear on its grinding
surface, while still retaining its profile.
This, in turn, guarantees the button
shape throughout the life of the wheel.
Secorocs advice is to use Grind
Matic grinding machines, with profiled
diamond grinding wheels, for grinding
button bits. It is the only solution able
to consistently deliver perfectly shaped
buttons on customers bits.
Correct grinding is important for
every drilling operation, particularly
in these days of cost consciousness and
fierce competition. It can make a world
of difference to the bottom line.
Bo Persson
Comparison of grinding wheel with grinding cup.
Grind Matic Manual B-DTH. Grind Matic BQ2-DTH.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 45
EL AGUILAR, ARGENTINA
Pioneers
The mine, which lies in the eastern
slope of El Aguilar mountains, is owned
by Compaa Minera Aguilar S.A.
(CMA), which also owns Sulfacid S.A.,
a renery pioneer in the sulphuric acid
and electrolytic zinc industry. Here, in
this isolated but unique mining com-
munity of about 4,000 people, 350 work
in the mine in three, 8 hour shifts per
day.
Production currently runs at 38,000 t/
month, and the mines short term goal
is to increase this to 48,000 t/month.
Operations are widely dispersed
over a large area, and several fronts are
worked simultaneously. Therefore, all
equipment has to be used as efficiently
as possible.
The Aguilar orebody has great po-
tential. Even though it has been mined
for more than 70 years, new sectors are
now being discovered. Furthermore,
the company has signicantly changed
its strategy in recent years with regard
to the equipment it needs, and also in
terms of greater emphasis on explora-
tion. In order to reach its goals, CMA
employs a eet of eight Atlas Copco
Boomer 104 and Boomer 281 drill rigs,
one Boltec 235 bolting rig, one Simba 157
production drilling rig, nine Scooptram
loaders ST6C, EST 3.5, ST710 and ST2G,
and three core drilling rigs Diamec U6,
Diamec 252 and Diamec 262.
Many of these products have been
acquired with the assistance of long-
term nancing arrangements provided
by Atlas Copco Customer Finance that
have been consistently offered despite a
difficult economic situation within the
country.
Exploration and
development
The CMA mine is divided into three
main sectors, according to the degree of
mechanization employed and the grade
of the ore. These are Pique Inferior,
which is the deepest at level 31; Mina
Esperanza; and Nueva Norte, which is
in itself divided into two parts, Mina
Rincn and Mina Oriental. In Pique
Inferior, the aim is to go deeper and a new
raise has increased mineral resources.
Mina Esperanza has been accessed
via the lower drift on the third level as
the higher levels are gradually exhaus-
ted. Given the shape of the orebody,
which has a dip of more than 50 degrees,
the entire operation will use only cut-
and-ll or long hole stoping methods.
The Boomer 104 is used for face dril-
ling, while the Simba 157 is used in
production to drill the 18 m high stopes.
For safety reasons, the LHDs are oper-
ated by remote control.
In Nueva Norte, particularly in Mina
Oriental, the miners are only a few me-
tres from the orebody and an 89 m deep
ventilation shaft has been raise bored.
In this section, the main mining method
is cut-and-ll. In faces of cross-section
4.5 m by 4.5 m they drill around 50 holes
Exploring the potential of
El Aguilar
Keeping in touch
In the remote mountain range
of northern Argentina, the El
Aguilar mine is being equipped
with modern technology to meet
ambitious goals. Located 4,300 m
above sea level, and surrounded
by desert and mountains, the
mine is remote and difficult to
reach. However, to run the coun-
trys most i mpor tant under-
ground zinc, lead and silver mine,
El Aguilar management keeps
well in touch with the benets of
new technology.
The El Aguilar mine is located at 4,300 m above sea level and surrounded by mountains and deserts.
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF EL AGUILAR
46 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
45 mm diameter and 14 ft long. At present,
El Aguilar is 95 percent mechanized
and several of the latest methods of
excavation are being employed, some
developed on site.
These methods in-clude: room and
pillar with bench and ll; conventional
cut-and-ll; cut-and-ll with horizontal
and vertical chambers using long hole
drilling, and muck-ing out with remote
control vehicles and other variants;
sublevel stoping, underground vertical/
sub-vertical benching; and exploration
methods for deep levels.
In December, 2004 a shaft was con-
structed in Mina Esperanza exclusively
to generate ventilation from the tunnel to
level 577, the equivalent of 110-115 m.
With this new method, all the air enters
via the tunnel, flows through the entire
sector, and is extracted via the shaft.
In addition, an exhaust fan was placed
in the entrance of the mine to extract
the air and distribute it to different un-
derground sectors. The installation of a
ventilation shaft in Pique Inferior will
allow fresh air to enter the lower levels.
El Aguilar has one of the worlds
highest proportions of support elements
in relation to tonnage produced, which
indicates the complexity of the orebody.
The ground is very varied, irregular, and
dominated by fractures or faults. In ad-
dition, El Aguilar has devised an ad-
vanced ground control method which
has served as a model for operations in
remote places around the world.
The drifts generally have roofs of
very poor quality rock with consistent
faults, although the oors are generally
of good quality. This makes it necessary
to employ a range of bolting techniques
for different types of rock bolts, from
short bolts such as split-set or Swellex,
and cement grouted rebar. Cable bolt-
ing with the Boltec 235H, shotcreting,
and steel arches are also used to good
effect.
Pillar of the community
On the surface, the El Aguilar mine
provides for the well-being of the whole
community. The town relies completely
on the company for its fresh water and
electricity supplies, as well as for its
well-equipped 40-bed hospital, its
schools, stores, churches, sports and
cultural and other facilities. A private
transport company provides transporta-
tion between the mine and the nearest
densely populated cities of La Quiaca
and San Salvador de Jujuy.
The company is not just a business, it
also has a strong social responsibility.
Acknowledgements
Atlas Copco is grateful to the manage-
ment at El Aguilar for its assistance
in the preparation of this article. This
article frst appeared in Atlas Copco
Mining & Construction magazine No 2
2005.
PRODUCTION DRILLING
Rows of 7 holes every 1.5 m
7
1
CABLEBOLT DRILLING
Rows of 5 holes every 1.5 m

5
1

The Simba H157 at work.


Typical drill patterns at El Aguilar.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 47
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
Sub level caving
The Ridgeway deposit, discovered in
1996, lies 500 m below the surface and
is accessed by a decline. Extraction of
the gold-copper ore began in 2002,
and in 2004 the mine produced almost
450,000 ounces of gold and 45,000 t
of copper. Production is by sub level
caving, commencing at the top of the
orebody, with extraction levels at 25 m
vertical intervals.
Today, 5.6 million t/y of material is
mined, and Ridgeway is recognized as
one of the most efficient gold producers
in operation, with sufficient mineable
ore reserves to last until 2018.
Having successfully used single-
hole automation for several years to
drill during shift changes and breaks,
Atlas Copcos Advanced Boom Control
(ABC) fan automation technology was
selected to further enhance this capa-
bility. Ridgeway has two Atlas Copco
Simba L6 C production rigs continu-
ously employed on drilling upholes,
one of which is currently fitted with the
ABC system, an automation technology
that is well-suited to the application.
However, a low-cost option was req-
uired to deliver extra drilling capacity,
and the management decided that ABC
Total had the potential to give a pro-
ductivity improvement of up to 10%.
As a result, the first Simba was equip-
ped with ABC Total for appraisal, and
then the second Simba was automated
and fully functional by March, 2006.
Fully automated
The ABC Total version of the Atlas
Copco technology employed at the
Ridgeway mine fully automates the
drilling process. The boom and feed
are positioned automatically according
to a pre-programmed drill pattern and
drilling sequence. Automatic collar-
ing, rod changing and drilling of each
hole in the sequence are then carried
out without direct involvement of the
operator.
The need to manually change bits
during the drilling of some long holes,
or between holes, had been a major hur-
dle for the mine to overcome in its drive
to fully automate production and deve-
lopment drilling processes.
This is the first time that a mine in
Australia has used a mechanized bit
changing system in conjunction with
the rig automation technology. The bit
carousel rotates, allowing drill bits to
be removed and replaced without ope-
rator intervention. This process is acti-
vated by the Atlas Copco Rig Control
System, RCS, which is an integral part
of the automation package.
Continuous drilling
Ridgeways use of the ABC and bit
changing systems marked a significant
Increasing drilling rates at Ridgeway
Big output
A determination to benefit from
drill rig automation technology
can be seen in practice at Newcrest
Minings Ridgeway gold-copper
operation, a mine that has already
produced impressive performan-
ces in terms of profitability and
production. The mine is one of
Australias largest underground
mines with a total ore produc-
tion of 5.6 million t/y. Located near
Orange in Central New South
Wales, near the well-known Cadia
Hill open pit mine, Ridgeway has
only been in operation since 2002.
In April, 2005 the mine switched
from contractor to owner mining.
Looking to further increase the
productivity of their two Atlas
Copco Simba L6 C longhole pro-
duction drill rigs, the manage-
ment has introduced a higher
level of automation, resulting in
improved drilling rates with the
same manning and equipment.
Atlas Copco Simba L6 C production rig fitted with ABC Total for computerized operation.
48 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
INCREASING DRILLING RATES AT RIDGEWAY
point in the adoption of such advance
automation technology by the mining
industry in general.
Automation and associated perform-
ance monitoring and control technology
are the key to harnessing all the power
that can be generated with modern rock
drills.
While RCS technology is well esta-
blished, the recently developed Atlas
Copco bit changing system opens the
door to full automation of continuous
drilling sequences and processes for
many mines.
Current drilling technology is so
advanced, with electronic systems able
to monitor, measure and relay thou-
sands of bytes of performance data per
minute, that adjustments can only be
made by a computerized cont rol
system.
The next step at Ridgeway would
be to take advantage of Ethernet, or
even wireless communications tech-
nology, in order to download drill
plans from mine planning offices to
drilling equipment, and transfer pro-
duction data back to the main com-
puter. The operator would be able to
see how accurately he has been drilling,
and make any necessary adjustments
almost immediately.
Acknowledgements
This article frst appeared in Atlas Copco
Mining & Construction magazine No 1
2006.
How the bit changer works
Figure 1. All the rods from the drill string
are moved over to the magazine of the Simba
(see insert, left). The rock drill advances to the
drill steel support (A) to collect the worn bit on
its shank adapter. The rock drill then moves
backwards to the bit changing position. The
drill bit cassette swings in to collect the bit.
Figure 2. The worn bit is unthreaded from the
shank adapter and retained in the rotating
cassette by a locking arm (B). The rock drill
then moves backwards.
Figure 3. The cassette rotates to align the new
bit with the rock drill. The rock drill then moves
forward to collect the new bit. The drill bit cas-
sette swings aside, allowing the rock drill to
move forward and place the new drill bit into
the drill steel support. The first drill rod is then
loaded from the rod magazine and drilling can
begin again
B
A
The Simba bit changer allows drill bits to be
removed and replaced automatically.
B
A
B
A
Drill steel support
Rod magazine
Bit cassette
Rock Drill
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 49
CAMPO FORMOSO, BRAZIL
Underground geology
Located in the city of Andorinha, around
100 km from the Pedrinhas mine, the
companys underground operations have
been developed within the Medrado/
Ipueira deposit.
This is one of several chromite-min-
eralized intrusions in the Jacurici Valley
in the north-east of the So Francisco
Craton, which hosts Brazils largest
chromite deposits. Being irregular and
fractured with numerous faults, the de-
posit presents a considerable geological
and mining challenge.
The Medrado/Ipueira deposit is di-
vided into several mining areas. There
are the Medrado mine and the Ipueira
mine, the latter of which is divided into
five working areas: Ipueira II, III, IV,
V and VI. Currently, besides Medrado,
only Ipueira II, III, IV and V are opera-
tional, whereas Ipueira VI is a future
expansion project. The underground mi-
nes have been in steady operation since
1977. In 2004, Ipueira produced 450,000 t
of run-of-mine ore for a final produc-
tion of 127,000 t of hard lump. In the
same year Medrado produced 192,000 t
of ROM ore for a final production of
48,000 t of hard lump. Current target
is a total of 216,000 t of hard lump.
Underground exploration
The company is always looking for the
best way of doing things in consultation
with workers, technical consultants and
through visits to other mines. The con-
sultation process also includes manufac-
turers of mining equipment, with which
Ferbasa discusses the best technological
options for its operations. This consul-
tation process is very important for the
mine, in order to help maintain a high
level of modernization.
From a geological point of view, the
Medrado/Ipueira orebody represents a
challenge. With an average thickness of
8 m, and 500 m long panels, the orebody
is irregular and fractured with numer-
ous faults. The accurate delineation of
the orebody is very important, and to
this end the geology department has to
carry out a great deal of exploration
drilling. The main machine employed in
this key task is an Atlas Copco Diamec
U6 exploration drill rig equipped with
an operators panel. This machine is
used in all situations at the underground
mine, to drill holes of up to 150 m deep.
The decision to acquire this machine
took into account the fact that it is eq-
uipped with a wire line system. This
feature makes possible to conduct core
drilling in the worst rock conditions,
such as the faulted and fractured rock
at Ferbasa.
Ferbasa carries out about 7,200 m/y
of drift development. The fleet of deve-
lopment rigs includes two Atlas Copco
face drilling rigs. One is a Boomer 252
rig equipped with COP 1238 rock drill
which drills 3.9 m long holes to achieve
6,000 drilled metres/month at a pro-
ductivity of 55 m/hour. There is also a
Rocket Boomer M2 D rig equipped with
COP 1838ME rock drill which drills 4.5
m long holes to achieve 12,000 drilled
metres/month at an average rate of 70
m/hour.
Sublevel caving
The main underground mining method
employed is longitudinal sublevel ca-
ving, though open stoping is also used
in some areas of Ipueira, depending on
the layout of the orebody. When the ore-
body is vertical, sublevel caving is used
Sub level caving for chromite
In search of
excellence
Cia de Ferro Ligas da Bahia (Fer-
basa) is a private capital group,
which produces chromite, silicon
and limestone. One of Brazils most
important metallurgical compa-
nies, Ferbasa has surface and un-
derground mining operations in
the state of Bahia in north-eastern
Brazil, where their Pedrinhas open
pit chrome mine, located in Campo
Formoso, has been in operation
since 1961. Pedrinhas currently pro-
duces about 2,400,000 cu m/year of
chromite ore and waste, yielding
54,000 t/year of hard lump chro-
mite and 114,000 t/year of chro-
mite concentrate. At the Medrado
and Ipueira underground mines,
lump chromite is produced using
primarily sublevel caving techni-
ques with raises opened using slot
drilling, where a fleet of Atlas
Copco equipment offers key sup-
port in exploration, development
and production.
Entrance to the Ipueira mine.
SUB LEVEL CAVING FOR CHROMITE
50 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
and, in the few cases when the orebody
is horizontal, open stoping is the pre-
ferred method. Both methods are safe,
with currently acceptable dilutions.
However, the management has started
looking for suitable alternative methods
that will reduce the dilution in future.
For longitudinal sublevel caving, produc-
tion drifts are developed in the footwall
of the orebody. The vertical distance
between sublevels varies from 14 m to
30 m. Production drilling is upwards,
using a fan pattern. The broken ore is
loaded using LHDs, and is hauled from
the production levels to the surface
using rigid frame trucks.
In terms of production, the company
drills 180,000 m/year of production
blast holes, which have a diameter of
51 mm and a burden of 2.2 m. At the
same time, they are studying the pos-
sibility of changing to 76 mm diameter
holes and 2.8 m burden, in order to re-
duce costs.
The fleet of production drill rigs in-
cludes an Atlas Copco Simba 254 and
a Simba 253, both electro-hydraulic
Layout of Ipueira mine.
N 55
N 65
N 75
N 85
N 95
N 105
N 115
N 125
Production loading
Charging production holes
Production drilling
Mucking out
Charging
Scaling
Drilling
Shot
creting
D
e
v
e
l
o
p
m
e
n
t
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
The locations of drifts and drill patterns are adapted to the ore-waste boundaries.
Ore
Waste
Drift
C
a
b
l
e
Blast holes
2.2 m
SUB LEVEL CAVING FOR CHROMITE
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 51
rigs equipped with COP 1238ME rock
drills, which drill 6,000 m/month to
achieve a productivity of 22 m/h. The
mine also has a Promec M195 pneu-
matic rig equipped with COP 131EL
rock drill. These drill rigs are also used
to drill orebody definition holes, and
achieve 3,500 m/month.
Slot drilling
One of the main challenges at Ferbasas
underground operations is the develop-
ment of inverse drop raises. These open-
ings, which are also called blind raises
because they dont communicate with
the upper level, can only be accessed
from the lower level. This limitation is
dictated by the mining methods.
Previously these blind raises were de-
veloped upwards by successive individual
advances of up to 6 m. Nowadays, this
practice has been replaced with a fully
mechanized method, increasing the
speed and safety of drilling the open-
ings. Looking for a solution to improve
operator safety when drilling these pro-
duction raises, technical personnel from
Ferbasa visited LKABs Malmberget
iron ore mine in Sweden, where they
studied the development of inverse drop
raises blasted in one single shot. After
the visit, Ferbasa started employing a
slot drilling technique, and Ipueira and
Medrado are now the most experienced
mines in Brazil in its use. Slot drilling
requires a row of 190 mm diameter inter-
connected holes to be drilled using a
special guide mounted on a regular ITH
drill hammer. Thus, with an available
free face, drilling accuracy, and con-
trolled blasting techniques, openings
of up to 25 m in length are successfully
achieved. The main advantages of the
method are personnel safety and speed
in the drilling. Also, slot drilling is
more precise and, in general, more
productive.
A Simba M6 C-ITH drill rig equip-
ped with COP 64 ITH hammer and ABC
Regular system, as well as an on-board
booster compressor, has been acquired
for drilling inverse drop raises with
holes up to 10 in diameter. Depending on
the length of the raise, and the quality
of the rock mass, the slot drilling tech-
nique is used. If the length of the raise
is short, and the rock quality poor, the
traditional technique with reamed holes
is used.
Until the Simba M6 C-ITH arrived,
Ferbasa was carrying out slot drilling
with only one machine. They chose the
new Simba rig because of its advanced
technological and safety features. One
of the main advantages is the setup, which
only has to be carried out once at each
site. The Simba M6 C-ITH drill rig is also
easy to operate, and the spacious, air-
conditioned cabin is an attractive feature.
The mine spent five years looking for
a solution to the opening of inverse drop
raises, and is pleased with its invest-
ment in technology and modernization
represented by the Simba M6 C-ITH.
Acknowledgements
The managements at both Ipueira and
Medrado mines are thanked for their
contributions to this article, which
first appeared in Atlas Copco Mining
& Construction Magazine No 3 2005.
Slot drilling at Ferbasa: the Simba M6 C-ITH in action and right the perfectly finished row of holes.
The slot drilling crew with their Simba M6 C-ITH.
52 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Atlas Copco Cabletec LC.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 53
MICHILLA, CHILE
Successful operation
The Cabletec has been successfully ope-
rating for a year in Antofagasta Minerals
Michilla copper mine in Chile, some
750 km north of Santiago.
The main mining method at Michilla
is cut-and-fill using a drift and pillar
layout in which mining progresses up-
wards. The production drifts are 7 m
x 5 m and the pillars are 7 m x 7 m.
Some sub level stoping is also used.
Systematic cable bolting is required to
ensure safety while other rigs are drill-
ing production holes upwards through
the orebody. A total of 100,000 m/y of
cable bolts are needed for all the under-
ground operations. During its first year at
Michilla, the Cabletec has shown very
positive results. Its cable installation ca-
pacity is some 50% better than alterna-
tive mechanized solutions. It gives a safe
and greatly improved working environ-
ment, with all operations controlled from
the silenced, air-conditioned cab.
Two booms
The Cabletec is unique, in that it is a
twin boom machine. Positioning and
feeding of the grouting hose and cable
into the pre-drilled hole is undertaken
using one boom, while the other boom
is used to drill the next bolt hole. Both
operations can be carried out simulta-
neously, greatly reducing cycle time
and increasing functionality. Because
drilling and cable installation are car-
ried out by separate booms, there is no
risk of cement soiling the drill unit, or
splattering components, significantly
reducing maintenance costs compared
to other mechanized methods.
Superior productivity
Prior to the arrival of the Cabletec, cables
were installed manually, each taking
about 105 minutes to grout and install.
Today, the Cabletec does it in only 7 mi-
nutes, with less interference and using
fewer operators, saving valuable time
and greatly improving the efficiency of
the production operation. The total cost
of rock reinforcement is historically
USD1.8/t of ore. However, Michilla
management estimates that, thanks to
First Cabletec cable bolting rig in
South America
Winning in Michilla
Cable bolting and grouting ope-
rations have been greatly speeded
up at the Michilla Copper Mine
in Chile with the introduction of
an Atlas Copco Cabletec cable bol-
ting rig, the first of its genre to
be deployed in South America.
Indeed, the cables necessary for
securing the production stopes at
Michilla are now installed 15 times
faster than they were previously.
This has released manpower for
other work, and improved the over-
all efficiency of the mining ope-
ration. Above all, the Michilla ex-
perience is a great reference for
this new concept machine, which
is set to revolutionize cable bolt
installation underground.
Drilling and cable installation are carried out simultaneously by separate booms on the Cabletec.
CABLETEC CABLE BOLTER IN SOUTH AMERICA
54 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
the speed of the Cabletec, about 20%
of this cost is being saved.
The drilling boom on the Cabletec in
Michilla is equipped with a COP 1838
rock drill and a rod-handling carousel
with a capacity of 17+1 Speedrods.
These are each 1.8 m long, facilitating
hole depths of up to 32.4 m and today
they use 63.5 mm drill bits.
The 1,700 kg capacity cable cassette
at the rear of the rig is easy to refill,
thanks to its unique fold-out design.
The onboard silo has a capacity of
1,000 kg of dry cement, and auto-
matic mixing is to a predetermined
formula, resulting in a smooth grout-
ing process. For face drilling, Michilla
has Boomer M2 C drill rigs, as well as
Boomer 127 and 282 rigs equipped with
14 ft rods, for an effective pull of
3.7-3.8 m. ANFO is the bulk explosive
used. About 800 m/month of drift is
developed and 110,000 t/month of rock
is mined, of which 40,000 t is waste.
Michilla is operating at depths of be-
low 600 m, and produced 46,000 t of fine
copper in 2005. Resources are expected
to last until 2012, after which produc-
tion will shift from underground to
surface operations.
Acknowledgements
The management at Michilla are thanked
for their assistance in the preparation of
this article which frst appeared in Atlas
Copco Mining & Construction magazine
No 1 2006.
Cabletec is a fully mechanized cable bolting rig with the Rig Control System, RCS, for high productivity and precision.
At Michilla four parallel holes are drilled for bolting in each row in the 7 m wide production drifts.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 55
GARPENBERG, SWEDEN
History
Mining has been conducted at Garpen-
berg since the 13th century. The present
operations started in 1950-53, when
AB Zinkgruvor developed a new main
shaft and concrete headframe and the
adjacent concentrator. Boliden acquired
the mine in 1957 and completed the
development of a second shaft in 1972,
accessing the 800 m level at Garpenberg
North, having a hoisting capacity of
850,000 t/y and effectively creating a
second and larger mine.
Between these two shafts, the com-
pany located another orebody under the
Dammsjn and, in the 1980s, consid-
ered draining the lake in order to develop
an open pit.
The mineralization in the Garpen-
berg area occurs in a long, narrow syn-
clinal structure which is believed to be
Middle Precambrian, but may have been
remobilized later. The orebodies are
vertically extensive lenses that are usu-
ally narrow, much folded and therefore
twisting and irregular.
Cut and fill
Until very recently all of the ore, sub-
divided in 100 m-high slices, was ex-
tracted by cut-and-fill mining, taking
5-6 m thick slices drilled horizontally
from 50-300 m long and up to 15 m
wide stopes. Rock fill was used in the
bottom cut, and either plain sand or
cemented hydraulic fill above. The
sand comes from the coarse fraction of
the mill tailings, and the fill is supple-
mented by development waste.
Mining starts normally at the centre
of the base level of the stope and pro-
gresses towards the ends and upwards.
The last cut, just below the crown pillar,
is heavily reinforced to facilitate the
recovery of the 8-15 m high pillar using
up holes drilling and blasting.
The undercut-and-fill method, pro-
gressing downwards, was used in the
Strandgruvan section from the mid-70s
until 2001, when the ore was mined out.
This method provided a safe working
roof in the weak, fractured ore with
unstable footwall, for just the extra
cost of cement and rebar reinforcement.
The method was suited to the orebody
irregularities, and no crown pillar had
to be left or recovered. The introduc-
tion of trackless mining and further
exploration of the mineralization in the
Innovative mining at Garpenberg
One million
tonnes of ore
The Garpenberg mine, located
200 km northwest of Stockholm,
extracts more than 1 million t/y of
ore. The ore is polymetallic and
contains mainly zinc, silver and
also some lead, copper and gold.
Additionally, about 500,000 t of
development waste is excavated
annually. Over recent years, Gar-
penberg has been forced to add
reserves, or reconsider its future.
Happily, more orebodies have
been discovered, and new stoping
methods and drilling technology
introduced. Atlas Copco has co-
operated closely with Garpenberg
management to resolve techni-
cal issues, designing and sup-
plying equipment to sui t the
evolving objectives. As a result,
the mine achieved its Mt of ore in
2005, at very acceptable grades.
Garpenberg
Dammsjn
Dammsjn Kvarnberget
Lappberget
Finnhyttan
Lina shaft
Gruvsj shaft
Capacity: 450 000 tpa Smltarmossen
Potential
Production levels
Potential areas outside ore reserves 2005-01
?
?
?
Dammsj Agmin
500-785 Z
925-1100 Z
910 Z
870 Z
1000-1300 Z
700-
1000 Z
500-
800 Z
1100-
1400 Z
Shaft
Capacity: 850 000 tpa
Tyskgrden
Kanal Ore
Strand Ore
910 Z 910 Z
Kaspersbo
70 Z
Gransjn
Garpenberg North
0 Z
400 Z
800 Z
1200 Z
0 Z
400 Z
800 Z
1200 Z
1600 Y 2400 Y 2000 Y 2800 Y 3600 Y 3200 Y 4000 Y 4400 Y 5200 Y 4800 Y
Idealized long section at Garpenberg showing all orebodies and shafts.
INNOVATIVE MINING AT GARPENBERG
56 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Garpenberg North mine led to the pro-
gressive extension of a 1:7 ramp down
to the 910 m level. In 1998-99, it was
extended to the 1,000 m level, increas-
ing the overall length to 8.7 km.
To increase hoisting capacity at the
Garpenberg mine, the new Gruvsj pro-
duction shaft was completed in 1997
and the original shaft was converted
for personnel and materials hoisting.
With a hoisting capacity of 450,000
t/y, the newer shaft connects with a
ramp accessing the Kanal and Strand
orebodies.
The present operating area extends
approximately 4.5 km SW to NE from
the original shaft to the Gransjn mi-
ning section.
Concentrate production
Upgraded in the early 1990s, the con-
centrator yields separate zinc, lead,
copper and precious metals concen-
trates. The zinc and lead concentrates
are trucked to Gvle harbour and ship-
ped either to Kokkola in Finland or Odda
in Norway. Copper and precious metals
concentrates are railed to the Rnnskr
smelter in Sweden. Since 1957, Boliden
has milled over 20 million tonnes of ore
at Garpenberg.
While the new shaft raised hoisting
capacity, and ramp extension accessed
new ore in the North mine, metals pro-
duction rose to record levels in 1998.
However, this improvement could not
be maintained. Zinc concentrate output
fell from 69,051 t in 1998 to 61,126 t in
2001, despite a rise in ore production.
And proven plus probable ore reserves
declined from 5.7 Mt in 1998 to 2.2 Mt
at 4.0% Zn in 2003, putting a question
mark on the future of the mine.
However, Boliden continued to make
investments in technology for the long
term at Garpenberg. The mine, the com-
pany and the market are now benefiting.
And the geologists are very popular.
New reserves
Probably the most significant event at
Garpenberg during the period of decline
was the discovery in 1998 of a new ore-
body between Garpenberg North and
Dammsjn, named Lappberget. This
encouraged the company to start deve-
lopment in 2000 of an approximately
3.0 km long drift to connect the 900 m
level at Garpenberg North, first to Lapp-
berget for exploration access, and thence
to the ramp at the 800 m level at Garpen-
berg. During 2001, Boliden started core
drilling at the 800 m and 1,000 m levels
in Lappberget, and by February, 2003
was able to start mining ore from the
new source. Zinc concentrate produc-
tion in the year increased to 80,748 t.
In March, 2004 the connecting drift
was completed, and the formerly sepa-
rate mines have since been regarded and
managed as a single operation. The drift
allows access and infrastructure deve-
lopment of new mineable areas, and
Garpenberg quickly boosted mine output.
The main focus has been on Lappberget,
including driving a ramp close to the ore-
body from the 350 m level, with connec-
tion to the surface scheduled for 2007.
The Tyskgrden mineralization, discov-
ered in the early 1980s, also became
accessible, and mining started there in
2003-4. In 2004 Boliden discovered an
extension of the Dammsjn mineraliza-
tion around the 800 m level, and during
2005 a new discovery was made, the
reportedly large and potentially high-
grade Kvarnberget deposit.
Higher output
In 2005, the mine produced 1,102,000 t
ore grading 5.75% Zn, 2.28% Pb, 0.09%
Cu and 117 g/t Ag. Approximately 40%
of the ore came from Lappberget. The
mill yielded 101,000 t of 55.3% zinc
concentrate; 29,000 t of 72% lead con-
centrate with 1,800 g/t silver; 2,800 t
of 15% copper concentrate with 40,000
g/t; and 120 t of precious metal con-
centrate grading 65% lead, 40,000 g/t
silver and 400 g/t gold. Some 967,000
t of tailings retained 0.34% Zn, 0.29%
Pb, 0.02% Cu and 25.5 g/t Ag. By
end-2005 Boliden employed 280 people
at Garpenberg, with a further 70 work-
ing for contractors at the site.
The operation works around the
clock 7 days/week in both the con-
centrator and the mine, with mining
carried out by four production teams
supported by a development crew and
a charging crew. Garpenberg is the
Hedemora Communitys largest private
sector employer.
Since the beginning of 2005 explora-
tion has continued, not only adding tonnes,
but also raising average grade. Thanks
to the exploration effort, Garpenberg
also started 2006 with proven reserves
of 4.73 Mt grading 6.0% Zn, 2.5% Pb,
Simba M7 C production drill rig at Garpenberg.
INNOVATIVE MINING AT GARPENBERG
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 57
0.1% Cu, 99 g/t Ag and 0.3 g/t Au.
Probable ore brought total reserves up
to 10.67 Mt. That compares with 3.63
Mt of reserves at the beginning of 2005.
Total resources were also increased, from
11.08 Mt in January, 2005 to 13.22 Mt.
This should be sufficient to add another
15-20 years to mine life.
These quantities should increase
further when portions of the orebodies
at Kaspersbo (from 1,000 m down to
1,300 m), Lappberget (500800 m and
1,1001,400 m), Dammsjn (500785
m and 9251,100 m), and a smaller sec-
tion at Tyskgrden are included in the
reserves figures. Kvarnberget is yet to
be added, and Boliden is also exploring
to the north of the Gransjn where the
property extends for several kilometres.
Sublevel stoping at
Lappberget
The geological and geotechnical char-
acteristics of significant portions of the
newly-discovered orebodies allow mi-
ning using more productive longhole
methods instead of cut-and-fill. Lapp-
berget ore, for instance, can be up to 60 m
wide through considerable vertical dis-
tances, and has proved to be suitable
for sub-level stoping using a system of
primary and secondary stopes progress-
ing upwards.
Primary stopes are 15 m wide and
40 m high and filled with paste made
from concentrator tailings mixed with
about 5% cement. The 20 m wide se-
condary stopes are filled with deve-
lopment muck without cement. High
precision drilling is necessary to get
optimum ore recovery and fragmenta-
tion.
This mining method can possibly be
used in parts of the Kaspersbo orebody,
if rock quality is high enough. This will
help with cost control, which is crucial
for mining in Sweden. With Lappberget
alone containing 5.46 Mt of the current
reserves, grading over 7% zinc and 2.6%
lead, plus silver and gold, it is no sur-
prise that present development activities
focus on using longhole-based produc-
tion from these orebodies to raise total
metal-in-concentrate output. Presently
eight orebodies are being exploited.
Garpenberg has generated a strategic
plan for 20062019 allocating SEK 1
billion for developing Lappberget. The
overall programme includes: increasing
concentrator capacity to 1.2 Mt/y;
designing and building a paste fill pro-
duction/distribution system; and start-
ing longhole drilling. This latter project
involved rill mining in the Tyskgrden
orebody, followed by sublevel stoping
in Lappberget.
Rill mining
A special mining method known as rill
mining has been developed for excavating
the Tyskgrden orebody. The orebody
is relatively small, and large quantities
of development muck have to be accom-
modated underground as hoisting facili-
ties are used for ore only.
The method can be described as a
modified sublevel stoping with succes-
sive back fill as mining is progressing.
The 10 m wide cut-off slots are drilled
across the orebody using up-holes and
blasted in one single firing, starting from
the centre. Seven 127 mm holes are left
uncharged to provide sufficient expan-
sion for the remaining 64 mm holes.
After the slot has been opened, 70 de-
grees up-holes fans consisting of eight,
Sublevel stoping layout and mining sequence for Lappberget orebody.
956 Z
996 Z
916 Z
896 Z
Secondary stope:
20 m wide x 40 m high
Rock fill Rock ffill f
Note:
How this hole must be designed to just
miss the drift below to break properly
Note NN
ow t Ho o
miss t mm
Primary stope:
15 m wide x 40 m high
Paste fill
Mined in
Central Zone
Possible
sequence
17.5 m
Drawpoint
spacing
3 m
111111111111111111111111 66666 222222222222222222222 77 3 8 4
3 9 4 10 5
77777777777777
3
100 88888888888888 11 11 9
11
6
Development and primary stoping layout 1080 level.
INNOVATIVE MINING AT GARPENBERG
58 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
approximately 17 m long, holes are
blasted into the void. Three rows having
a total of 24 holes are blasted simulta-
neously. After mucking out each blast,
new waste is discharged into the stope
forming a 45 degrees rill down into the
drawpoint. As the waste material will
stay quite stable at 45 degrees rill angle,
the risk of ore dilution is negligible.
Output limitations
The total mine output is restricted to
the 1.2-1.3 Mt/y hoisting capacity
available, with a limited amount of
truck ore haulage to surface possible.
And, although flotation capacity has
been improved, concentrator through-
put is now limited to the same sort of
tonnage by grinding mill capacity.
Assuming demand for Garpenberg con-
centrates increases in the near term, it
will be necessary for New Boliden to
decide whether to increase hoisting
capacity.
Developing the now-available reserves
for higher long-term production using ad-
ditional hoisting and processing capacity
might double the amount of investment
initially planned.
New drilling technology
Atlas Copco has supplied drilling equip-
ment to Bolidens underground mines
for many years. Recently, the company
has worked particularly closely with
Garpenberg on the development of
computer-based technology for more
precise drilling and blasting to enhance
productivity and reduce ore dilution and
operating costs.
Drill pattern for cut off slot.
Refill of waste
C
u
t

o
f
f

s
l
o
t
A
p
p
r
o
x
.

1
5

m
Waste
Blasted ore
1
.
8

m
8

h
o
l
e
s

i
n

e
a
c
h

f
a
n


7
0

m
m
3

f
a
n
s

i
n

o
n
e

b
l
a
s
t
70
45
Rill mining in progress
Max
2 m
A
p
p
r
o
x
.

1
5

m
One fan
Rill mining in progress.
INNOVATIVE MINING AT GARPENBERG
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 59
This joint development process star-
ted with the 1998-1999 ramp extension
at Garpenberg North. The complex geo-
logy results in winding cross sections
of varying width, and ore boundaries
which are difficult to predict by core
drilling. To enable the drifts in the cut
and fill stopes to follow the paths of the
orebodies, accurate production maps
and precise drill rig navigation are es-
sential. Producing drill plans in the
office is relatively easy. However, get-
ting drill plans that match the actual ore
boundaries is a challenge, and frequent-
ly the driller is obliged to improvize
while drilling, which can lead to poor
blasting results.
Drill plan generator
The drill plan generator overcomes the
ore navigation problem by assisting the
operator to create an optimum drill plan
right at the face. In case the generated
drill plan does not match the actual ore
boundaries, the operator can define new
coordinates to correct the situation. To
do this, having aligned the feed to the
laser beam to define the position of the
rig, the operator points the drill feeds
at the four corners of the face, in line
with the geologists marks. When all
adjustments have been made, the Rig
Control System RCS will develop the
most efficient round compatible with the
new parameters. The generated drill plan
is automatically entered into the Rocket
Boomer L2 C ABC standard drilling
system, and the operator can start dril-
ling. While drilling, each completed hole
is logged, and, if the Measure While
Drilling (MWD) option is activated,
the drilling parameters along the hole
are recorded. All of the data is logged
on the PC card for off-line processing
in the Tunnel Manager support pro-
gram, and is then transferred to the
mine database. As a result of the Drill
Plan Generator and ABC Regular,
Garpenberg North increased the size
of the production rounds from 400 t
to 600 t, reduced drilling time from 5
to 3 h/round, reducing costs of explo-
sives, scaling and rock support and,
most important, minimizing ore dilu-
tion. Garpenberg now has one Rocket
Boomer L2 rig with COP 3038 rock
drills and one Rocket Boomer L2 C
with the COP 1838, as well as the
Rocket Boomer 352S.
Mine navigation
The availability of orebodies at Garpen-
berg suitable for mining with longhole
production drill rigs led to a further
collaboration. Having already transfer-
red RCS technology to the Simba long-
hole drill rigs, Atlas Copco provided
the mine with a Simba M7 C that is
additionally able to use new software
for precision longhole drilling. This
utilizes Garpenbergs mine coordinate
reference, mapping and planning sy-
stem in a similar way to the software
developed for the Rocket Boomer L2 C
units.
Using a PC card, the Mine Navigation
package can effectively integrate the
Simba RCS with the mine coordinate
reference system, allowing the operator
to position the machine at the correct
vertical and horizontal coordinates in
the drilling drift for drilling planned
longhole fans in precisely the intended
place. Using the drill plan supplied by
Microsystem (or, in other mines, the Ore
Manager package) to the Rig Control
System, the operator can drill to the
exact x, y and z positions prescribed
for each hole bottom. Just as the Rocket
Boomer rigs can use the MWD system
while face drilling, so the Simba can use
Quality Log to record drilling parame-
ters and compare the planned and actual
result, allowing holes to be re-drilled
if necessary.
This new technology will help Gar-
penberg to optimize economy and pro-
ductivity when applying long hole drilling
mining methods. The target for 2007
is to mine about 600,000 t of ore by cut-
and-fill, 300,000 t by sublevel stoping,
150,000 t by rill mining and 150,000 t
by crown pillar removal. Further ahead,
sublevel stoping may contribute 50%
of total mine production. However, at
present this mining method is com-
pletely new to the mining teams at
Garpenberg, and they have just started
the process of getting acquainted with
long hole drilling methods.
Acknowledgements
This article is based upon an original
report by Kyran Casteel. Atlas Copco
is grateful to the mine management at
Garpenberg for their assistance with
site visits, and in particular to Tom
Sderman and Lars Bergkvist for com-
ments and revision. This article first
appeared in Atlas Copco Mining &
Construction magazine No 3 2006.
Z
X
Mine coordinate system
X/Y horizontal
Z vertical
Reference point
(x, y, z)
Y
Reference line
Navigation system for downwards longhole production drilling.
INNOVATIVE MINING AT GARPENBERG
60 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Headframe at Garpenberg.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 61
History at LKAB
LKAB is an international high-tech mi-
nerals group, one of the worlds leading
producers of upgraded iron ore pro-
ducts for the steel industry, satisfying
approximately 4% of the world market,
and a growing supplier of industrial
minerals products to other sectors
The company is wholly owned by the
Swedish state, and has more than 3,500
employees. Their two iron ore mines,
located above the Arctic Circle in the
far north of Sweden, are mining mostly
magnetite using sublevel caving.
The crude ore is dumped into under-
ground ore passes for loading onto trucks
or trains for hauling to a central crushing
plant. The crushed ore is then hoisted to
the surface for further processing. Un-
derground rail transport in Kiruna is
remote-controlled, as are some other
operations, for example, production dril-
ling and loading. This degree of auto-
mation enables greater efficiency in
process control.
During the 1990s, Atlas Copco and
LKAB developed a pioneering fully
automatic long hole production drilling
system using the Atlas Copco Simba
W469 drill rigs. These rigs have since
drilled about 8 million metres at the
Kiruna and Malmberget mines.
In 2005, LKAB ordered three new
Atlas Copco Simba W6 C, to comple-
ment the Simba W469s still in opera-
tion.
These new Simbas, based on the la-
test generation computerized drilling
technology, have met the expectations
of the customer, and now form a base
for future automation.
0
142
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2005
1965
1910
1900 1900
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2005
1965
230
320
420
540
740
775
1045
1175
1365
275
Niv m
1045 m Main haulage level
Sea level
Railway to Narvik port
1365 m New haulage level
Exploration drift
1060 m
Ore buffer
pockets
Skip hoisting
Crusher
Skip hoisting
Crusher
Ore beneficiation plant
Mining of the
Kirunavaara orebody
KIRUNA, NORTHERN SWEDEN
Automated longhole drilling with
Simba at LKAB
Modern methods
LKAB is one of the worlds leading
producers of upgraded iron ore for
the steel industry. Its iron ore mi-
nes at Kiruna and Malmberget
in Northern Sweden are models
of modern mining methods, with
high l evel s of automation i n
rail transport, loading and produc-
tion drilling. Since 2002, production
at Kiruna has increased by 40%,
and the number of drill metres re-
quired has increased accordingly,
approaching 1 million m/y. High
capacity drill rigs are a must, and
the mine fleet of Atlas Copco
Simba rigs for up-hole drilling has
been expanded to cater for the huge
current longhole drilling demand.
Meantime, the requirement for slot
drilling has increased at Malm-
berget, where a new computerized
production drill rig is taking the
strain.
Mining of the Kirunavaara orebody over the last century.
AUTOMATED LONGHOLE DRILLING WITH SIMBA AT LKAB
62 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Kiruna and Malmberget
The orebody in Kiruna is a single, enor-
mous slice of magnetite. It is about 4 km
long, has an average width of 80 m,
and extends to an estimated depth of
2,000 m. It is inclined at roughly 60
degrees.
The main level is located on 1045
level, which is 1,045 m below surface
level of the original mountain Kiiruna-
vara. Mining of the orebody takes place
between the 775 m and 1,045 m levels.
The mining rate in 2007 is planned at
27.2 Mt of crude ore, rising to 29.6 Mt/y
by 2009.
The Malmberget mine consists of
about 20 orebodies, of which ten are
currently mined. Most of the deposits
are magnetite, but non-magnetic hema-
tite also occurs. The present main level
of the Malmberget mine is at a depth
of 1,000 m. The mining rate in 2007
is planned at 16.5 Mt of crude ore, sub-
ject to mining approvals, with planned
extraction rates of 17.1 Mt/y by 2012.
Sublevel caving
Slices of ore are drilled upwards with
remote-controlled production drilling
rigs and these rigs are equipped with fan
automation. From the control room,
the operators (drillers) operate several
drill rigs out in the production areas via
remote control.
The rig drills upwards into the ore at
80 degrees front inclination, forming
fanshaped patterns of holes. There are
nominally 10 drill holes in each fan.
They are drilled from 15 m to 58 m
in length. The holes are straight, so that
subsequent charging with explosive and
blasting can be done effectively and
efficiently. The drilling burden is us-
ually 3 m, but in some parts of Malm-
berget they use burdens of 3.5 m.
In 2007, Kiruna is planning to drill
1 million m of production holes to pro-
duce approximately 27 Mt, while Malm-
berget is planning to drill 600,000 m to
produce approximately 15 Mt of ore.
Of the three Simba production dril-
ling rigs purchased by LKAB in 2005,
two are Simba W6 C rigs, designed for
optimized production drilling at Kiruna,
with Wassara ITH-W100 water ham-
mers for nominally 115 mm diameter
holes. The third rig, a Simba W6 C Slot,
is specially designed to optimize up
hole slot drilling at Malmberget, using
165 mm nominal diameter slot drilling
equipment and the Wassara W120 ITH
hammer. The Simba W6 C Slot rig has
the ability to drill production holes
around the slot, with the added benefit
of drilling parallel rings from the same
setup with a burden of 500 mm.
LKAB demands high productivity,
efficiency and accuracy from its mine
Front view of Simba W6 C drilling in full fan automatic.
The automatic rod handling system with a capacity of 63 m of long holes.
AUTOMATED LONGHOLE DRILLING WITH SIMBA AT LKAB
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 63
production drill rigs. Automation and
the ability to remotely control the drill
rigs is often an integral part of obtain-
ing the drilling rates required.
All LKAB production drill rigs have
magazines for sufficient rods or tubes
to drill the required production hole
lengths. A crane is always available
to assist with changing out worn drill
tubes and hammers to avoid heavy
lifting.
Simba W6 C
The Simba W6 C rigs are equipped with
a rig control system specially designed
for ITH applications. All units are eq-
uipped with Rig Remote Access via
standard WLAN systems, which ena-
bles a number of functions such as re-
mote supervision when drilling unman-
ned in full fan automation, as well as
data transfer of drill plans and log files.
If manual operation is preferred, the rig
cabin offers a good working environ-
ment with vibration dampening and
noise isolation.
Compared to its predecessor, the
Simba W469, mobility has been impro-
ved thanks to reduced rig length and a
more powerful engine . This further re-
duces the drilling cycle. An important
feature is the new water pump system,
which increases the efficiency, reduces
water spillage and lowers the overall
cost. A new air venting system ensures
longer pump life, and the pump pres-
sure control has been modified to opti-
mize hammer efficiency. Some special
features of the Simba W6 C are: a reserve
hammer rack for four hammers; a place
for reserve drill bits; a crane for heavy
lifting; WLAN communication capacity;
fan automation; tube magazine for
35 x 1.8 m long drill tubes for 63 m long
holes; drill cuttings catcher; short rig
length; robust construction; six cylinder
motor; higher drilling capacity; accu-
rate and easy set-up accuracy and ease
of set-up; and automatic redesign of
the fan to planned hole ends, known as
autospreading.
Drilling accuracy
To achieve the demands for drilling ac-
curacy, with a hole deviation of less than
1%, it is important to select the best
possible tools for the task. ITH pro-
duces very straight holes, with an even
penetration rate throughout. To further
improve drilling accuracy, hammer and
guide tubes are used, both equipped
with a guide skirt.
Rotation and feed pressures, feed
speed, and impact pressure all are fac-
tors in achieving the necessary drilling
accuracy.
With the Rig Control System (RCS)
on the Atlas Copco drill rig it is possible
to optimize the feed pressure by using
Rotation Pressure Controlled Feed
(RPCF). This function uses the rota-
tion pressure to read the process within
the hole and adapt the feed pressure ac-
cordingly.
The RCS gives a constant rotation
pressure that keeps the tube joints tight,
and creates an optimized penetration
rate.
The feed pressure on the Simba W6 C
is automatically controlled by the RPCF
and kept at the correct level at all times.
Without this function there is an in-
creased risk of hole deviation. Due to
the advanced control by using the rota-
tion pressure as a master, the system has
the capability of adapting the parameter
for feed pressure according to the rock
conditions.
Wassara W100 hammer used for ITH drilling at Kiruna.
Atlas Copco Simba W6 C at work.
AUTOMATED LONGHOLE DRILLING WITH SIMBA AT LKAB
64 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
To keep a balance between high pe-
netration rate and hole deviation, the
feed speed is held back if it exceeds a
preset limit. The level is adjustable to
different ground conditions, and the feed
speed also alerts the operator to the need
for drill bit change. The impact pressure
in the hammer must be adjusted regu-
larly, so that it suits both local ground
conditions and bit selection. With the
RCS impact control there is a continu-
ous adjustment of the impact pressure
to match the ground conditions and the
condition of the hammer, optimizing
drilling performance.
Wassara hammers
ITH drilling can be carried out with water
driven hammer or air driven hammer.
The water hammer achieves a very clean
working environment when compared
to air driven hammers, which release
dust and lubricated air into the drifts.
Since all of the production drilling is
upwards, the water hammer was the
natural choice.
Wassara is an LKAB-owned com-
pany specialized in water hammer
application. It supplies two sizes of
hammer to the Simba W6 C: the W100
for production drilling, and the W120
for slot drilling in Malmberget. The
W100 has a required water f low of
200-350 l/min at 180 bar. For production
drilling, a bit size of 115 mm is used,
together a 102 mm diameter, 1.8 m long
specialized tube string. The W120 is used
for slot holes, which require a larger
165 mm diameter bit size. Water con-
sumption of the W120 is 450-500 l/min
at 160 bar. The drill string for slot drilling
is the same as for production drilling.
Slot hole drilling
The production stopes at Malmberget
are opened using the slot drilling tech-
nique, due to its efficiency and flex-
ibility.
First a pilot hole is drilled with a spe-
cialized pilot hammer with guide tube
and guide skirts to maintain straight-
ness. The pilot hammer is then replaced
with the slot hammer, using a lifting
crane mounted on the drill rig. Attached
to the slot hammer is a guide tube that
will guide the hammer from the pre-
viously drilled pilot hole. A complete slot
contains 10 holes, around which a num-
ber of blast holes are drilled and blasted.
All drilling operations are con-
trolled from the cabin, in case of spal-
ling rock. All cabins are equipped with
air conditioning, CD player, swingable
seat, and large windows for maximum
visibility.
Automatic drilling
At LKAB the Simba W6 C machines
are working with the highest level of
automation, ABC Total, which provides
a full fan automatic drilling system
with only some initial steps needed from
the operator. Within the ABC Total
package there is also the possibility to
drill manually or with one-hole auto-
matics, if preferred. All three levels
have built in safety interlocks during
the whole process, allowing the opera-
tor to leave the machine while drilling
is underway. Motion sensors detect any-
body entering the restricted area while
the machine is working under full auto-
matics. The machines carry on drilling
unmanned during shift change, lunch
break and night shift, adding valuable
drill metres.
Rig Remote Access
With increase of automation and de-
crease of manning, there is a growing
need for remote surveillance. Atlas
Copco has developed an interface with
the rigs called Rig Remote Access,
RRA. With RRA the user can connect
the drill rig to an existing network sy-
stem via LAN or WLAN. In LKAB the
RRA is used to transfer drill plans, log
files and to handle messages coming
from the rig control system. This sy-
stem is a 3-D program able to map the
whole coordinate system of the mine.
The drill plans are stored in an RRA
server, which is connected to the whole
network system both on surface and
underground. From the access points
underground, all data is received and
uploaded to the rigs.
The access points also work in the
opposite direction, when the machine
sends out messages on the network.
The messages are picked up from speci-
fied IP addresses, and can be read from
a laptop or PC located anywhere on the
network system. Messages from the rigs
could be log files such as quality logs,
Measure While Drilling MWD files, or
alarm messages.
The RRA can also be used to over-
view the drilling process on the cabin
display. This Remote Display function
can be used for surveillance of the drill-
ing process.
By using specified IP addresses, it
is possible to open the display menus
from any PC or laptop. With RRA, all
data handling in the mine has been
simplified, resulting in increased pro-
ductivity. The drill rigs can also work
unmanned, whilst being monitored
from a remote location.
Acknowledgements
Atlas Copco is grateful to the manage-
ments at LKAB Kiruna and Malmberget
mines for their assistance with this report,
and their kind permission to publish. The
original paper by P. Ericsson of Atlas
Copco and C. Griffiths of LKAB has been
edited to style and space.
Slot drilled and ready as a free face for blasting.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 65
PRODUCTION DRILL RIG OVERVIEW
Modular program with maximum exibility
A

H
O
L
M
B
E
R
G

2
0
0
7
Type 3
Positioning:
Rotation, 380
Tilt forwards, 30
Tilt backwards, 30
Side movement, 1.5 m
with sliding table
Type 4
Positioning:
Rotation, 380
Tilt forwards, 30
Tilt backwards, 30
Side movement, 1.5 m
with sliding table
Extra side movement, 0.75 m
with pendulum arm
Type 6
Positioning:
Rotation, 380
Tilt forwards, 45
Tilt backwards, 30
Sideways, 1.5 m
Type 7
Positioning:
Reach, 3.5 - 5.1 m
Rotation, 360
Boom up, 45
Boom down, 15
Sideways, 35
Forwards, 90
Backwards, 10
Alternative pendulum
arm with 90
turned
feedholder
Canopy
Telescopic
and FOPS-
approved
Cabin with
panoramic
view and
FOPS-approved
Rear module
Engine module
Type M3/L3
Type M4
Type M6/L6
Type M7
T
Extra:
urn table 20
Front module
Power pack
Type L
Type M
COP 1838ME/MEX
COP 2550UX
COP 1838HE/HEX
COP 34,44,54,64
COP 4050MUX
Atlas Copco 2003
The Simba M- and L-series production drilling rigs repre-
sent a concept that makes the drilling unit easier to run and
more productive to use. Drilling with precision has
been our motto and objective for both the mechanical
solutions and the electronic control system. Mechanical
components and electronics represent the absolute best
available, which is no small claim. And the Rig Control
System (RCS) adds extendable intelligence. The end-
results is a eet of Simba rigs with the dynamic
fexibility to solve not just todays needs but also
tomorrows.
With four different drill units, three feed lengths, six top-
hammer rock drills, a number of ITH hammers and an
extensive options program, we are able to offer the right
Simba for every application. Each Simba rig is designed
to be dismantled into its main components for ease of
lowering into narrow shafts.

The M-series are tophammer production drilling rigs with
RCS for high productivity and precision. Hole diameter
range 51-102 mm and hole depth up to 51 m with Rod
Handling System. Equipped with the well proven rock drill
COP 1800-series (51-89) or COP 2550UX (89-102). Available
in four congurations M3 C, M4 C, M6 C and M7 C.

The M-series are also available with ITH hammers COP 34,
44, 54 and 64 for hole diameter range 92-178 mm. Available
in three congurations, M3 C-ITH, M4 C-ITH and M6 C-ITH.
Hole depth up to 66 m with Rod Handling System.
The L-series are tophammer production drilling rigs with
RCS for high productivity and precision. Hole diameter
range 89-127 mm and hole depth up to 51 m with Rod
Handling System. Equipped with the well proven rock
drill COP 4050MUX. Available in two congurations,
L3 C and L6 C.
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
66 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
PRODUCTION DRILL RIG OVERVIEW
1
8
2
5
Type M3
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
R
2
9
7
0
(
R
D
)
4
9
1
5
380
o
7440
1500 (PH)
9
0
0
1
1
5
0
30
o

30
o

Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
Type M4
1500
380
o

3000 (PH)
1
5
0
0
(
P
H
)
750 750
4
6
0
0
4
9
1
5
7440
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)
9
0
0
1
1
5
0
30
o
30
o

Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensionsion mm RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
R
2
9
7
0
(
R
D
)

R 2790 (PH)
1
8
2
5
Type M6
4
5

o 45
o
1
1
5
0

9
0
0

2
7
8
0
380
o
30
o
4
5

o
3000 (PH)
5
0
0
0

5
6
5
0

8520
Stinger e xtension
Stinger e xtension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drillin g
PH = Pa ra llel holes
F eed ex tension
1200 (900)
R 27 6 0 (R D )
R

4
8
8
0

(
R
D
)


9
0
0

6
1
4
0

7
0
0

25
o
35
o
3900 1600
7
8
5
0

10
o
1
1
5
0

45
o
90
o
360
o
1
6
0
0

2000
Stinger e xtension
850
Stinger e xtension
Dimensions with
0
o
boom-lif t
35
o
boom-swing
Pa r allell holes with
0
o
boom-lift
35
o
boom-swing
C ove r age ar ea
1100x4690 mm
Dimensions with
45
o
boom-lift
25
o
boom-swing
1200 (900)
F eed e xtension
150
Dimensions
in mm
Type M7
Simba, type 3
(valid for feed BMH
216X and top hammer
equipped with extractor)
Simba, type 4
(valid for feed BMH
216X and top hammer
equipped with extractor)
Simba, type 6
(valid for feed BMH
246X and top hammer
equipped with extractor)
Simba, type 7
(valid for feed BMH
216X and top hammer
equipped with extractor)
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 67
Main specications Simba 157 Working range Simba 157
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 2,300/2,800
Boom BUT 4B 1 x 900 mm extension
Angle reading instrument 1 x ARI 157C
Stinger backward on feed 1 x 1,380 mm extension
Power pack 1 x 55 kW
Drilling system DCS
Length tramming 9,460 mm
Width 1,360 mm
Height tramming 1,990 mm
Turning radius 4,400/2,485 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 9,500 kg
SIMBA H157
55.5
46.5
965 1150 1150 1535
1
9
9
0

2
6
9
0

2635
7435
114 360
(24) 900
Simba 157
Compact production drilling rig with hydraulic top-
hammer rock drill and Direct Control System, DCS. Pro-
vides a basic, efcient and productive long hole drilling
solution for narrow vein applications. Ring drilling with
parallel holes up to 3.5 m apart. Maximum reach and
exibility achieved with the BUT 4 boom. Ideal for
cable bolt holes but also ordinary production drilling.
Hole diameter 5176 mm depending on rock drill type.
Features
High drilling capacity with basic functions such as feed
force control by RPCF and anti-jamming. Manually
adjusted feed force from the operators panel.
Rod handling is done from a swing out panel mounted
on the boom. Drilling controls are located at the
platform under the protection roof for operator safety.
Rock drill, COP 1800-series
Angle reading instrument ARI 157
Stingers mounted on the positioning unit gives a sturdy
set up with less possible hole deviation
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Compact transport dimensions
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Electrically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Main optional equipment
Water mist fushing, external water and air
Rock drill lubrication warning kit
Extractor unit (back hammering)
Central lubrication system
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex
1500
Feed extension
Dimensios
in mm
4
9
1
0
175 2635 900
900
1380
Stinger extension
55
30 o

30 o
3700
R3240
R2340
114 360
(24)
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
All dimensions in mm
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
68 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Main specications Simba 1257 Working range Simba 1257
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838 ME
Feed 1 x BMHP 6,804/6,805/6,806
Boom BUT 32 PD 1 x 1,250 mm extension
Stinger backward on feed 1 x 1,380 mm extension
Power pack 1 x 1x55 kW
Drilling system DCS
Length tramming 9,600 mm
Length (with BMH 6804) 8,805
Width 2,000 mm
Height tramming 2,100 mm
Turning radius 4,900/2,700 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 12,000 kg
2060 1350 1350
2
1
0
0

2
8
0
0

7365
Simba 1257
Compact production drilling rig with hydraulic top-
hammer rock drill. Direct Control System, DCS. Provides
a basic, efcient and productive long hole drilling solution
for narrow vein applications. Ring drilling with parallel
holes up to 5.7 m apart. Maximum reach and exibility
achieved with the BUT 32 boom. Ideal for cable bolt holes
but also ordinary production drilling. Hole diameter
51 89 mm depending on rock drill type.
Features
High drilling capacity with basic functions such as feed
force control by RPCF and anti-jamming. Manually
adjusted feed force from the operators panel.
Drilling, positioning and rod handling controls are
located at the platform under the protection roof for
operator safety
Angle reading instrument ARI 1257
Rod Handling System, RHS 10
Rock drill, COP 1800-series
Stingers mounted on the positioning unit gives a
sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Compact transport dimensions
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Electrically driven compressor for rock drill
lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Main optional equipment
Water mist fushing
Rock drill lubrication warning kit
Extractor unit (back hammering)
Automatic or central lubrication system for the boom
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex
Rig washing kit
900
Feed extension
Dimensios
in mm
6
1
5
0
175 2605 1250
1
2
5
0
1380
Stinger extension
55
35 o

35 o
5757*
* parallel coverage
R4044
R2840
114 360
(24)
6014
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
All dimensions in mm
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 69
Main specications Simba 1250-series Working range Simba 1250-series
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 214/215/216
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 30
Slide table 1 x BHT 15 (Simba 1253 and 1254)
Stinger backward on feed holder 1 x BSJ8-115E
Drill steel support BSH 55
Pendulum arm BHP 10 (Simba 1252 and 1254)
Drilling system EDS
Length tramming (BMH 254) 6,580 mm
Width -2/-3/-4 2,000/2,380/2,380 mm
Height tramming -2/-3/-4 2,660/2,770/2,810 mm
Height roof up 2,900 mm
Turning radius 5,100/2,500-2,700 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 12,500 kg
80
o
20
o
1960
6580 (BMH 254)
1350 1350 1990
2
2
0
0
1
6
7
0
7
0
0
1915
1810
Simba 1254
Simba 1253
Simba 1252
Simba 1250-series
1500
1500
2000
9
4
5
2
3
5
1
3
5
0
1
1
5
0
1
1
5
0
750 1500
1500
2000
750
45
o
45
o

9
4
5
2
3
5
1
3
5
0
1
1
5
0
800 800
1
1
5
0
2380 2380
Simba 1252 Simba 1253 Simba 1254
750
1500
2000
750
45
o
45
o

9
4
5
2
3
5
1
3
5
0
1
1
5
0
1
1
5
0
Production drilling rigs with hydraulic tophammer rock
drill. Electric Direct System, EDS, provides a basic, ef-
cient and productive long hole drilling solution. Ring dril-
ling with parallel holes upwards/downwards and in the
side walls. Three different positioning unit congurations
to match the users need. Hole diameter 5189 (102) mm
depending on rock drill type. Hole depth up to 33 m,
with RHS 17.
Features
Electric Direct System, EDS. High drilling capacity with
basic functions such as semi-automatic drilling and
anti-jamming included. Manually adjusted feed force
from the operators panel. Digital movements on
the drilling unit controlled by switches on a separate
positioning panel. Trolley mounted control panel for
fexible operator environment.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 1800-series or the COP 2550 UX for
larger hole range and tougher rock conditions
Simba 1252, ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/
downwards and in the side walls up to 1.5 m apart
Simba 1253, ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/
downwards up to 1.5 m apart
Simba 1254, ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/
downwards up to 3 m apart and in the side walls up
to 1.5 m apart
Stingers mounted on the positioning unit gives a
sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps.
FOPS approved telescopic protection roof
Electrically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Electrically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Main optional equipment
Rock drill lubrication warning kit
Angle reading instrument
Hole depth measurement
Water mist fushing
Extractor unit (back hammering)
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning
and drilling unit.
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex
Rig washing kit
Stinger forward on feed, BSJ 8-115
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
All dimensions in mm
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
70 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Main specications Simba 1350-series Working range Simba 1350-series
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 214/215/216
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
Slide table 1 x BHT 150 (Simba 1353 and 1354)
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-115
Drill steel support BSH 55
Pendulum arm BHP 150 (Simba 1352 and 1354)
Drilling system EDS
Length tramming (BMH 214) 7,815-8,209 mm
Width 1,950/2,380 mm
Height tramming 3,180 mm
Height roof up 2,960 mm
Turning radius 5,440/2,890 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 15,000 kg
7
0
0
1
8
4
5
2
2
6
0
3
1
8
0
2301 1500 1555 2304
78158209 (with BMH 214)
20
65
Production drilling rigs with hydraulic top hammer rock
drill. Electric Direct System, EDS. Provides a basic, ef-
cient and productive long hole drilling solution. Ring drilling
with parallel holes upwards/downwards and in the side
walls. Three different positioning unit congurations to
match the users need. Hole diameter 51 89 (102) mm
depending on rock drill type. Hole depth up to 51 m,
with optional RHS 27.
Features
Electric Direct System, EDS. High drilling capacity with
basic functions such as semi-automatic drilling and
anti-jamming included. Manually adjusted feed force
from the operators panel. Digital movements on the
drilling unit controlled by switches on a separate
positioning panel. Trolley mounted control panel
for fexible operator environment.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 1800 series or the COP 2550 UX for
larger hole range and tougher rock conditions
Simba 1352, ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/
downwards and in the side walls up to 1.5 m apart
Simba 1353, ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/
downwards up to 1.5 m apart
Simba 1354, ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/
downwards up to 3 m apart and in the side walls up to
1.5 m apart
Stingers mounted on the feed beam gives a sturdy
set up with less possible hole deviation
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps.
FOPS approved telescopic protection roof
Electrically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Electrically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Main optional equipment
Rock drill lubrication warning kit
Angle reading instrument
Hole depth measurement
Rod handling system, RHS 27
Water mist fushing
Extractor unit (back hammering)
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning
and drilling unit.
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex
Rig washing kit
Water hose reel
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
Simba 1350-series
2
5
5
45
750 750
2380
2430
1950
1500
2
0
0
0
45
9
4
5
1
1
5
0
Simba 1354
Simba 1354
All dimensions in mm
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 71
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba M3 C Working range Simba M3 C
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 214, 215, 216
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
Slide table 1 x BHT 150
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 2 x 55 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,500 mm
Width 2,350 mm
Height tramming/roof up 2,875/2,965 mm
Turning radius 6,300/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 18,000 kg
2
3
6
0

-

3
0
6
0
3000 3740 2900
2500
Simba M3 C
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
1
8
2
5
M3
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
io
n
A-A
R
2
9
7
0
(R
D
)
4
9
1
5
380
o
7440
1500 (PH)
9
0
0
1
1
5
0
30
o
30
o

Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)
A
A
Production drilling rig with hydraulic tophammer rock
drill. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient, produc-
tive and high precision long hole drilling. Ring drilling
with parallel holes upwards/downwards up to 1.5 m apart.
Hole diameter 51 89 (102) mm depending on rock drill
type. Hole depth up to 51 m, with optional RHS 27.
Features
RCS with interactive operators control panel.
Ergonomic design. Proportional movements in the
levers for smooth and precise positioning.
Integrated statistics, diagnostics and log data. Up to
ve different pre-set settings of drilling parameters.
PCMCIA-card interface for transfer of drill plans, log
les and storage of parameter les for optimal drill
settings. Trolley mounted control panel for fexible
operators environment.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 1800-series or the COP 2550UX for
larger hole range and tougher rock conditions
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with catalyser
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Hydraulically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod handling system, RHS 27
Water mist fushing
Extractor unit (back hammering) for COP 1800-series
Bit changer
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre or
automatic
Water hose reel
Turntable +/- 20
All dimensions in mm
72 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba M4 C Working range Simba M4 C
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 214, 215, 216
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
Slide table 1 x BHT 150
Pendulum arm 1 x BHP 150
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 2 x 55 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,800 mm
Width 2,350 mm
Height tramming/roof up 2,875/2,965 mm
Turning radius 6,300/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 20,000 kg
2
3
6
0

-

3
0
6
0
2700
2900 3740 3200
Simba M4 C
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
io
n
M4
1
8
2
5
1500
380
o

3000 (PH)
1
5
0
0
(
P
H
)
750 750
4
6
0
0
4
9
1
5
7440
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)
9
0
0
1
1
5
0
30
o
30
o

Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
R
2
9
7
0
(R
D
)
R 2790 (PH)
A-A
A
A
Production drilling rig with hydraulic tophammer
rock drill. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient,
productive and high precision long hole drilling. Ring
drilling with parallel holes up to 1.5 m apart in the side
walls and up to 3 m apart upwards/downwards. Hole
diameter 51 89 (102) mm depending on rock drill type.
Hole depth up to 51 m, with optional RHS 27.
Features
Rig Control System, RCS with interactive operators con-
trol panel. Ergonomic design. Proportional movements
in the levers for smooth and precise positioning Integrated
statistics, diagnostics and log data. Up to ve different
pre-set settings of drilling parameters PCMCIA-card
interface for transfer of drill plans, log les and storage
of parameter les for optimal drill settings. Trolley moun-
ted control panel for fexible operators environment.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 1800-series or the COP 2550UX for
larger hole range and tougher rock conditions
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with catalyser
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument

FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Hydraulically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod handling system, RHS 27
Water mist fushing
Extractor unit (back hammering) for COP 1800 -series
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre or
automatic
Water hose reel
Turntable +/- 20
All dimensions in mm
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 73
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba M6 C Working range Simba M6 C
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 214, 215, 216
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
I-frame with pendulum arm 1,5 m
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 2 x 55 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,400 mm
Width 2,210 mm
Height tramming 3,200 mm
Turning radius 6,750/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 22,000 kg
3
0
5
0
2900 3740 3770
2025
Simba M6 C
380
o
30
o
45 o
3000 (PH)
5
0
0
0
5
6
5
0
8520
Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
Feed extension
1200 (900)
R 2760 (RD)
R
4
8
8
0
(R
D
)
1
1
5
0
9
0
0
2
7
8
0
M6
A-A
45
o
45
o
A
A
Production drilling rig with hydraulic tophammer rock
drill. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient, produc-
tive and high precision long hole drilling. Ring drilling
with parallel holes upwards/downwards up to 3 m apart.
Hole diameter 51 89 (102) mm depending on rock drill
type. Hole depth up to 51 m, with optional RHS 27.
Features
Proportional movements in the levers for smooth and
precise positioning. Integrated statistics, diagnostics
and log data. Up to ve different pre-set settings of
drilling parameters. PCMCIA-card interface for transfer
of drill plans, log les and storage of parameter les for
optimal drill settings.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 1800-series or the COP 2550UX for
larger hole range and tougher rock conditions
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with catalyser
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Hydraulically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
I-frame attached positioning and drilling unit for high
visibility and safety for operator when working under
FOPS-approved roof
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
FOPS-approved cabin
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod handling system, RHS 27
Water mist fushing
Extractor unit (back hammering) for COP 1800-series
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre or
automatic
Water hose reel
Remote operating kit. Line Of Sight, LOS
Illustration shows rig with
optional equipment mounted
All dimensions in mm
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
74 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba M7 C Working range Simba M7 C
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 214, 215, 216
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 30
Boom BUT 35BB 1 x 1 600 mm extension
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-115
Power pack 1 x 2x55 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 11,700 mm
Width 2,210 mm
Height tramming 2,920 mm
Turning radius 6,250/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 21,000 kg
3
0
5
0
4000
11560
3740 2900
Hydraulically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
Boom mounted positioning and drilling unit. High
visibility and safety for operator when working under
FOPS-approved roof
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
Cabin lift and tilt system
Boom Alignment Laser, BAL
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void Detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Remote operating kit. Line Of Sight, LOS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod Handling System, RHS 27
Water mist fushing
Extractor unit (back hammering) for COP 1800-series
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre or
automatic
Water hose reel
Remote operating kit. Line Of Sight, LOS

Simba M7 C
10
o
11
5
0
45
o
90
o
360
o
1
6
0
0
2000
Stinger extension
850
Stinger extension
Dimensions with
0
o
boom-lift
35
o
boom-swing
Parallell holes with
0
o
boom-lift
35
o
boom-swing
Coverage area
1100x4690 mm
Dimensions with
45
o
boom-lift
25
o
boom-swing
1200 (900)
Feed extension
150
Dimensions
in mm
7
8
5
0
3900 1600
7
0
0
6
1
4
0
9
0
0
35
o
25
o
Production drilling rig with hydraulic tophammer rock
drill. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient, pro-
ductive and high precision long hole drilling. Drilling unit
is mounted on a BUT 35 boom for maximum reach and
exibility. Ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/
downwards up to 5.5 m apart. Hole diameter 51 89
(102) mm. Hole depth up to 51 m, with optional RHS 27.
Features
Rig Control System, RCS with interactive operators
control panel. Ergonomic design. Proportional move-
ments in the levers for smooth and precise positioning.
Integrated statistics, diagnostics and log data. Up to
ve different pre-set settings of drilling parameters.
PCMCIA-card interface for transfer of drill plans, log
les and storage of parameter les for optimal drill
settings.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 1800-series or the COP 2550 UX for
larger hole range and tougher rock conditions
Stinger mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with catalyzer
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Illustration shows rig with
optional equipment mounted
All dimensions in mm
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 75
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba L3 C Working range Simba L3 C
Rock drill 1 x COP 4050MUX
Feed 1 x BMH 244, 245, 246
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
Slide table 1 x BHT 150
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 2 x 75 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,500 mm
Width 2,350 mm
Height tramming/roof up 2,875/2,965 mm
Turning radius 6,300/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 21,000 kg
2
3
6
0

-

3
0
6
0
2550
3000 3740 2900
Simba L3 C
Production drilling rig with hydraulic tophammer rock drill.
Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient, productive
and high precision long hole drilling. Ring drilling with
parallel holes upwards/downwards up to 1.5 m apart.
Hole diameter 89 127 mm. Hole depth up to 51 m, with
optional RHS 27.
Features
Rig Control System, RCS with interactive operators
control panel. Ergonomic design. Proportional
movements in the levers for smooth and precise
positioning. Integrated statistics, diagnostics and
log data. Up to ve different pre-set settings of drilling
parameters. PCMCIA-card interface for transfer of drill
plans, log les and storage of parameter les for
optimal drill settings. Trolley mounted control panel
for fexible operators environment.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 4050MUX
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with
catalyzer
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Hydraulically driven compressor for rock drill
lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void Detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod Handling System, RHS 27
Water mist fushing
Bit changer
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre or
automatic
Water hose reel
Turntable +/- 20
L3
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
A-A
R
2
9
7
0
(R
D
)
4
9
1
5
380
o
7440
1500 (PH)
9
0
0
1
1
5
0
30
o
30
o

Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)
A
A
1
8
2
5
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
All dimensions in mm
76 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba L6 C Working range Simba L6 C
Rock drill 1 x COP 4050MUX
Feed 1 x BMH 244, 245, 246
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
I-frame with pendulum arm 1.5 m
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 2 x 75 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,400 mm
Width 2,210 mm
Height tramming 3,200 mm
Height 3,200 mm
Turning radius 6,300/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 23,000 kg
3
0
5
0
2900 3740 3770
2010
Simba L6 C
A
A
A-A
L6
45
o 45
o
1
1
5
0
9
0
0
2
7
8
0
380
o
30
o
4
5 o
3000 (PH)
5
0
0
0
5
6
5
0
8520
Stinger extension
Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm
RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
Feed extension
1200 (900)
R 2760 (RD)
R
4
8
8
0
(
R
D
)

Production drilling rig with hydraulic tophammer rock
drill. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient, produc-
tive and high precision long hole drilling. Ring drilling
with parallel holes upwards/downwards up to 3 m apart.
Hole diameter 89127 mm. Hole depth up to 51 m, with
optional RHS 27.
Features
Rig Control System, RCS with interactive operators
control panel. Ergonomic design. Proportional
movements in the levers for smooth and precise
positioning. Integrated statistics, diagnostics and
log data. Up to ve different pre-set settings of drilling
parameters. PCMCIA-card interface for transfer of drill
plans, log les and storage of parameter les for
optimal drill settings.
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
Rock drill, COP 4050MUX
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with
catalyzer
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Hydraulically driven compressor for rock drill lubrication
Hydraulically driven water booster pump for high
ushing capacity
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
I-frame attached positioning and drilling unit. High
visibility and safety for operator when working under
FOPS-approved roof
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
FOPS-approved cabin
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void Detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod Handling System, RHS 27
Water mist fushing
Extractor unit (back hammering) COP 4050 MUX
Bit changer
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre or
automatic
Water hose reel
Remote operating kit, Line of sight (LOS)

Illustration shows rig with
optional equipment mounted
All dimensions in mm
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 77
Fully automatic cement handling unit with RCS-
controlled W/C ratio and onboard silo for cement
storage
Double acting piston pump
Dust suppression system
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
Lubrication surveillance kit
Automatic boom lubrication kit
Central boom lubrication kit
Automatic lubrication kit, drilling unit/boom
Water mist fushing system
Water hose reel
Water hose
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Breakthrough Automatic System, BAS
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Full Drill Data Handling, FDDH
Boom Alignment Laser, BAL
Text Message System, TMS
Automatic Parallel Holding, APH
Void Detection, VD
Remote Cradle/Feed Control, RC/FC
Fire suppression system Ansul or Forrex manual,
check re or automatic
Remote operating kit, Line Of Sight, LOS
Main specications Cabletec LC Working range Cabletec LC
Rock drill 1 x COP 1838ME
Feed 1 x BMH 214/215/216
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 30
Boom BUT 35BS 1 x 1,600 mm extension
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-115
Power pack 1 x 95 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length 14,042 mm
Width 2,750 mm
Height 3,100 mm
Turning radius 7,400/4,500 mm
Gross weight app. 29,000 kg
www.atlascopco.com
3
1
0
3
2090
3
0
5
3
2
9
2
4
1490 1800 2200 897 143
14042
9
1
0
5236 (5109)
4003
6
4
3
www.atlascopco.com
1
9
.
5

1
2
.
2

Cabletec LC
8 m 4 6 8 6 4 2 0 2
12 m
10
8
6
4
2
0
2
Cable bolting rig with two boom system, enabling
concurrent drilling and cable installation. The Rig
Control system, RCS, provides efcient, productive
and high precision long hole drilling. On-board
automatic cement system for unique grout quality
control and a high capacity steel strand reel.
Features
Rig Control System, RCS, with interactive operators
control panel
ABC Regular with one hole automatics
COP 1800-series high performance rock drill
Well-proven Simba production drilling unit
Rod Handling System, RHS 17
FOPS-approved telescopic protective roof
Hydraulic production drilling boom and telescopic
cable bolting boom, both with proportional
movements
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring
Turbo-charged, water-cooled diesel engine with
catalyzer
Cable reel and collector
Cable and cement hose feeding system
Cable bending mechanism and cable cutter
Cable pusher for installation of twin cables Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
All dimensions in mm
HYDRAULIC ROCK DRILL SPECIFICATIONS
78 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
COP 1838ME/MEX Tophammer rock drill for hole diameter range 51 89 mm
COP 1838ME is specially suitable for small to medium
hole sizes. Adjustable stroke length makes it possible to
adjust impact rate and energy to actual rock conditions
and hole size. Powerful, stepless variable and reversible
rotation motor gives high torque and excellent speed
control. The effcient refex damping system of the
COP 1800 series is called dual damping due to its high
efciency and double acting function. As the feed and
the boom are not subjected to unnecessary strain, the
entire drill string will give you longer service life.
The automatic tightening system of the drill string
results in straighter holes and optimum penetration.
COP 1838MEX and COP 1838HEX have built in hydraulic
extractor.
COP 2550UX Tophammer rock drill for hole diameter range 76 115 mm
The COP 2550 is among the strongest rock drills on the
market for use with the T51 drill steel. It is specially
designed for heavy uninterrupted production. Instead of
built-in ushing head, the COP 2550UX has a separate
ushing head mounted at the front. The efcient dual
damping system makes it possible to use even higher
impact power without compromising the service life of
the drill steel. The choice of two stroke positions provides
the best piston frequency and penetration for the rock in
question. Separate lubrication of the shank adapter and
front bushing ensures adequate lubrication/cooling during
heavy use and prevents contaminants from penetrating
the drill at the front. Pressurized mating surfaces with
lubricating air prevent the ingress of dirt and damp into
the drill. The rock drill is supplied with a powerful
hydraulic extractor to save time and drill steel.
COP 4050MUX Tophammer rock drill for hole diameter range 89 127 mm
A heavy-sized hydraulic tophammer with an impact out-
put of up to 40 kW. It is specially designed for drilling
underground. Instead of built-in ushing head, the
COP 4050MUX has a separate ushing head mounted
at the front. It is equipped with two powerful hydraulic
rotation motors which minimizes the risk of jamming.
Impact and power levels are easily adjustable to
prevailing rock conditions for achieving good hole
quality, long drill steel life and an overall high
productivity. COP 4050MUX has a built-in automatic
extractor as standard for interruption-free production.
It is obvious that the extractor is an investment which
soon pays for itself in difcult ground conditions
through fewer disruptions, better hole quality and
increased steel life.
Technical data COP
1838ME/MEX
COP
1838 HE/HEX
Weight 170/229 kg 176/235 kg
Length 1,008/1,206 mm 1,098/1,296 mm
Impact power, max. 18 kW 18 kW
Impact rate 60 Hz 50 Hz
Hydraulic pressure, max. 230 bar 230 bar
Rotation speed, max. 210 rpm 140 rpm
Rotation pressure, max. 210 bar 140 bar
Rotation motor size 07 09
Drill steel torque, max. 1,000 Nm 1,100 Nm
Flushing water pressure 20 bar 20 bar
Lubricating air (at the drill), max. 2 bar 2 bar
Shank adapter R32, T38, T45 T38, T45
Technical data COP 2550UX
Weight 249 kg
Length 1,340 mm
Impact power, max. 25 kW
Impact rate 42-55 Hz
Hydraulic pressure, max. 230 bar
Rotation speed, max. 140 rpm
Rotation pressure, max. 140 bar
Rotation motor size 09/10
Drill steel torque, max. 1,380 Nm
Flushing water pressure 20 bar
Lubricating air (at the drill), max. 4 bar
Shank adapter T51, ST58
Technical data COP 4050MUX
Weight 450 kg
Length 1,530 mm
Impact power, max. 40 kW
Impact rate 53-62 Hz
Hydraulic pressure, max. 230 bar
Rotation speed, max. 95 rpm
Rotation pressure, max. 120 bar
Rotation motor size 2 x 10
Drill steel torque, max. 2 x 1,325 Nm
Flushing water pressure 20 bar
Lubricating air (at the drill), max. 4 bar
Shank adapter ST58, ST68
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 79
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling
Please observe that all button bits are manufactured
oversized 1.01.5 mm, meaning that for example a 45 mm
bit is at least 46 mm as new and a 89 mm bit 90 mm. This
is done because of the fast initial wear on button bits.
When it is of importance, also consider that the hole is
always 13 mm bigger than the bit dimension depending
on rock formation.
-5076
Flat front bit with spherical
buttons. Standard skirt.
Ideal for medium-hard rock
when the rock formation
causes heavy gauge wear
on the bit. Can also be used
in very hard and abrasive
rock formations.
-5076-45
Flat front bit with spherical
buttons. Retrac skirt.
To be used in the same
applications as -5076 when
you have rock formations
that also create hole
deviations.
-6076
Drop centre bit with
spherical buttons.
Standard skirt.
Perfect in slightly more
abrasive formations where
there is accelerated button
wear or in medium to hard
rock when ballistic buttons
have a tendency to break.
-6076-67
Drop centre bit
with ballistic buttons.
Standard skirt.
Designed for medium-hard
rock. Bits with ballistic
buttons perform especially
well in non-abrasive or
medium abrasive rock
formations.
-6076-45
Drop centre bit with
spherical buttons.
Retrac skirt.
Use in the same
applications as -6076 when
you have rock formations
that also create hole
deviations.
-6076-45-67
Drop centre bit with
ballistic buttons.
Retrac skirt.
To be used in the same
applications as -6076-67
when you have rock
formations that also create
hole deviations.
-5127-21 -6089-21-67 -6076-21-45-67
Model -21, a heavy duty bit with larger gauge buttons.
Flat or drop centre front.
Retrac or standard skirt.
Ballistic or spherical buttons.
A new bit design for hard to very hard abrasive rock. The
asymmetrical button pattern gives excellent rock crushing.
A shorter head and larger clearing angle allow for better
ushing of cuttings.
Model -20 is used for the same applications.
Drill bit design
- 5 XXX - 6 XXX
Flat face button bit Drop centre button bit
-XXXX- 67 -XXXX- 66 -XXXX- 45
Ballistic buttons Full-ballistic buttons Retrac skirt
80 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling
-6089-35-67 -6102-36
Model -35 and Model -36
Guide bits for the TDS tube drilling system.
The Model -35 and -36 guide bits should be used in rock
formations that create hole deviations.
-6102-41
Model -41
Standard bit for T60 system.
This new bit design for T60
system with spherical
buttons is created for
drilling in very hard and
abrasive rock formations.
The ushing is concentrated
to the front of the bit to get
maximal ushing capacity.
Soft rock bit -66
Full-ballistic button bit.
The two types of full-
ballistic button bits, model
5xxx-47-66 and model
6xxx-21-66 are developed
specially for drilling in soft
formations.
The penetration rate is
very fast due to the high
button protrusion. Excellent
ushing concentrated to the
front
Insert bits
Cross- and X-type bits.
Traditional chisel bits in cross- and X-type formations for
extremely abrasive rock. Ideal for soft formations that
cause snakeskin problems for carbide. Produce straight
holes. X-type bits are used for larger hole dimensions.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 81
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R32 (1
1

4
")
-5057-20 -5xxx-27 5051-39 -5xxx-37-67 -5xxx-37-66 -5xxx-37-30-67
-5xxx-37-45-67 5076-42-24 -5064-45 -6064 -6064-45
Shank adapter Coupling Round drifter rod
Button bit
Guide button bit
Retrac button bit
Cross-type bit
Round guide rod
Guide tube
Round Speedrod
Round extension rod
Drill bit design
Cross-type bit
Please note text on page 42 re. nished hole size. Please note text on page 79 re. fnished hole size.
82 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R32 (1
1

4
")
48 1
7
8 90504374 103-5048-27,39-20 7 511 29 35 2 1 1.0
48 1
7
8 90509461 103-5048-37,39-20 9 610 38 40 1 3 0.9
51 2 90504566 103-5051-27,39-20 7 511 210 35 2 1 1.0
51 2 90510451 103-5051-34,39-20 8 610 210 40 2 2 1.0
51 2 90509465 103-5051-37,39-20 9 610 39 40 1 3 1.0
51 2 90510302 103-6051,49-20 9 610 39 30 3 1.0
51 2 90510308 103-6051-45,49-20 9 610 39 30 3 1.2
51 2 90514633 103-6051-45-67,49-20 9 6x10 3x9 35 3 1.2
54 2
1
8 90509480 103-5054-37,39-20 9 610.5 310 35 1 4 1.0
57 2 90510453 103-5057-20,39-20 9 611 39 35 3 1.1
57 2 90514267 103-5057-37-45,49-20 9 610.5 39 35 3 1.5
64 2 90510303 103-5064,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 1.6
64 2 90510381 103-5064-45,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 2.2
64 2 90510328 103-6064,49-20 10 611 310, 110 35 3 1.5
64 2 90510364 103-6064-45,49-20 10 611 310, 110 35 3 2.2
76 3 90510353 103-5076,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 1.8
76 3 90514373 103-5076-42-24,49-20 10 912.7 112.7 35 1 3 2.0
76 3 90510504 103-6076-45,49-20 13 811 411, 111 35 1 4 3.5
48 1
7
8 90509464 103-5048-37-67,39-20 9 610 38 40 1 3 0.9
48 1
7
8 90509463 103-5048-37-30-67,39-20 8 610 28 25 1 3 1.0
51 2 90509466 103-5051-37-67,39-20 9 610 39 40 1 3 1.0
51 2 90510836 103-5051-37-45-67,39-20 9 610 39 40 1 3 1.2
54 2
1
8 90509481 103-5054-37-67,39-20 9 610 39 40 1 3 1.0
57 2 90510454 103-5057-20-67,39-20 9 611 39 35 3 1.1
64 2 90510327 103-5064-67,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 1.6
76 3 90510821 103-5076-42-24-67,49-20 10 912.7 112.7 35 1 3 2.0
48 1
7
8 90514714 103-5048-34-66,39-20 8 69 29 40 2 0.8
48 1
7
8 90514135 103-5048-37-66,39-20 9 69 39 40 1 3 0.8
51 2 90514715 103-5051-34-66,39-20 8 610 210 40 2 0.9
51 2 90514136 103-5051-37-66,39-20 9 610 39 40 1 3 0.8
48 1
7
8 90510658 103-7048-38,02-17 14.0 22.0 4 1 1.1
51 2 90514248 103-7051-38,02-17 14.0 22.0 4 1 1.2
51 2 90510551 103-7051-38-45,02-17 14.0 22.0 4 1 1.7
57 2 90514239 103-7057,02-17 10.3 19.5 4 1 1.3
64 2 90001719 103-7064,08-17 10.3 19.5 4 1 1.4
76 3 90500049 103-8076,08-16 14.0 26.0 4 1 1.7
Diameter
Product No. Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons

BUTTON BIT - Ballistic buttons
BUTTON BIT - Full-ballistic buttons (Soft rock bit)
CROSS-TYPE BIT
Insert
Width (mm) Height (mm)
X-TYPE BIT
Drill bit
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 83
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
915 3' 90550062 203-2509-C,02 4.8
1000 3'3
3
8" 90500360 203-2510-C,02 6.0
1220 4' 90000138 203-2512-C,02 6.5
1525 5' 90509485 203-2515-C,02 8.7
1830 6' 90000139 203-2518-C,02 9.8
2435 8' 90000989 203-2524-C,02 13.2
2435 8' 90515400 203-4524-SH,03 13.9
3050 10' 90000990 203-2531-C,02 16.6
3050 10' 90515401 203-4531-SH,03 16.6
3660 12' 90509565 203-2537-C,02 20.0
3660 12' 90515402 203-4537-SH,03 20.8
4000 13'1" 90002394 203-2540-03-C,02 21.7
4310 14'1
5
8" 90000933 203-2543-03-C,02 23.4
915 3 90503329 203-2509-MF-C,02 5.5
1220 4 90500834 203-2512-MF-C,02 7.3
1525 5 90500627 203-2515-MF-C,02 9.0
1830 6 90500628 203-2518-MF-C,02 10.6
2435 8 90502259 203-2524-MF-C,02 14.0
3050 10 90515604 203-2531-MF,29 18.6
3660 12 90515605 203-2537-MF,29 22.1
4270 14 90515606 203-2543-MF,29 25.6
Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot/inch Fully carburized Surface hardened
Extension rod
R32 (1") round rod
Fully carburized (C) / Surface hardened (SH).
R32 (1") round Speedrod
Fully carburized (C). D = 46 mm.
Length
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot/inch
Drifter rod
R32 (1") round rod
Fully carburized.
Length (L)
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot Fully carburized Surface hardened
Both surface hardened and fully carburized
Production drilling R32 (1
1

4
")
84 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R32 (1
1

4
")
42 1
21

32
150 5
7
8 90502643 303-0042,00 0.9
44 1
23

32
150 5
7
8 90002107 303-0044,00 1.0
44 1
23

32
160 6
5
16 90505395 303-0044-57,00 1.2
5157 22 45 1 1220 4 94502681 203-7112,10 10.0
5157 22 45 1 1525 5 94502658 203-7115,10 12.5
5157 22 45 1 1830 6 94502659 203-7118,10 14.2
5157 22 45 1 3050 10 94502660 203-7131,10 25.0
Coupling
Guide Tube
Full bridge -57.
Diameter Length
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch
Hole diameter Tube diameter Length (L)
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch mm foot
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 85
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R/T38 (1
1

2
")
64 2 90510304 104-5064,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 1.6
64 2 90510305 135-5064,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 1.6
64 2 90510309 135-5064-45,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 1.9
64 2 90510316 135-5064-20,49-20 9 612.7 311 35 1 1 1.9
64 2 90513748 135-5064-21,49-20 10 611 410 35 1 2 1.6
64 2 90510307 135-6064,49-20 10 611 310, 110 35 3 1.7
64 2 90510311 135-6064-45,49-20 10 611 310, 110 35 3 2.3
64 2 90510347 135-6064-21,49-20 10 612.7 310, 18 25 3 1.7
T38
R38
-5076 -5076-21 -5070-21-45 -5089-21-67 5076-47 -6064-21-67 -6076-45-67 -6076-21-66 -6102-21
Diameter
Product No.
Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch R38 thread T38 thread Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons
Dome reaming bit Cross-type X-type
Drill bit design
Hex. extension rod
light equipment
Shank adapter Coupling
Round extension rod
Round Speedrod
Round guide rod
Guide tube
Button bit
Retrac button bit
Cross-type bit
X-type bit
Dome reaming bit
Shank adapter Coupling Round extension rod
Button bit
X-type bit
Drill bit
Please note text on page 42 re. nished hole size.
Cont. next page
Please note text on page 79 re. fnished hole size.
86 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R/T38 (1
1

2
")
70 2 90510349 135-5070,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 2.0
70 2 90510350 135-5070-20,49-20 11 612.7 511 35 2 1 2.3
70 2 90510352 135-6070,49-20 10 6x11 3x11, 1x9 35 3 1.9
70 2 90510707 135-6070-21,49-20 10 612.7 310, 110 35 3 1.7
70 2 90514157 135-6070-21-45,49-20 10 612.7 310, 110 35 3 2.3
76 3 90510318 104-5076,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 2.6
76 3 90510319 135-5076,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 2.2
76 3 90510366 135-5076-45,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 3.1
76 3 90510321 135-5076-20,49-20 11 612.7 511 35 2 1 2.5
76 3 90513749 135-5076-21,49-20 13 812.7 511 35 1 2 2.3
76 3 90515235 135-5076-47,49-20 13 811 511 35 1 4 2.2
76 3 90510330 135-6076,49-20 10 612.7 311, 111 35 1 3 2.6
76 3 90510369 135-6076-45,49-20 13 811 411, 111 35 1 4 3.5
76 3 90513806 135-6076-21,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 2.4
76 3 90510810 135-6076-21-45,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.3
89 3 90510323 104-5089,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 3.3
89 3 90510324 135-5089,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 3.2
89 3 90510367 135-5089-45,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 5.2
89 3 90515273 135-5089-47,49-20 16 1011 611 35 1 4 3.4
89 3 90510332 135-6089,49-20 11 612.7 311, 211 35 1 3 3.0
89 3 90513808 135-6089-21,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.0
89 3 90515287 135-6089-21-45,49-20 13 8x12.7 4x11, 1x11 35 4 4.6
102 4 90510329 135-5102,49-20 12 814.5 414.5 40 2 4.0
102 4 90515369 135-5102-47,49-20 14 814.5 612.7 35 1 4 4.3
102 4 90513810 135-6102-21,49-20 13 814.5 412.7, 112.7 35 4 3.9
127 5 90513776 135-5127-42-24,49-20* 19 1812.7 112.7 35 1 3 5.2
64 2 90510413 135-5064-67,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 1.6
64 2 90510365 135-5064-45-67,49-20 12 810 410 40 2 1.9
64 2 90510306 135-6064-67,49-20 10 611 310, 110 35 3 1.6
64 2 90510368 135-6064-45-67,49-20 10 611 310, 110 35 3 2.3
64 2 90510524 135-6064-21-67,49-20 10 612.7 310, 18 25 3 1.8
64 2 90513805 135-6064-21-45-67,49-20 10 612.7 310, 18 25 3 2.2
64 2 90514631 135-6064-48-45-67,49-20 13 8x10 4x10, 1x7 35 4 2.0
70 2 90510351 135-6070-67,49-20 10 611 311, 19 35 3 1.9
70 2 90510384 135-6070-45-67,49-20 10 611 311, 19 35 3 2.4
70 2 90513832 135-6070-21-67,49-20 10 612.7 310, 110 35 3 1.7
76 3 90513760 135-5076-21-67,49-20 13 812.7 511 35 1 2 2.3
76 3 90510312 135-5076-45-67,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 3.1
76 3 90510331 135-6076-67,49-20 10 612.7 311, 111 35 1 3 2.5
76 3 90510370 135-6076-45-67,49-20 13 811 411, 111 35 1 4 3.5
76 3 90513807 135-6076-21-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 2.4
76 3 90510811 135-6076-21-45-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.3
89 3 90513763 135-5089-21-67,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 3.1
Diameter
Product No.
Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch R38 thread T38 thread Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons
BUTTON BIT - Ballistic buttons
Cont. next page * For reaming, reversed ushing.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 87
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R/T38 (1
1

2
")
89 3 90510355 135-6089-67,49-20 11 612.7 311, 211 35 1 3 3.1
89 3 90510654 135-6089-45-67,49-20 14 811 411, 29 35 1 4 5.0
89 3 90513809 135-6089-21-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.0
102 4 90513762 135-6102-21-67,49-20 13 814.5 412.7, 112.7 35 4 3.9
127 5 90513775 135-5127-42-24-67,49-20* 19 1812.7 112.7 35 1 3 5.2
76 3 90514297 135-6076-21-66,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 2.5
64 2 90002098 135-7064,08-16 14.0 25.0 4 1 1.9
64 2 90002256 135-8064,08-16 14.0 25.0 4 1 1.9
76 3 90001716 104-8076,08-16 14.0 26.0 4 1 2.5
76 3 90002260 135-8076,08-16 14.0 26.0 4 1 2.5
3050 10' 90001962 235-0531-C,02 18.7
4000 13'1" 90510050 235-0540-C,02 23.6
600 1'11
5
8" 90510857 235-4706-MF-C,02 6.0
915 3' 90510718 235-4709-MF-C,02 8.3
1220 4' 90510719 235-4712-MF-C,02 10.9
1525 5' 90510720 235-4715-MF-C,02 13.3
1830 6' 90510721 235-4718-MF-C,02 15.8
Diameter
Product No.
Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch R38 thread T38 thread Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Ballistic buttons
BUTTON BIT - Full-ballistic buttons (Soft rock bit)
CROSS-TYPE BIT
Insert
Width (mm) Height (mm)
X-TYPE BIT
Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot/inch R38 thread T38 thread
Extension rod
T38 (1") Hex. 32 mm (1") T38 (1")
Light equipment, fully carburized. Rod section 35.8 mm.
Fully carburized. D = 57 mm.
T38 (1") round Speedrod
Length (L)
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot/inch R38 thread T38 thread
* For reaming, reversed ushing.
88 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R/T38 (1
1

2
")
1830 6' 90590109 204-2718-SH,03 14.9
3050 10' 90515405 204-4731-SH,03 24.3
3050 10' 90515289 235-4731-SH,03 24.8
3660 12' 90515288 235-4737-SH,03 29.0
4270 14' 90515291 235-4743-SH,03 34.7
280 11" 90504090 204-2702-C,02 2.0
610 2' 90502448 235-2706-C,02 5.0
1220 4' 90500622 235-2712-C,02 10.0
3050 10 90515292 235-4731-95-SH,03 27.0
3660 12 90515290 235-4737-95-SH,03 30.0
3050 10 90515312 235-4731-MF,29 26.3
3660 12 90515315 235-4737-MF,29 31.5
4270 14 90515570 235-4743-MF,29 36.9
4880 16 90515571 235-4749-MF,29 41.9
Fully carburized (C) / Surface hardened (SH).
T38 (1") round rod with double thread
Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot/inch R38 thread T38 thread
Surface hardened
R/T38 (1") round rod
Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot R38 thread T38 thread
Surface hardened
Fully carburized. D = 57 mm.
Both surface hardened and fully carburized
T38 (1") round Speedrod
Length (L)
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot R38 thread T38 thread
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 89
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling R/T38 (1
1

2
")
64 2 56 2
1
8 1220 4 94502648 235-7012,10 12.6
64 2 56 2
1
8 1525 5 94000051 235-7015,10 14.0
64 2 56 2
1
8 1830 6 94000052 235-7018,10 17.4
64 2 56 2
1
8 3050 10 94000053 235-7031,10 28.3
64 2 56 2
1
8 3660 12 94000054 235-7037,10 32.8
76 3 64 2 3660 12 94502622 235-6937,10 51.0
52 2
1
16 190 7 90503178 335-0052,00 1.8
55 2
5
32 170 6 90000168 304-0055,00 1.7
55 2
5
32 170 6 90001964 335-0055,00 1.7
55 2
5
32 180 7
1
8 90505396 304-0055-57,00 1.9
55 2
5
32 180 7
1
8 90503003 335-0055-57,00 1.9
3660 12 90515575 235-4937-MF,29 44.8
Guide tube
Coupling
Hole diameter Tube diameter Length (L)
Product No.
Product code
T38 thread
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch mm foot
Diameter Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch R38 thread T38 thread
Drifter rod
Guide rod
For one rod drilling drifter rods can be used.
T38 (1") guide Speedrod
Fully carburized. D = 57 mm.
Length (L)
Product No.
Product code
T38 thread
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot
90 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling T45 (1
3

4
")
70 2 90510478 136-6070,49-20 10 611 311, 19 35 3 2.0
70 2 90510479 136-6070-45,49-20 10 611 311, 19 35 3 2.1
76 3 90510320 136-5076,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 2.2
76 3 90510371 136-5076-45,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 2.8
76 3 90510322 136-5076-20,49-20 11 612.7 511 35 2 1 2.6
76 3 90514051 136-5076-21,49-20 13 812.7 511 35 1 2 2.4
76 3 90513761 136-5076-21-45,49-20 13 812.7 511 35 1 2 2.7
76 3 90515248 136-5076-41,49-20 14 812.7 411, 211 35 2 2 2.5
76 3 90510333 136-6076,49-20 10 612.7 311, 111 35 1 2 2.6
76 3 90510313 136-6076-45,49-20 13 811 411, 111 35 1 4 3.2
76 3 90513750 136-6076-21,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 2.4
76 3 90510808 136-6076-21-45,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.0
-5076 -5089-21-67 -5102-21 -5076-21-45 -5076-41 -5089-47 -6076
-6076-45-67 -6089-21-45 -6102 -6102-21 -6102-45-67
Diameter
Product No. Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons
Drill bit design
Dome reaming bit
Hex. extension rod,
light equipment
Shank adapter Coupling
Round extension rod
Round Speedrod
Guide rod
Guide tube
Button bit
Retrac button bit
Dome reaming bit
Please note text on page 42 re. nished hole size.
Drill bit
Cont. next page
Please note text on page 79 re. fnished hole size.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 91
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling T45 (1
3

4
")
89 3 90510325 136-5089,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 3.3
89 3 90510418 136-5089-20,49-20 14 812.7 611 35 1 1 3.8
89 3 90510372 136-5089-45,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 5.0
89 3 90515268 136-5089-47,49-20 16 1011 611 35 1 4 3.0
89 3 90513751 136-5089-21-45,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 4.7
89 3 90510335 136-6089,49-20 11 612.7 311, 211 35 1 3 3.5
89 3 90510374 136-6089-45,49-20 14 811 411, 29 35 1 4 4.7
89 3 90513752 136-6089-21,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.0
89 3 90510692 136-6089-21-45,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 4.2
102 4 90510326 136-5102,49-20 12 814.5 414.5 40 2 4.4
102 4 90510888 136-5102-21,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 3.7
102 4 90510373 136-5102-45,49-20 12 814.5 414.5 40 2 6.7
102 4 90515364 136-5102-47,49-20 14 814.5 612.7 35 1 4 4.1
102 4 90510337 136-6102,49-20 11 614.5 312.7, 212.7 35 1 3 3.9
102 4 90510392 136-6102-45,49-20 14 812.7 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 7.8
102 4 90513811 136-6102-21,49-20 13 814.5 412.7, 112.7 35 4 5.3
102 4 90515366 136-6102-21-45,49-20 13 814.5 412.7, 112.7 35 4 6.4
115 4 90510409 136-5115,49-20 18 1012.7 812.7 35 2 5.4
115 4 90515269 136-5115-47,49-20 14 814.5 614.5 35 1 4 5.8
115 4 90510399 136-6115,49-20 14 814.5 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 5.0
115 4 90514660 136-6115-45,49-20 14 814.5 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 9.0
127 5 90515253 136-5127-47,49-20 14 815.8 615.8 35 4 6.6
127 5 90513778 136-5127-42-24,49-20* 19 1812.7 112.7 35 1 3 5.3
152 6 90513818 136-5152-42-24,49-20* 20 1814.5 214.5 35 1 3 9.9
70 2 90510385 136-6070-45-67,49-20 10 611 311, 19 35 3 2.1
76 3 90514027 136-5076-21-67,49-20 13 812.7 511 35 1 2 2.3
76 3 90510386 136-5076-45-67,49-20 12 811 411 40 2 2.8
76 3 90510334 136-6076-67,49-20 10 612.7 311, 111 35 1 2 2.6
76 3 90510314 136-6076-45-67,49-20 13 811 411, 111 35 1 4 3.1
76 3 90510809 136-6076-21-45-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.0
89 3 90510390 136-5089-45-67,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 5.0
89 3 90510780 136-5089-21-67,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 3.3
89 3 90514073 136-5089-21-45-67,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 4.7
89 3 90510336 136-6089-67,49-20 11 612.7 311, 211 35 1 3 3.4
89 3 90510375 136-6089-45-67,49-20 14 811 411, 29 35 1 4 4.8
89 3 90515523 136-6089-21-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.1
89 3 90510772 136-6089-21-45-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 4.8
102 4 90510889 136-5102-21-67,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 3.7
102 4 90515367 136-6102-21-67,49-20 13 8x14.5 4x12.7, 1x12.7 35 4 4.9
102 4 90510376 136-6102-45-67,49-20 14 812.7 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 7.8
115 4 90515263 136-6115-67,49-20 14 814.5 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 4.7
115 4 90515256 136-6115-45-67,49-20 14 814.5 612.7 35 1 4 8.1
152 6 90510782 136-5152-42-24-67,49-20* 20 1814.5 214.5 35 3 3 9.5
Cont. next page
Diameter
Product No. Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons
BUTTON BIT - Ballistic buttons

* For reaming, reversed ushing.
92 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling T45 (1
3

4
")
3050 10 90002188 236-0731-C,02 25.6
3660 12 90002163 236-0737-C,02 30.8
3050 10' 90515296 236-4931-SH,03 34.5
3660 12' 90515294 236-4937-SH,03 41.4
4270 14' 90515295 236-4943-SH,03 48.3
4800 15'9" 90515408 236-4948-SH,03 54.3
6095 20' 90515297 236-4961-SH,03 69.0
1525 5 90510730 236-4915-MF-C,02 18.2
1830 6 90510731 236-4918-MF-C,02 21.5
3050 10 90515567 236-4931-MF,29 37.6
3660 12 90515313 236-4937-MF,29 43.5
4270 14 90515316 236-4943-MF,29 51.5

89 3 90514993 136-5089-47-45-66,49-20 16 1011 611 35 1 4 4.9



76 3 90514366 136-8076,02-17 14.0 26.0 4 1 2.5
89 3 90002246 136-8089,08-16 14.0 26.0 4 1 3.3
Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot Fully carburized Surface hardened
Extension rods
Light equipment, fully carburized. Rod section 42.6 mm.
T45 (1") round rod
Surface hardened.
T45 (1") round Speedrod
Fully carburized. D = 65 mm.
T45 (1") Hex. 38 mm (1") T45 (1")
Both surface hardened and fully carburized
Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot/inch Fully carburized Surface hardened
Length (L)
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot Fully carburized Surface hardened
Diameter
Product No. Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Full-ballistic buttons (Soft rock bit)
X-TYPE BIT
Insert
Width (mm) Height (mm)
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 93
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling T45 (1
3

4
")
L
3660 12 90513771 236-5137-MF-C,02 55.0
4270 14 90514785 236-5143-MF-C,02 63.5
76 3 64 2 1220 4 94002687 236-6912,10 20.0
76 3 64 2 1525 5 94000047 236-6915,10 21.6
76 3 64 2 1830 6 94000046 236-6918,10 25.4
76 3 64 2 3660 12 94000050 236-6937,10 49.0
89 3 76 3 1830 6 94502656 236-6618,10 40.0
89 3 76 3 3660 12 94502627 236-6637,10 77.8
63 2
15
32 210 8 90002557 336-0063,00 2.7
63 2
15
32 210 8 90505292 336-0063-57,00 2.7
66 2
5
8 210 8 90002165 336-0066,00 3.2
66 2
5
8 210 8 90515509 336-0066-57,00 3.2
76 3 64 2 1000 3'3
3
8" 90514047 236-6910-87,10 15.5
76 3 64 2 1220 4' 90514786 236-6912-87,10 19.0
76 3 64 2 1830 6' 94502714 236-6918-87,10 27.0
Length (L)
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot
Hole diameter Tube diameter Length (L)
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch mm foot
Guide rod
Guide tube
T45 (1") guide Speedrod
Fully carburized. D = 51 mm.
Without undercut (shoulder).
Diameter Length
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch
Coupling
Full bridge -57.
Hole diameter Tube diameter Length (L)
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch mm foot/inch
94 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling T51 (2")
89 3 90510338 137-5089,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 3.5
89 3 90510377 137-5089-45,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 4.8
89 3 90510357 137-5089-20,49-20 14 812.7 611 35 1 1 4.0
89 3 90510527 137-5089-21,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 3.7
89 3 90513764 137-5089-21-45,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 5.3
89 3 90515252 137-5089-21-47,49-20 14 812.7 611 35 4 3.6
89 3 90515251 137-5089-47,49-20 16 1011 611 35 4 3.8
89 3 90510341 137-6089,49-20 11 612.7 311, 211 35 1 3 3.6
89 3 90510391 137-6089-45,49-20 14 811 411, 29 35 1 4 4.7
89 3 90513813 137-6089-21,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.5
89 3 90510773 137-6089-21-45,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 4.9
102 4 90510339 137-5102,49-20 12 814.5 414.5 40 2 4.8
102 4 90510378 137-5102-45,49-20 12 814.5 414.5 40 2 7.1
-5089 -5089-20 -5089-21 -5089-21-45 -5089-21-47 -5102-21-45 -5127-21
-5127-47-66 -6089-21-67 -6089-21-45-67 -6102-45-67 -6115-21-45 -6127-21
Diameter
Product No. Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons
Drill bit design
Dome reaming bit
Shank adapter
Coupling
Round extension rod
Button bit
Round Speedrod
Guide tube
Retrac button bit
Dome reaming bit
Drill bit
Please note text on page 42 re. nished hole size.
Cont. next page
Please note text on page 79 re. fnished hole size.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 95
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling T51 (2")
102 4 90510807 137-5102-21,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 5.1
102 4 90510855 137-5102-21-45,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 6.9
102 4 90515365 137-5102-47,49-20 14 814.5 612.7 35 1 4 5.1
102 4 90510343 137-6102,49-20 11 614.5 312.7, 212.7 35 1 3 5.1
102 4 90510415 137-6102-45,49-20 14 812.7 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 7.2
102 4 90510824 137-6102-21,49-20 13 814.5 412.7, 112.7 35 4 5.3
102 4 90510825 137-6102-21-45,49-20 13 814.5 412.7, 112.7 35 4 7.2
115 4 90510340 137-5115-20,49-20 17 914.5 812.7 35 2 1 6.7
115 4 90510791 137-5115-20-45,49-20 17 914.5 812.7 35 2 1 7.0
115 4 90510818 137-5115-21,49-20 14 815.8 614.5 35 1 2 6.1
115 4 90515250 137-5115-47,49-20 14 814.8 614.5 35 1 4 5.8
115 4 90510344 137-6115,49-20 14 814.5 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 5.8
115 4 90510655 137-6115-45,49-20 14 814.5 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 9.5
115 4 90510874 137-6115-21,49-20 14 815.8 414.5, 214.5 35 4 6.0
115 4 90510826 137-6115-21-45,49-20 16 914.5 614.5, 114.5 35 3 9.7
127 5 90510360 137-5127,49-20 22 1212.7 1012.7 35 2 6.8
127 5 90510361 137-5127-20,49-20 20 1014.5 1012.7 35 2 6.8
127 5 90510790 137-5127-20-45,49-20 20 1014.5 1012.7 35 2 11.9
127 5 90513747 137-5127-21,49-20 16 815.8 814.5 35 1 2 6.8
127 5 90515249 137-5127-47,49-20 14 815.8 615.8 35 4 8.0
127 5 90510406 137-6127,49-20 16 814.5 414.5, 411 35 1 4 6.8
127 5 90510656 137-6127-45,49-20 16 814.5 414.5, 411 35 1 4 11.2
127 5 90513815 137-6127-21,49-20 14 815.8 415.8, 212.7 35 4 7.7
127 5 90513757 137-6127-21-45,49-20 14 815.8 415.8, 212.7 35 4 11.0
140 5 90515254 137-5140-47,49-20 14 815.8 615.8 35 4 9.4
152 6 90514185 137-5152-42-24,39-20* 20 1814.5 214.5 35 1 3 10.0
89 3 90514003 137-5089-21-67,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 3.7
89 3 90514002 137-5089-21-45-67,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 5.3
89 3 90514329 137-5089-45-67,49-20 12 812.7 412.7 40 2 5.0
89 3 90513814 137-6089-21-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 3.6
89 3 90510696 137-6089-21-45-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 4.9
89 3 90510380 137-6089-45-67,49-20 14 811 411, 29 35 1 4 4.7
102 4 90514476 137-5102-45-67,49-20 12 814.5 414.5 40 2 7.0
102 4 90510841 137-5102-21-45-67,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 7.0
102 4 90510346 137-6102-67,49-20 11 614.5 312.7, 212.7 35 1 3 5.2
102 4 90510379 137-6102-45-67,49-20 14 812.7 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 7.2
102 4 90513756 137-6102-21-67,49-20 13 814.5 412.7, 112.7 35 4 5.2
102 4 90515368 137-6102-21-45-67,49-20 13 8x14.5 4x12.7, 1x12.7 35 4 7.2
115 4 90510819 137-5115-21-67,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 6.1
115 4 90510407 137-6115-67,49-20 14 814.5 412.7, 212.7 35 1 4 5.8
102 4 90514538 137-5102-47-66,49-20 14 814.5 612.7 35 1 4 5.0
127 5 90514361 137-5127-47-66,49-20 14 815.8 615.8 35 4 8.0
Diameter
Product No. Product code
No. of
buttons
Buttons button
diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch Gauge Centre Side Centre
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons
* For reaming, reversed ushing.
BUTTON BIT - Ballistic buttons
BUTTON BIT - Full-ballistic buttons (Soft rock bit)
96 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling T51 (2")
L
L
3660 12 90515299 237-5137-SH,03 51.1
4270 14 90515300 237-5143-SH,03 59.5
6095 20 90515301 237-5161-SH,03 85.1
89 3 76 3 1830 6 94502624 237-6618,10 40.0
89 3 76 3 3660 12 94502641 237-6637,10 79.1
102 4 87 3
7
16 3660 12 94502707 237-6837,10 80.0
72 2
27
32 235 9 90002898 337-0072,00 4.0
72 2
27
32 255 10 90002962 337-0072-57,00 4.0
77 3
1
32 235 9 90510523 337-0077,00 4.3
1525 5 90510737 237-5115-MF-C,02 25.0
1830 6 90510738 237-5118-MF-C,02 26.8
3660 12 90515311 237-5137-MF,29 55.4
4270 14 90515314 237-5143-MF,29 64.0
6095 20 90515557 237-5161-MF,29 89.5
Full bridge -57.
T51 (2") round rod
Surface hardened.
T51 (2") round Speedrod
Fully carburized. D = 72 mm.
Length
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot Fully carburized Surface hardened
Hole diameter Tube diameter Length (L)
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch mm foot
Diameter Length
Product No. Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm inch mm inch
Extension rod
Guide tube
Coupling
Both surface hardened and fully carburized
Length (L)
Product No.
Product code
Weight
approx. kg
mm foot Fully carburized Surface hardened
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 97
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling Tube drilling system
TDS 45 R32
TDS 56 T38
TDS 64 T45
TDS 76 T51
TDS 87 T51
TDS 76 ST58 89 3 90510522 151-5089-21,49-20 14 812.7 612.7 35 1 2 4.0
102 4 90510789 151-5102-21,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 5.3
152 6 90513754 151-5152-42-24,49-20* 21 1814.5 314.5 35 3 3 10.4
TDS 87 ST68 102 4 90510494 152-5102-21,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 5.5
127 5 90514264 152-5127-21,49-20 17 815.8 914.5 35 1 2 6.9
152 6 90510528 152-5152-21,49-20 18 815.8 1014.5 35 1 2 11.8
152 6 90513755 152-5152-42-24,49-20* 21 1814.5 314.5 35 3 3 11.8
TDS 76 ST58 89 3 90510831 151-6089-21-36-67,49-20 13 812.7 411, 111 35 4 4.3
89 3 90513887 151-6089-35-67,49-20 17 1011 611, 111 35 4 4.1
TDS 87 ST68 102 4 90510777 152-5102-21-67,49-20 14 815.8 612.7 35 1 2 5.5
105 4
1
8 90514291 152-6105-35-67,49-20 18 1012.7 612.7, 212.7 35 4 5.4
115 4 90510701 152-5115-21-67,49-20 14 816 614.5 35 1 2 5.8
115 4 90514389 152-6115-21-35-67,49-20 17 914.5 614.5, 214.5 35 3 7.2
151-5152-42-24 -5152-21 -6115-21-35-67 -6102-36 -6089-35-67 -6089-21-36-67
* For reaming, reversed ushing.
Shank adapter
Drill tube Drill tube
Speedrod
Speedrod
Guide tube female/male
Guide tube female/female Rod adapter
Button bit
Retrac guide bit-36
Retrac guide bit-35
Dome reaming bit
Drill bit design
Please note text on page 42 re. nished hole size.
Drill bit
System Thread
Diameter
Product No.
Product code
T60 thread
No. of
buttons
Buttons button diameter (mm)
Gauge
buttons
angle
Flushing hole
Weight
approx.
kg
mm inch Gauge Centre Side Centre
See page 49
See page 53
See page 58
See page 62
See page 62
BUTTON BIT - Spherical buttons
BUTTON BIT - Ballistic buttons
Please note text on page 79 re. fnished hole size.
98 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling Tube drilling system
L
TDS 45 R32 1220 4 94502681 203-7112,10 45 10 10.0
1525 5 94502658 203-7115,10 45 10 12.5
1830 6 94502659 203-7118,10 45 10 14.2
3050 10 94502660 203-7131,10 45 10 23.4
TDS 56 T38 1220 4 94502648 235-7012,10 56 16 12.6
1525 5 94000051 235-7015,10 56 16 14.0
1830 6 94000052 235-7018,10 56 16 17.4
3050 10 94000053 235-7031,10 56 16 28.3
3660 12 94000054 235-7037,10 56 16 32.8
TDS 64 T38 3660 12 94502622 235-6937,10 64 18 51.0
TDS 64 T45 1220 4 94502687 236-6912,10 64 18 20.0
1525 5 94000047 236-6915,10 64 18 21.6
1830 6 94000046 236-6918,10 64 18 25.4
1830 6 90510814 236-6918-36,10** 64 18 27.6
1830 6 94502714 236-6918-87,10 64 18 26.0
3050 10 94000057 236-6931-86,10 64 20 41.7
3660 12 94000050 236-6937,10 64 18 49.0
TDS 76 T45 1830 6 94502656 236-6618,10 76 18 40.0
3660 12 94502627 236-6637,10 76 18 77.8
TDS 76 T51 1830 6 94502624 237-6618,10 76 22 40.0
3660 12 90513888 237-6637-37,10** 76 22 81.2
TDS 76 ST58 1525 5 94502572 251-6615,10 76 24 34.0
1830 6 94000015 251-6618,10 76 24 40.0
1830 6 94502715 251-6618-88,10* 76 24 40.0
3660 12 94502573 251-6637,10 76 24 76.3
TDS 87 ST68 1220 4 90514263 252-6812,10 87 38 29.6
1525 5 94502712 252-6815,10 87 38 35.5
1830 6 94502713 252-6818,10 87 38 41.6
1830 6 94502710 252-6818-88,10* 87 38 43.8
3660 12 94502709 252-6837,10 87 38 81.0
System Thread
Length (L)
Product No. Product code
Outer
diameter
mm
Flushing hole
diameter, mm
Weight
approx.
kg
mm foot
Guide tube R32T51 thread
Rope/T thread, male/female
T thread, female/female, -36, -37
Drill tube ST58, ST68 thread
TDS 76 with T45 and T51 thread: Without wrench at.
TDS 76 with ST58 thread: Wrench at in female end only.
TDS 87 with ST68 thread: Wrench at in female end only.
* C-Drive.
** Female/female.
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 99
TOPHAMMER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Production drilling Tube drilling system
220 8
5
8 T45 90510815 236-4902-C,00 1.9
250 9
7
8 T51 90514708 237-5102-C,10 2.7
Drill tube ST58, ST68 thread
Length
Thread Product No. Product code Weight approx. kg
mm inch
Rod adapter
Fully carburized.
To be used together with female/female guide tube.
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
100 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Main specications Simba 360-series Working range Simba 360-series
Rock drill 1 x 34, 44, 54, 64
Rotation unit 1 x DHR 48
Feed 1 x BMH 234, 235, 236
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
Slide table 1 x BHT 150 (Simba 263 and 264)
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-115
Breakout table 1 x BSH 65
Pendulum arm BHP 150 (Simba 362 and 364)
Power pack 1 x 45 KW
Drilling system EDS
Length tramming (BMH 234) 7,968-8,362 mm
Width 1,950/2,380 mm
Height tramming 3,180 mm
Height roof up 2,960 mm
Turning radius 5,440/2,890-2,700 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 15,500 kg
7
0
0
1
8
4
5
2
2
6
0
3
1
8
0
2310 1500 1555 2304
79688362 (with BMH 234)
20
65
Simba 360 - series
Production drilling rig with pneumatic in the hole ham-
mer, ITH and Electric Direct System, EDS. Provides a
basic, efcient and productive long hole drilling solution.
Ring drilling with parallel holes upwards/downwards and
in the side walls. Three different positioning unit congu-
rations to match the users need. Hole range 95-178 mm
depending on rock drill type.
Features
Electric Direct System, EDS. High drilling capacity with
basic functions such as semi-automatic drilling and
anti-jamming included. Manually adjusted feed force
from the operators panel. Digital movements on the
drilling unit controlled by switches on a separate
positioning panel. Trolley mounted control panel for
fexible operator environment
Rod Handling System, RHS 27
Pneumatic rock drill COP 34, 44, 54 or 64
Simba 362, ring drilling with parallel holes up/down
and in the side walls up to 1.5 m apart
Simba 363, ring drilling with parallel holes up/down
up to 1.5 m apart
Simba 364, ring drilling with parallel holes up/down
up to 3 m apart and in the side walls up to 1.5 m apart
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Cable reel and collector
Main optional equipment
Angle reading instrument
Hole depth measurement
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning
and drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex
Rig washing kit
Water hose reel

2
5
5
45
750 750
2380
2430
1950
1500
2
0
0
0
45
9
4
5
1
1
5
0
Simba 364
Simba 364
All dimensions in mm
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 101
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
2
3
6
0

-

3
0
6
0
2500
3000 3740 2900
Simba M3 C-ITH
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
A sophisticated lubrication system for the pneumatic
hammer ensures a long life and trouble free use
Water mist fushing system with external air supply
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
On board air booster compressor
Floating sub on rotation unit
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void Detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod Handling System, RHS 35
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre
or automatic
Water hose reel
Turntable +/- 20
Main specications Simba M3 C-ITH Working range Simba M3 C-ITH
Rock drill 1 x COP 34, 44, 54, 64
Rotation unit 1 x DHR48
Feed 1 x BMH 234, 235, 236
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
Slide table 1 x BHT 150
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 1 x 55 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,500 mm
Width 2,350 mm
Height tramming/roof up 2,875/2,965 mm
Turning radius 6,300/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 17,000 kg
1
8
2
5

M3
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
io
n


A-A
R
2
9
7
0
(R
D
)

4
9
1
5

380
o
7440
1500 (PH)

9
0
0


1
1
5
0


30
o
30
o

Stinger extension

Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm

RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)

A
A
Production drilling rig with pneumatic in the hole ham-
mer, ITH. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient,
productive and high precision long hole drilling. Ring
drilling with parallel holes upwards/downwards up to
1.5 m apart. Hole diameter 95 178 mm depending on
rock drill type. Hole depth, up to 66 m with optional
RHS 35.
Features
RCS with interactive operators control panel.
Ergonomic design. Proportional movements in the
levers for smooth and precise positioning. Integrated
statistics, diagnostics and log data. Up to ve different
preset settings of drilling parameters. PCMCIA-card
interface for transfer of drill plans, log les and
storage of parameter les for optimal drill settings.
Trolley mounted control panel for fexible operators
environment
Rod Handling System, RHS 27
Pneumatic ITH rock drill, COP 34, 44, 54 or 64 with
pressure up to 25 bar for high productivity and
excellent hole straightness
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with
catalyzer
All dimensions in mm
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
102 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba M4 C-ITH Working range Simba M4 C-ITH
Rock drill 1 x COP 34, 44, 54, 64
Rotation unit 1 x DHR48
Feed 1 x BMH 234, 235, 236
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
Slide table 1 x BHT 150
Pendulum arm 1 x BHP 150
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 1 x 55 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,500 mm
Width 2,350 mm
Height tramming/roof up 2,875/2,965 mm
Turning radius 6,300/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 20,000 kg
2
3
6
0

-

3
0
6
0
2700
3200 3740 2900
Simba M4 C-ITH
F
e
e
d

e
x
t
e
n
s
io
n


M4
1500

380
o

3000 (PH)

1
5
0
0
(
P
H
)

750 750
4
6
0
0

4
9
1
5

7440
1
2
0
0

(
9
0
0
)

9
0
0


1
1
5
0


30
o
30
o

Stinger extension

Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensionsin mm

RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
R
2
9
7
0
(R
D
)
R 2790 (PH)
A-A
A
A
1
8
2
5

ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
A unique weight compensating system gives optimal
feed force in all directions
A sophisticated lubrication system for the pneumatic
hammer ensures a long life and trouble free use
Water mist fushing system with external air supply
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Cable reel and collector
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
On board air booster compressor
Floating sub on rotation unit
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void Detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod Handling System, RHS 35
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre
or automatic
Water hose reel

Production drilling rig with pneumatic in the hole hammer,
ITH. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient, produc-
tive and high precision long hole drilling. Ring drilling with
parallel holes up to 1.5 m apart in the side walls and up to
3 m apart upwards/downwards. Hole diameter 95 178 mm
depending on rock drill type. Hole depth up to 66 m with
optional RHS 35.
Features
Rig Control System, RCS with interactive operators
control panel. Ergonomic design. Proportional
movements in the levers for smooth and precise
positioning. Integrated statistics, diagnostics and
log data. Up to ve different pre-set settings of drilling
parameters. PCMCIA-card interface for transfer of drill
plans, log les and storage of parameter les for
optimal drill settings
Trolley mounted control panel for fexible operators
environment
Rod Handling System, RHS 27
Pneumatic ITH rock drill, COP 34, 44, 54 or 64 with
pressure up to 25 bar for high productivity and
excellent hole straightness
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam give
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with catalyzer
All dimensions in mm
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 103
DRILL RIG SPECIFICATION
Main specications Simba M6 C-ITH Working range Simba M6 C-ITH
Rock drill 1 x COP 34, 44, 54, 64
Rotation unit DHR48
Feed 1 x BMH 234, 235, 236
Rotary actuator 1 x BHR 60-2
I-frame with pendulum arm 1,5 m
Stinger backward on feed 1 x BSJ8-200
Stinger forward on feed 1 x BSJ8-150
Power pack 1 x 55 kW
Drilling system RCS
Length tramming 10,500 mm
Width 2,210 mm
Height tramming 3,200 mm
Turning radius 6,750/3,800 mm
Gross weight (basic rig+RHS) app. 22,000 kg
3
0
4
0
2050
3770 3740 2900
Simba M6 C-ITH
A
A
A-A
M6
45
o 45
o
1
1
5
0

9
0
0

2
7
8
0
380
o
30
o
4
5 o
3000 (PH)

5
0
0
0

5
6
5
0

8520
Stinger extension

Stinger extension
2000
150
Dimensions
in mm

RD = Ring drilling
PH = Parallel holes
Feed extension
1200 (900)

R 2760 (RD)
R
4
8
8
0
(
R
D
)

A sophisticated lubrication system for the pneumatic
hammer ensures a long life and trouble free use
Water mist fushing system with external air supply
FOPS-approved telescopic protection roof
Cable reel and collector
Environment-friendly system to minimize hydraulic
oil pollution.
Smart oil leakage shut-down and distributed hydraulics
at the drilling unit
I-frame attached positioning and drilling unit. High
visibility and safety for operator when working under
FOPS approved roof
Main optional equipment
FOPS-approved cabin
ABC Regular, one hole automatics
ABC Total, full fan automatics, including Full Drill Data Handling
and Breakthrough Automatic Stop
On board air booster compressor
Floating sub on rotation unit
Full Drill Data Handling, including DPH and MWD
Drill Plan Handling, DPH
Void Detection, VD
Breakthrough Automatic Stop, BAS
Rig Remote Access, RRA
Rod Handling System, RHS 35
Automatic or central lubrication system for the positioning and
drilling unit
Rig alignment laser
Fire suppression system, Ansul or Forrex - manual, check fre
or automatic
Water hose reel
Trolley mounted control panel

Production drilling rig with pneumatic in the hole ham-
mer, ITH. Rig Control System, RCS, provides efcient,
productive and high precision long hole drilling. Ring
drilling with parallel holes upwards/downwards up to
3 m apart. Hole diameter 95 178 mm depending on rock
drill type. Hole depth up to 66 m with optional RHS 35.
Features
Rig Control System, RCS with interactive operators
control panel. Ergonomic design. Proportional
movements in the levers for smooth and precise
positioning. Integrated statistics, diagnostics and
log data. Up to ve different pre-set settings of drilling
parameters. PCMCIA-card interface for transfer of drill
plans, log les and storage of parameter les for
optimal drill settings
Rod Handling System, RHS 27
Pneumatic ITH rock drill, COP 34, 44, 54 or 64 with
pressure up to 25 bar for high productivity and
excellent hole straightness
Stingers mounted directly on the feed beam it gives
a sturdy set up with less possible hole deviation
and less stress on the drilling unit
Mine adapted carrier with high ground clearance,
articulated steering and four wheel drive for easy
manoeuvring in narrow drifts and steep ramps
Turbo charged water cooled diesel engine with catalyzer
ABC Basic with semi automatic drilling and angle
reading instrument
A unique weight compensating system gives optimal
feed force in all directions
Illustration shows rig with
optional equipment mounted
All dimensions in mm
ITH ROTATION UNITS
104 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Adapter type/thread
Rotation Units Adapter type/thread
Recommended for
ITH Hammer
DHR 48H56-1 Floating API 2
3
/8 Reg Box 4- 5
DHR 48H56-2 Fixed API 2
3
/8 Reg Box 4- 5
DHR 48H56-3 Floating API 3
1
/2 Reg Box 5- 6
DHR 48H56-6 Fixed API 3
1
/2 Reg Box 5- 6
DHR 48H68-1 Floating API 2
3
/8 Reg Box 4- 5
DHR 48H68-2 Fixed API 2
3
/8 Reg Box 4- 5
DHR 48H68-3 Floating API 3
1
/2 Reg Box 6- 8
DHR 48H68-6 Fixed API 3
1
/2 Reg Box 6- 8
Rotation units for ITH drilling
DHR series
Hole diameter range 70-165 mm,
drilling torque up to 5,100 Nm
The Atlas Copco DHR series of rotation units for
underground ITH drilling consists of a full programme
of hydraulically-powered versions designed for longer
life, superior wear resistance, and enhanced output.
They are equipped with either fxed or moving adapters
for all common types and dimensions of thread. All are
equipped with reliable, longlife motors of a type for
which planetary gear is unnecessary. Normal working
torque is obtained even at a very modest hydraulic
DHR 48H68-3
pressure. The potential working pressure, however, is
much greater, offering a good margin for more deman-
ding work situations. Engine speed and rotation direction
are easy to set on all motors, and the superior design gives
both quiet operation and minimal maintenance. There are
two well-proven sizes of reduction gear with various gear
combinations to suit all DHR series motor versions.
They are extremely strong, and designed for simple
and easy mounting.
Technical data
Operative data, hydraulically powered rotation units
Type
DHR 48H56 DHR 48H68
Length
1
, mm 534/888 550/904
Weights
1
, kg 164/240 166/242
Drill tube connection
API Reg Female 2
3
/8/ 3 2
3
/8/ 3
Drive motors qty 2 2
Drive motor type OMSS160 OMSS250
Drilling performance
2
Torque, max (Nm) 3,900 5,100
Press drop, max (bar) 210 175
Speed, max (rpm)
3
107 68
Flow, max (l/min) 150 150
1
With fixed adapter/floating adapter
2
With mineral oil. For other oils ask for information
3
Not in combination with max torque
ITH DRILLING EQUIPMENT
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 105
Hammer types
Type Std QM Slim*
COP 34
COP 44
COP 54
COP 54 GE
COP 64 G
* Reduced hammer OD
Technical data
Hammer COP 34 COP 44 COP 54 COP 54 Gold Express COP 64 Gold
Length excl. thread 954 mm 37.55 in 958 mm 37.72 in 1069 mm 42.08 in 1119 mm 44.1 in 1163 mm 45.78 in
External diameter 83.5 mm 3.28 in 98 mm 3.86 in 120 mm 4.72 in 120 mm 4.72 in 142 mm 5.59 in
External diameter QM 126 mm 4.96 in 126 mm 4.96 in 146 mm 5.75 in
Hammer weight 27 kg 60 lbs 38 kg 84 lbs 57 kg 126 lbs 66 kg 145 lbs 96 kg 212 lbs
Hammer weight QM 67 kg 148 lbs 76 kg 167 lbs 109 kg 241 lbs
Piston diameter 68 mm 2.67 in 78 mm 3.07 in 100 mm 3.93 in 100 mm 3.93 in 120 mm 4.72 in
Piston weight 4.8 kg 10.7 lbs 7.1 kg 16 lbs 12.5 kg 28 lbs 15 kg 33 lbs 20.5 kg 45 lbs
Recommended bit size 92-105 mm 3
5
/
8
-4
1
/
8
in 110-125 mm 4
5
/
16
-5 in 134-152 mm 5
1
/
4
-6 in 134-152 mm 5.3-6 in 156-178 mm 6
1
/
8
-7 in
Rec. bit size QM 140-152 mm 5
1
/
4
-6 in 140-152 mm 5.5-6 in 165-178 6
1
/
2
-7 in
Rec. bit size Slim 130-152 mm 5.1-6.0 in 152-178 mm 6-7 in
Bit shank COP 34 IR DHD340 IR DHD350 IR QL 50 IR QL 60
Top sub thread 2
3
/
8
" API Reg 2
3
/
8
" API Reg 2
3
/
8
" API Reg 3
1
/
2
" API Reg 3
1
/
2
" API Reg
Optional thread
connection 3
1
/
2
" API Reg 2
7
/
8
" API Reg 3
1
/
2
" API IF
Wrench flat
2
3
/
8
" API Reg 65 mm 2.6 in 65 mm 2.6 in 65 mm 2.6 in
2
7
/
8
" API Reg 95 mm 3.7 in 65 mm 2.6 in
3
1
/
2
" API Reg 95 mm 3.7 in 102 mm 4.0 in
3
1
/
2
" API Reg (QM) 102 mm 4.0 in 102 mm 4.0 in 102 mm 4.0 in
Feed force 3-12 kN 700-2500 lbs 5-15 kN 1100-3300 lbs 6-17 kN 1300-3700 lbs 6-19 kN 1300-4100 lbs 7-20 kN 1600-4400 lbs
Feed force, normal 6 kN 1300 lbs 10 kN 2200 lbs 12 kN 2600 lbs 14 kN 2600 lbs 14 kN 3100 lbs
Working pressure 6-25 bar 87-360 psi 6-25 bar 87-360 psi 6-25 bar 87-360 psi 6-25 bar 87-360 psi 12-30 bar 174-430 psi
Rotation speed 30-90 r/min 25-80 r/min 20-70 r/min 20-70 r/min 25-60 r/min
Standard design Ideal for water well drilling, blast hole drilling and civil engineering projects.
QM design Designed for abrasive and demanding applications. The QM hammer features a larger overall diameter, in turn
allowing for thicker walls and, ultimately, a longer service life. Its also equipped with reversing back-out buttons,
protecting the top sub from wear.
Slim design The Slim version is designed for non to medium-abrasive formations, using a smaller bit diameter than
recommended for the standard hammer OD. The Slim design allows an oversized hammer to drill the hole,
thereby optimizing performance.
A
i
r

c
o
n
s
u
m
p
t
i
o
n
Working pressure
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
(l/s)
10 15 20 25 30 (bar)
COP 44 COP 54 COP 64 GOLD COP 54 GOLD EXPRESS COP 34
150 450 200 250 300 350 400 (psi)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
(cfm)
Air consumption/Working pressure
ITH DRILLING EQUIPMENT
106 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING


Bit designs
Hammers
COP 34 * * * *
COP 44 * * * *
COP 54 * * * *
COP 64 Gold * * * *
Flat front HD SpeedBit
Convex/Ballistic
front design
Concave front
design
Adapter Drill pipe Crossover ITH Hammer Bit Rotation unit
1 DHR 48H56-3
DHR 48H56-6
API 3 " Reg Box

API 3 " Reg Pin x 2
3
8" Reg Box
L =120 mm
310-2114-14-012-01,D00-41

COP 44 Std, API 2
3
8" Reg Pin
9704-03-00
COP 54 Std, API 3 " Reg Pin
9705-03-04
COP 54 GE Std, API 3 " Reg Pin
9705-05-34
COP 54 GE QM, API 3 " Reg Pin
9705-05-36
COP 64 Gold Std, API 3 " Reg Pin
9706-05-34
COP 64 Gold QM, API 3 " Reg Pin
9706-05-36
110-130 mm
134-152 mm
134-152 mm
140-152 mm
156-203 mm
165-203 mm
OD = 89 mm
Wall = 6.3 mm
L = 1500 mm
210-089-0150-B41-L0,40-05
or
L = 1800 mm
210-089-0180-B41-L0,40-06
API 2
3
8" Reg

Not needed
2
3
8" Reg Pin x 3 " Reg Box
L = 220 mm
314-2114-10-022-01-D00,41

Simba
Diam. mm
Diam. inch
Hammers
COP 34
COP 44
COP 54/
COP 54 GE
COP 64 Gold

Bit dimensions
90
3
9
/16
92
3
5
/8
95
3
3
/4
100
4
105
4
1
/7
110
4
1
/3
115
4
1
/2
125
5
130
5
1
/8
134
5
2
/7
140
5
1
/2
146
5
3
/4
149
5
6
/7
152
6
156
6
1
/7
165
6
1
/2
178
7
* * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * *
*Standard dimension *Restricted use only
ITH Drillsting specication
ITH Drilling equipment
Rocket bit
HYDRAULIC FEEDS
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 107
Rod Handling System RHS 17, 27 and 35
Rod handling system for mechanized handling of extension
rods and drill tubes on Simba underground production
drill rigs.
Features
The mechanized rod handling system relieves the operator
from heavy lifting work and is therefore an essential
feature for maintaining high productivity.
The RHS system for mounting on Atlas Copco Simba
production drill rigs is available in three types RHS 17,
RHS 27 and RHS 35 and can be used when drilling in all
directions.
RHS 17 has a storage capacity in the carousel of 17 rods.
Together with the rod in the feed, hole depth up to 22, 27.5
or 33 m is possible with rod length 4, 5 or 6 ft respectively.
RHS 17 is available in versions for Speedrod

R32, T38,
T45 and T51, or for drilltube diameter 64 mm.
RHS 27 has a storage capacity in the carousel of 27 rods.
Together with the rod in the feed, hole depth up to 34, 43 or
RHS 27
Technical data RHS 17 RHS 27 RHS 35
Rod diameters, mm 32, 38, 45, 51 32, 38, 45, 51 N/A
Tube diameters, mm 64 64, 76, 87, 89 89
Feed type
BMH 214
BMH 224
BMH 215
BMH 225
BMH 216
BMH 226
BMH 244 BMH 245
BMH 235
BMH 246
BMH 356
BMH 235 BMH 236
Rod/tube length, mm (ft) 1 220 (4) 1 525 (5) 1 830 (6) 1 220 (4) 1 525 (5) 1 830 (6) 1 500 (5) 1 875 (6)
No. of rods/tubes 17 + 1 27 + 1 35 + 1
Max. hole depth, m (ft) 22 (72) 27.5 (90) 33 (108) 34 (112) 43 (141) 51 (167) 54 (177) 66 (216)
Total weight, excl rods, kg 548 569 580 568 584 600 734 750
51 m is possible with rod length 4, 5 or 6 ft respectively.
RHS 27 is available in versions for Speedrod

R32, T38,
T45 and T51, or for drilltube diameter 64, 76, 87 and 89 mm.
RHS 35 has a storage capacity in the carousel of 35 rods.
Together with the rod in the feed, hole depth up to 55 or
66 m is possible with rod length 5 or 6 ft respectively.
RHS 35 is available in versions for drill tube diameter
89 mm. Available for ITH Simba drill rigs only.
On Simba RCS controlled rigs the system controls drilling
and rod handling. It enables the operator to start a drill
hole and then leave the machine to complete the hole to
a preprogrammed depth, after which it restores the drill
rods into the carousel. In the meantime, the operator can
attend to other tasks.
The RHS 17, 27 and RHS 35 are deliverad for left-hand side
assembly.
HYDRAULIC FEEDS
108 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Hydraulic Feeds BMH 200-series
BMH 200-series
The feeds are specially designed for high precision long-
hole drilling and are available for either tophammer drilling
or ITH drilling. The double-bottom feed beam, made of ex-
truded aluminium, withstands high torsional and bending
stresses. The double-action hydraulic cylinder, with its direct
coupling to the cradle, gives smoother and steady move-
ment of the rock drill. Thanks to replaceable wear pads
and easily adjustable cradle, centring of the rock drill can
be maintained without diffculty. All surfaces exposed to
wear are protected by stainless-steel guide sleeves
Tophammer drilling BMH 210, 220 and 240
BMH 210-series are intended for COP 1838 rock drills.
BMH 220-series are intended for COP 2550UX rock drills.
BMH 240-series are intended for COP 4050MUX.
ITH drilling BMH 230
BMH 230-series is intended for COP 34, 44, 54 or 64 ITH
hammers
Drill steel support BSH 55 (tophammer drilling)
The feeds are equipped with BSH 55 hydraulic drill steel
support, which works with one pair of clamping cylinders.
The support centralizes and guides the drill string during
collaring and guides it during drilling. It grips the drill rod
when breaking the joints and holds the drill string safely
in place during rod handling. The clamping cylinders have
piston rod-end pieces which are available for different
types of drill tubes/rods.
Rod breaker BSH 65 (ITH drilling)
The feeds are equipped with BSH 65 hydraulic rod breaker,
which works with two pairs of clamping cylinders and a
breaking cylinder. The rod breaker serves a dual purpose:
It guides the drill string during collaring. It also guides the
drill string during drilling. It breaks the threaded joint
between the rotation unit and the drill tube during drilling,
BMH 215
BMH 235
and breaks the threaded joints between the tubes in the
drill string when they are withdrawn from the hole. The
clamping cylinders have piston rod-end pieces which are
available for different types of drill tubes/rods. A special
rod breaker version is available for slot drilling.
Specications
Type Rod

mm
length

ft
Total
length
mm
Weight

kg
Weight
excl. rock
drill kg
COP 1838
214 1220 4 3160 510 698
215 1525 5 3465 535 716
216 1830 6 3770 560 734
214X* 1220 4 3365 510 748
215X* 1525 5 3670 535 766
216X* 1830 6 3975 560 784
COP 2550UX
224X* 1220 4 3365 510 748
225X* 1525 5 3670 535 766
226X* 1830 6 3975 560 784
COP 4050
244 1220 4 3390 510 698
245 1525 5 3695 535 716
246 1830 6 4000 560 734
244X* 1220 4 3590 510 748
245X* 1525 5 3895 535 766
246X* 1830 6 4200 560 789
* additional X = extractor device for rock drill (backhammering unit)
COP 34, 44, 54, 64
235 1875 6.1 3200 535 930
236 1875 6.1 3510 560 948
235X* 1500 6.1 3500 535 930
236X* 1875 6.1 3810 560 948
* additional X = oating sub on rotation unit
DRILL RIG OPTIONS
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 109
Angle Reading Instruments ARI 6C, 157C and 1257C
The working menu presents the rotation angle and the lookout
angle. Hole depth measurements is option (ARI 6C).
The working menu Production Drilling presents the rotation
angle, feed angle and horizontal angle (ARI 157C).
ARI 6C is a system that indicates the feeder direction.
This system indicates the rotation angle and lookout angle.
The system is also available with hole depth measurement
(option). With this option the hole depth that has been
reached and also the drilling rate in metres per minute
are shown instantaneously on the display.
The rotation angle can show values between 0 and 360
degrees. Theoretically, the lookout angle can have a value
between -180 and +180 degrees, but the angle is limited
mechanically to smaller values.
The working menu also shows the direction in which the
angular value in question is to rise (positive direction).
This is shown by means of symbols in the upper right-hand
corner of the menu where the arrow in the symbols indi-
cates the positive direction. If the system is equipped for
hole depth measurement (option), the measured hole depth
is presented numerically in metres. While drilling is in pro-
gress, the drilling rate is also shown along a ruler gradu-
ated in metres per minute. When drilling is interrupted,
the position of the rock drill cradle is shown instead.
The system includes different menus for setting sensor
values, zero point for rotation direction and lookout direction.
The system also includes diagnostic fault indication and
fault nding.
ARI 157 is an electronic angle indication system. A display
screen on the control panel shows feeder angles in rela-
tion to the rig or another selected direction (reference
direction). The directional control is adapted to the
BUT 4 boom.
The working menu Production Drilling shows three
different angles:
Rotation angle (shown in relation to the defned zero
point).
Feed angle (shown if the rotation angle is less than +/- 75
degrees from the vertical plane).
Horizontal angle (shown when the feed angle is not shown,
that is when the feeder rotates to the closest horizontal
position).
The working menu Production Drilling also shows infor-
mation on which rotation direction and lookout direction
should generate increasing angle values. This is shown
using symbols in the right hand corner of the menu, where
the arrow in the symbols indicates a positive direction.
The system has a number of menus for viewing, setting
and calibration of different sensors. A diagnostic fault indi-
cation and fault nding system is also included. User menu
to defne the password when required. ARI 157C also con-
tains a working menu for Drift Drilling.
ARI 1257 is an electronic angle indication system.
Besides the same functionality as ARI 157 the ARI 1257
also has the possibility to show the distance between
the feed and the rig in the working menu.
The Angle Reading Instruments are electronic indication
systems used on the production drill rigs Simba 157 and
Simba 250/1250 series.
Visit www.atlascopco.com/cmt for more information
SECOROC GRINDING
110 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
A machine for every occasion
A useful tip: use a Secoroc grinding
template, and youll see when its
time for a regrind.
* Can be used for ODEX pilot bits and reaming bits. Recommended Can be used
Grinding machine
Button
bits
DTH/COPROD
bits
Reaming
bits
Cross-type
bits
Integrals
Grind Matic BQ2
Grind Matic Jazz
Grind Matic Manual B
Grind Matic HG
Grind Matic BQ2-DTH
Grind Matic Manual B-DTH*
Grind Matic X
Grind Matic Swing
Grind Matic Senior
Every regrinding operation requires its own special tool. The wrong one can easily damage your bits.
With Secoroc Grind Matic grinding equipment complemented by a global service organization
you neednt worry. Your bits will soon be as good as new.
The right tools to get you back on the cutting edge
SECOROC GRINDING
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 111
Grind Matic BQ2-DTH
Semi-automatic grinding machine
for DTH- and COPROD bits
Grinding capacity
Maximum height of drill bit 650 mm (2'1
5
8")
Maximum diameter of drill bit 178 mm (7")
Minimum distance between buttons 3,5 mm (
9
64")
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Air pressure, min. 4 bar (58 psi)
Air consumption 40 l/min
Capacity of cooling-uid tank 22 l
Output, spindle motor 3,00 kW
Output, table drive motor 0,15 kW
Output, coolant pump motor 0,10 kW
Speed, spindle 14900 r/min
Speed, table (50 Hz) 22 r/min
Speed, table (60 Hz) 26 r/min
Voltage working lighting 12 V
Weight, excluding packaging 345 kg (760 lb)
Transport dimension L 120 x W 120 x H 170 mm
(4" x 4" x 6")
Accessories included in delivery
Coolant concentrate, 0,5 l
Grinding templates, spherical and ballistic
Puller
Protective goggles
Operators instructions and spare parts list
Electrical
specications Prod. No. Prod. code
220 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87003901 3900-49
220 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87003904 3900-60
380 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87003900 3900-52
415 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87003902 3900-54
415 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87003905 3900-62
440 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87003906 3900-63
NOTE:
Grind Matic BQ2-DTH must be completed with
grinding wheels, centring cups and bitholders
(indicate button size, bit diameter and type of
hammer).
Optional accessories Prod. No. Prod. code
- Auxiliary set for grinding
threaded bits (excl.
bitholder and templates) 87003939 9500-3939
Grind Matic BQ2
Semi-automatic grinding machine
for button bits
Grinding capacity
Maximum height of drill bit 200 mm (7
7
8")
Maximum diameter of drill bit 127 mm (5")
Maximum bit skirt diameter 120 mm (4.75")
Minimum distance
between buttons 3,5 mm (
9
64")
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Air pressure, min. 4 bar (58 psi)
Air consumption 40 l/min
Capacity of cooling-fluid tank 22 l
Output, spindle motor 1,00 kW
Output, driving plate motor 0,15 kW
Output, coolant pump motor 0,10 kW
Speed, spindle 14900 r/min
Speed, table (50 Hz) 46 r/min
Speed, table (60 Hz) 55 r/min
Voltage working lighting 12 V
Weight, excluding packaging 222 kg (490 Ib)
Transport dimension L 173 x W 103 x H 116 mm
(6" x 4" x 4
5
8")
Accessories included in delivery
Allen key, 8 mm (1 piece)
Centring cup
Centring device (1 piece)
Coolant concentrate, 0,5 l
Grinding templates, spherical and ballistic
Grinding wheel, uncoated for centering
Protective goggles
Operators instructions and spare parts list
Electrical
specications Prod. No. Prod. code
220 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87003801 3800-49
220 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87003805 3800-60
380 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87003800 3800-52
415 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87003802 3800-54
415 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87003804 3800-62
440 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87003806 3800-63

NOTE:
Grind Matic BQ2 must be completed with grinding
wheels, centring cups, bitholders (indicate button
size and thread dimension) and indexing templates.
Grinding
Rig-mounted, semi-automatic
grinding machine for tapered,
threaded, DTH- and COPROD bits
Grinding capacity
Maximum distance between bit holder
and grinding wheel 250 mm (9
7
8")
Maximum diameter of drill bit 254 mm (10")
Minimum diameter of drill bit 35 mm (1
3
8")
Minimum distance between buttons 3,5 mm (
9
64")
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Air pressure, min. 6 bar (87 psi)
Air consumption 25 l/s
Coolant container 3 l
Output, spindle motor 1,00 kW
Speed, spindle 15000 r/min
Voltage 24 V
Weight, excluding packaging 90 kg (198 lb)
Transport dimension L 800 x W 500 x H 700 mm
(2'7" x 1'7
5
8" x 2'3")
Accessories included in delivery
Box wrench, 11 mm
Box wrench, 16 mm
Grinding gauge
Protective goggles
Operator's instructions and spare parts list
NOTE:
Grind Matic Jazz must be completed with grinding
wheels, centring cups, bitholders and indexing
templates.
Optional accessories Prod. No. Prod. code
- Anti-freeze kit 87004315 9500-4315
- Main bit holder for DTH/
COPROD bits 87004268 9500-4268
- Main bit holder
for threaded bits 87004214 9500-4214
- Mounting bracket
for Atlas Copco drill rig
- with cabin 87004388 9500-4388
- without cabin 87004456 9500-4456
- 3-leg stand 87004450 9500-4450
- Centring tool 87004465 9500-4465
Grind Matic Jazz, std Prod. No. Prod. code
87004100 9500-4100
incl. main bit holder for threaded bits
Grind Matic Jazz, DTH Prod. No. Prod. code
87004300 9500-4300
incl. main bit holder for DTH/COPROD bits
Grind Matic Jazz
SECOROC GRINDING
112 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Grinding
Grind Matic HG Grind Matic Manual B-DTH
Hand-held grinding machine
for button bits
Grinding capacity
Button size 720 mm
(
9
32"
25
32")
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Air consumption, unloaded 50 l/s
Air consumption, loaded (at 6 bar, 86 psi) 42 l/s
Hose dimension, air 12,5 mm (")
Hose dimension, water 6,3 mm (")
Idling speed 17000 r/min
Water ushing pressure, max. 4,5 bar (65.3 psi)
Weight, excluding hoses 2,8 kg (6.2 Ib)
Accessories included in delivery
Adjustable angle connector
Allen key, 2 mm
Allen key, 3 mm
Allen key, 5 mm
Claw coupling (6,3 mm)
Grease gun
Grinding templates, spherical and ballistic
Hose (PVC 03)
Hose (PVC 6; L = 0,1 m)
Hose clamp (78,5 mm)
Hose clamp (1113 mm)
Hose clamp (2638 mm)
Nipple
Pipe (L = 0,3 m)
Seal kit
Seat
Support ring
Operators instructions and spare parts list
Optional accessories Prod. No. Prod. code
- Lubricator 87002750 9500-2750
- Reconditioning tool
for grinding cups 87002810 9500-2810
Grind Matic HG Prod. No. Prod. code
87002435 9542
Hand-held portable grinding machine
for DTH bits
Grinding capacity
Maximum height of drill bit 506 mm (1'7
7
8")
Maximum diameter of drill bit 203 mm (8")
Maximum diameter of bit shank 170 mm (6")
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Air consumption (incl. gauge grinding) 25 l/s
Air consumption (excl. gauge grinding) 23 l/s
Coolant container 10 l
Dimension of grinding belt 50 x 1500 mm (2" x 4'11")
Idling speed of hand-held grinder 18000 r/min
Speed of bit rotation 045 r/min
Weight, excluding packaging 110 kg (253 lb)
Weight, including packaging 148 kg (326 lb)
Weight of gauge grinding unit, net 27,5 kg (60.6 lb)
Weight of gauge grinding unit, gross 35 kg (77.2 lb)
Transport dimension L 1200 x W 800 x H 940 mm
(3'11" x 2'7" x 3'1")
Accessories included in delivery
Allen key, 5 mm
Allen key, 6 mm
Centring ngers (4 pcs)
Grinding belt (4 pcs)*
Grinding templates, spherical and ballistic
Hand-held grinder (spherical, 18000 r/min)
Open end spanner, 14 mm (2 pcs)
Protective goggles
Operators instructions and spare parts list
*) When ordering gauge grinding unit,
Product No. 87002302 / Product code 9500-2302.
NOTE: Grind Matic Manual B-DTH must be
completed with grinding wheels and bitholders.
Optional accessories Prod. No. Prod. code
- Gauge grinding unit
complete 87002302 9500-2302
- Grinding belt for gauge
grinding (set of 10 pcs) 87002399 9500-2399
- Centring ngers
(set of 5 pcs),
30000 r/min 87001935 9500-1935
- Clamping device
for threaded bits 87002401 9500-2401
Grind Matic Prod. No. Prod. code
Manual B-DTH 87002300 9425
Grind Matic Manual B
Hand-held portable grinding machine
for button bits
Grinding capacity
Maximum diameter of bit skirt 90 mm (3
9
16")
Threaded bits, maximum diameter 127 mm (5")
Retrac, maximum diameter 127 mm (5")*
Tube drilling, maximum diameter 152 mm (6")*
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Air consumption 15 l/s
Coolant container 10 l
Idling speed of hand-held grinder 30000 r/min
Speed of bit rotation 045 r/min
Weight, excluding packaging 55 kg (121.3 Ib)
Weight, including packaging 90 kg (198.4 Ib)
Transport dimension L 1200 x W 800 x H 850 mm
(3'11" x 2'7" x 2'9")
* Large clamping device necessary
Accessories included in delivery
Allen key, 4 mm
Centring ngers (4 pcs)
Grinding templates, spherical and ballistic
Hand-held grinder, 30000 r/min
Open end spanner, 14 mm (2 pcs)
Protective goggles
Operators instructions and spare parts list
NOTE:
Grind Matic Manual B must be completed with
grinding wheels and bitholders.
Optional accessories Prod. No. Prod. code
- Vibration absorbing
sleeve to t the
hand-held grinder 87001931 9500-1931
- Set of 5 centring ngers 87001935 9500-1935
Grind Matic Manual B Prod. No. Prod. code
87001890 9424
SECOROC GRINDING
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 113
Grinding
Grind Matic X
Grinding machine for cross-type bits
Grinding capacity
Maximum diameter of cross-type bit 64 mm (2
17
/32")
Technical data Grind Matic X (380 V, 50 Hz)
Output 1,70 kW
Idling speed, 50 Hz 1400 r/min
Idling speed, 60 Hz 1680 r/min
Output, grinding device 0,37 kW
Automatic grinding action, 50 Hz 117 strokes/min
Automatic grinding action, 60 Hz 140 strokes/min
Grinding wheel, frontal grinding:
Maximum diameter 300 mm (11
13
16")
Maximum width 68 mm (2
11
16")
Grinding wheel, gauge grinding:
Diameter 300 mm (11
13
16")
Width 32 mm (1")
Weight, excluding packaging 235 kg (518 Ib)
Weight, including packaging 360 kg (794 Ib)
Accessories included in delivery
Flange washer
Grinding template, cross-type bit
Mandrel, complete
Protective goggles
Wheel dresser
Wheel dressing template, cross-type bit
Operators instructions and spare parts list
Electrical
specications Prod. No. Prod. code
220 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87002499 9502-49
220 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002507 2507
380 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87000608 9502-52
380 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002508 9502-61
415 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87002502 9525
415 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002509 9502-62
440 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002510 9502-63
Grind Matic Senior Grind Matic Swing
Grinding machine for integrals
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Cutting-edge angle, adjustable 90130
Grinding wheel
- D x T x H 200 x 102 x 32 mm (7
7
8" x 4" x 1)
- DI x TI 150 x 80 mm (5
7
8" x 3
5
32")
- Cutting-edge radius, adjustable 80-130 mm (3
5
32"5
1
8")
Idling speed, electric 50 Hz 2840 r/min
Idling speed, electric 60 Hz 1690 r/min
Output 3-phase 1,50 kW
Rod hex. max. 25 mm (1")
Weight excluding packaging 105 kg (232 lb)
Weight including packaging 120 kg (265 lb)
Transport dimension L 800 x W 600 x H 650 mm
(2'7" x 1'11
5
8" x 2'1
5
8")
Accessories included in delivery
Grease gun
Grinding template
Grinding wheel, Grind Master Hard
Protective goggles
Socket wrench
Wrench
Operators instructions and spare parts list
Electrical
specications Prod. No. Prod. code
220 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87002485 9511-49
220 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002493 9427
380 V 3-phase 50 Hz 87135402 9511-52
380 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002494 9428
415 V 3-phase 50 HZ 87002488 9519
415 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002495 9511-62
440 V 3-phase 60 Hz 87002496

Optional accessories Prod. No. Prod. code
- Grinding wheels
Grind Master Hard 87002591 9552
Grind Master Soft 87002813 9500-2813
- Spacer plate
for H19 integral 87000519 9500-0519
- Chuck bushing wear guage
H19 (0.75") 90002667 9131
H22 (0.85") 90002668 9132
H25 (1") 90002669 9133
Grinding machine for integrals
Technical data
Air pressure, max. 7 bar (101.5 psi)
Air consumption (at 6 bar, 86 psi) 25 l/s
Cutting-edge angle 110
Cutting-edge radius 80 mm (3
5
32")
Gauge grinding arrangement included
Hose connections:
- Air 12,5 mm (")
- Water 6,3 mm (")
Idling speed 4080 r/min
Power output 1,10 kW
Size of grinding wheel
- D x T x H 125 x 63 x 32 mm (47/8" x 215/32" x 1")
- DI x TI 80 x 50 mm (3
5
/32" x 2")
Spindle diameter 16 mm (
5
/8")
Weight incl. grinding wheel and
1,5 m water hose 27,5 kg (61 lb)
Accessories included in delivery
Grinding template
Grinding wheel Grind Master Soft
Pin wrench
Protective goggles
Operators instructions and spare parts list
Optional accessories Prod. No. Prod. code
- Grinding wheel
Grind Master Hard 87002589 9550
- Grinding wheel
Grind Master Soft 87002811 9500-2811
- Chuck bushing wear gauge
H19 (0,75") 90002667 9131
H22 (0,85") 90002668 9132
H25 (1") 90002669 9133
Grind Matic Swing Prod. No. Prod. code
87002482 9544
SECOROC GRINDING
114 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Dimension, mm Product No. Product code
7,0 87002566 9500-2566
8,0 87002567 9500-2567
9,0 87002568 9500-2568
10,0 87002569 9500-2569
11,0 87002570 9500-2570
12,0 87002571 9500-2571
13,0 87002572 9500-2572
14,0 87002573 9500-2573
15,0 87002574 9500-2574
16,0 87002575 9500-2575
18,0 87002576 9500-2576
20,0 87002577 9500-2577
7,0 87002579 9500-2579
8,0 87002580 9500-2580
9,0 87002581 9500-2581
10,0 87002582 9500-2582
11,0 87002583 9500-2583
12,0 87002584 9500-2584
13,0 87002585 9500-2585
14,0 87002586 9500-2586
15,0 87002587 9500-2587
16,0 87002588 9500-2588
78 87002700 9500-2700
910 87002701 9500-2701
1112 87002702 9500-2702
1314 87002703 9500-2703
1516 87002704 9500-2704
1718 87002840 9500-2840
1920 87002841 9500-2841
Diamond grinding cups for
Grind Matic HG
For spherical button bits
For ballistic button bits
For button bit steel removal
Grinding wheels for steel grinding
Boron nitride button bits
Grind Matic BQ2
Dimension Product No. Product code
1014 mm 87001530 9500-1530
Spacer for 10 mm button 87001631 9500-1631
Spacer for 11 mm button 87001632 9500-1632
Spacer for 12 mm button 87001633 9500-1633
Spacer for 13 mm button 87001634 9500-1634
Spacer for 14 mm button 87001635 9500-1635
Centring cups for
Grind Matic BQ2/BQ2-DTH
For button size Product No. Product code
7,0 mm 87001040 9500-1040
8,0 mm 87000842 9500-0842
9,0 mm 87001047 9500-1047
10,0 mm 87001041 9500-1041
11,0 mm 87000840 9500-0840
12,0 mm 87001042 9500-1042
12,7 mm 87000839 9500-0839
13,0 mm 87001385 9500-1385
14,0 mm 87001043 9500-1043
14,5 mm 87001443 9500-1443
15,0 mm 87001386 9500-1386
16,0 mm 87001387 9500-1387
18,0 mm 87003943 9500-3943
19,0 mm 87003944 9500-3944
SECOROC GRINDING
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 115
8
9
1 0
1
0
, 9
5
1
2
, 7
1
4
,5
7
M
in
.
0
,5
Regrind when at
is 173 of button dia.
D
D/3
Dimension, mm Product No. Product code
Spherical
7 87001028 9500-1028
8 87001026 9500-1026
9 87001389 9500-1389
10 87001023 9500-1023
11 87003406 9500-3406
12 87001024 9500-1024
13 87001339 9500-1339
14 87001025 9500-1025
15 87001384 9500-1384
16 87001027 9500-1027
18 87003964 9500-3964
19 87003966 9500-3966
Ballistic
7 87003407 9500-3407
8 87003408 9500-3408
9 87003409 9500-3409
10 87003410 9500-3410
11 87003411 9500-3411
12 87003412 9500-3412
13 87003413 9500-3413
14 87003414 9500-3414
15 87003415 9500-3415
16 87003416 9500-3416
18 87003965 9500-3965
19 87003967 9500-3967
Standard diamond-grain wheels
Grinding templates for button bits
Large diamond-grain wheels
Dimension, mm Product No. Product code
Spherical
9 87003969 9500-3969
10 87003970 9500-3970
11 87003971 9500-3971
12 87003972 9500-3972
13 87003973 9500-3973
Ballistic
9 87003974 9500-3974
10 87003975 9500-3975
11 87003976 9500-3976
12 87003977 9500-3977
Grind Matic Manual B-DTH

(with the 18 000 rpm grinder)
Diamond grinding wheels for button bits
Grind Matic BQ2
Grind Matic BQ2-DTH
Grind Matic Jazz
Grind Matic Manual B
Grind Matic Manual B-DTH
Dimension, mm Product No. Product code
Spherical
10 87002033 9500-2033
11 87002042 9500-2042
12 87002043 9500-2043
13 87002044 9500-2044
14 87002045 9500-2045
15 87002046 9500-2046
16 87002032 9500-2032
18 87002097 9500-2097
19 87002174 9500-2174
Product No. Product code
Button bits, spherical 90002944 9104
Button bits, ballistic 90503414 9105
Button bits DTH, spherical 90510753 9129
Button bits DTH, ballistic 90510758 9130
SECOROC GRINDING
116 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Bitholders for button bits
Grind Matic BQ2, Jazz and BQ
Product No. Product code
Threaded bits
Holder R25 87003475 9500-3475
Holder R28 87003476 9500-3476
Holder SR28 87003960 9500-3960
Holder R32 87003477 9500-3477
Holder SR32 87003962 9500-3962
Holder SR35 87003956 9500-3956
Holder R38, T38 87003478 9500-3478
Holder SR38 87003978 9500-3978
Holder SR38 retrac, guide 87004081 9500-4081
Holder T45 87003479 9500-3479
Holder T51 87003521 9500-3521
Holder T51 retrac 87003688 9500-3688
Tube bits
Holder ST58 87003522 9500-3522
Holder ST68 87003523 9500-3523
Tapered bits
Holder 7 taper 87003524 9500-3524
Holder 12 taper 87003525 9500-3525
Reaming bits
Holder 64, 76 and 89 mm reamer 87003526 9500-3526
Holder 89,102 and 127 mm reamer 87003527 9500-3527
Guide bits
Holder SR35 guide bit 87004056 9500-4056
Holder R32 guide bit 87003992 9500-3992
By using the auxiliary set part 87003939 (Product No.) / 9500-3939 (Product code),
Grind Matic BQ2-DTH can also use the above bit holders for threaded bits.
Product No. Product code
Threaded bit
R25 87000792 9500-0792
R28 87000793 9500-0793
R32 87001848 9500-1848
R32 87000794 9500-0794
SR28 87003961 9500-3961
SR35 87003957 9500-3957
R35 87003360 9500-3360
R38/T38 87000795 9500-0795
T45 87000796 9500-0796
T51 87000802 9500-0802
Tapered bit
with 7 taper 87001044 9500-1044
with 12 taper 87001045 9500-1045
Tube bit
ST58 87001726 9500-1726
ST68 87001573 9500-1573
Reaming bit
64, 76, 89 mm
1)
87000798 9500-0798
89, 102, 127 mm
1)
87000799 9500-0799
1)
Centring pin for bitholders 9500-0798 and
9500-0799.
87001070 9500-1070
Clamping device for regrinding retrac bits 64127
mm and TDS bits 89152 mm (ST58, ST68) with-
out bitholder (to complete 87000772 / 9500-0772).
87001930 9500-1930
Grind Matic Manual B
(for clamping device compl. 87000772 / 9500-0772 Grind Matic B)
Down-the-hole bits
and COPROD bits
Inner diameter
bit holder, mm
Product No. Product code
COP 32 51,2 87002420 9500-2420
COP 34 54,7 87003691 9500-3691
COP 42 65,1 87002391 9500-2391
DHD3.5 55 87004514 9500-4514
DHD340 65,1 87002391 9500-2391
DHD350 84,4 87002390 9500-2390
DHD360 101,7 87002389 9500-2389
DHD380 129,2 87004523 9500-4523
IR QL4 69,0 87004515 9500-4515
IR QL5 88,6 87004033 9500-4033
IR QL6 106,3 87004002 9500-4002
IR QL8 136,5 87004516 9500-4516
TD90 145,9 87004516 9500-4516
Mission 5315 103,5 87004519 9500-4519
ODEX 90 87002683 9500-2683
ODEX 115 87002684 9500-2684
ODEX 140 87002685 9500-2685
ODEX 165 87002686 9500-2686
ODEX 190 87002687 9500-2687
COPROD 76 48,7 87004414 9500-4414
COPROD 89 54,7 87003155 9500-3155
COPROD 102 65,7 87004415 9500-4415
COPROD 127 82,2 87002396 9500-2396
Grind Matic Manual B-DTH only
Threaded bits* T38 87002148 9500-2148
Threaded bits* T45 87002149 9500-2149
Threaded bits* T51 87002147 9500-2147
Threaded bits* ST58 87002158 9500-2158
Threaded bits* ST68 87002154 9500-2154
*Clamping device for
threaded bits
87002401 9500-2401
Grind Matic BQ2-DTH and Manual B-DTH
SECOROC GRINDING
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 117
10
5
15
1
1
0

2
,4
m
m
3
/3
2
"
Skivvinkel
Wheel
1/4"
1/2"
3/4"
1/2" 1/4" 3/4" 1" 1 1/2"
Ceramic grinding wheels for cross-type bits
Grinding template for cross-type bits
Product No. Product code
Cross-type bits 90002611 9102
Bit dimension Dimension (D x T x H), mm Product No. Product code
29 mm 300 x 19 x 32 87002619 9500-2619
35 mm 300 x 23 x 32 87002594 9555
3841 mm 300 x 26 x 32 87002595 9556
43 mm 300 x 28 x 32 87002618 9579
45 mm 300 x 29 x 32 87002597 9558
4851 mm 300 x 32 x 32 87002616 9577
57 mm 300 x 38 x 32 87002600 9561
76 mm 300 x 52 x 32 87002603 9564
Gauge grinding wheels
200 x 13 x 32 87002613 9574
200 x 32 x 32 87002615 9576
40 30 10 20 0
10
5
15
1
1
0

3
m
m
1
/8
"
r = 8 0 m m 3 , 5 / 3 2 "
1/4"
1/2"
3/4"
Grinding machine
Dimension, mm
Product No. Product code
D x T x H (mm) DI x TI (mm)
Grind Matic Swing 125 x 63 x 32 80 x 50, hard 87002589 9550
125 x 63 x 32 80 x 50, soft 87002811 9500-2811
Grind Matic Senior 200 x 102 x 32 150 x 80, hard 87002591 9552
200 x 102 x 32 150 x 80, soft 87002813 9500-2813
Ceramic grinding wheels for chisel bit
Grinding template for Integral rods
Product No. Product code
Integral rods 90002610 9101
ROCK DRILL SPECIFICATIONS
118 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
RH 656W
A rock drill with a very fa-
vourable relation of high
penetration/low air con-
sumption. It has a robust
rie bar rotation mechanism
and ushing system with double concentric tubes.
The low weight makes the drill handy also as a sinker.
A T-handle can easily be tted instead of using a
pusher leg. Suitable pusher leg is BMK 62S.
Stopers BBD 46WS/WR (Falcon)
All-steel rock drills suitable for produc-
tion drilling, raise driving and bolting.
They have a robust ratchet wheel rota-
tion mechanism, short stroke and good
penetration rates in soft and medium-
hard rock. The large diameter piston
makes them very efcient even with
low air pressure. The WR version has
clockwise rotation and can be used for
nuts tightening when roof bolting.
BBD 94W (Panther)
High performance rock
drill for soft to hard rock.
It has ratchet wheel rotation
mechanism, short stroke and
high impact rate. It is also
efcient at low air pressure.
The pusher leg control is placed on the pusher leg itself.
Suitable pusher legs for BBD 94W are ALF 72D-1 and
72D, and ALF 67/80D.
BBC 34W (Leopard)
Highly efcient rock drill for
medium to hard rock. It has
a powerful rie bar rotation
mechanism, long stroke and
high impact energy. The
large diameter piston makes it very efcient even with
low air pressure. The pusher leg control is placed at the
backhead of the rock drill. Suitable pusher legs for BBC
34W are ALF 71-1 and 71, and ALF 67/80.
BBC 16W (Puma)
All-round rock drill which
suits most drilling appli-
cations. It has a robust rie
bar rotation mechanism, long
stroke and good penetration
rates in hard rock. The pusher leg control is placed at the
backhead of the rock drill. Suitable pusher legs for BBC
16W are BMHT 51-3 and 51, ALF 71-1 and 71, and ALF
67/80.
A reliable team of efcient pusher leg drills
Atlas Copco rock drills and rock drilling tools are an
unbeatable combination of high performance and
superior reliability. The pneumatic pusher leg drills
are characterized by low spare parts consumption and
minimum maintenance requirements. They are robust
but simply designed, with high impact energy and low air
consumption. The uniform high quality of materials and
manufacturing processes contribute to the long service
life of the machines. Together with the pusher legs the
rock drills form an attractive and cost effective drilling
unit. The pneumatic telescopic and double-telescopic
pusher legs are available in a number of versions. All
are of a simple, robust design for reliable operation and
minimum maintenance requirements.

Pusher legs
The pneumatic telescopic and double-telescopic pusher
legs are available in a number of versions. All are of a
simple, robust design for reliable operation and mini-
mum maintenance requirements.

Hole
range
mm
Description Stroke
length
mm
Weight

kg
Length

mm
Air requirement at
6 bar
1/s
Impact
frequency
Hz
Piston
bore
mm






BBC 16W
BBC 34W
BBD 94W
RH 656W

27 - 40
27 - 40
27 - 40
27 - 40

60
88
97
48

39
38
55
34

70
80
90
65

55
70
45
60

26
31
27
22

710
775
670
630



Air
consumption
at 6 bar*
l/s (cfm)
Rock drill
piston
bore
mm
Stroke
length

mm
Impact
rate
at 6 bar*
Hz
Rotation
rate
at 6 bar*
rev/sec
Feeding
length

mm
Length
retracted

mm
Length
retracted

mm
Length
extracted

mm
Feed
piston
bore
mm
Weight


kg
Description



BBD 46WS-6
BBD 46WS-8
BBD 46WR-6
BBD 46WR-8
75 (159)
75 (159)
75 (159)
75 (159)
75
75
75
75
45
45
45
45

51
51
49
49

4.0
4.0
6.5
6.5

770
970
770
970

1435
1650
1435
1650

2205
2620
2205
2620

75
75
75
75

39
40
39
40

Stopers
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 119
COMPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT
VAM water separators
VAM water separators are based on the centrifugal
principle. They feature automatic discharge via a
oat controlled bottom valve, and a coarse strainer
for solid particles.
8092 0110 82
Description Ordering No. Hose
connection
Air flow Weight
VAM 5A 25 1 120 254 10 22
Working pressure 10 bar (145 psi)
mm l/s kg lb cfm in
Water separators, fitted with claw couplings
BLG and CLG are highly effecient oil lubricators for
pneumatic equipment. Their simple, strong design
make the lubricators very resistant to rough handling.
BLG and CLG lubricators
Description Ordering No. Hose inner
diameter
Air flow Oil volume Weight
CLG 30, for both
mineral and
synthetic oil
BLG 30, for mineral
oil
25 1 15-140 32-300 1.3 0.3 3 6.6 8202 5102 39
25 1 15-140 32-300 1.3 0.3 3 6.6 8202 5102 05
Max working pressure 20 bar (290 psi)
mm l/s l gal lb kg cfm in
Lubricators, fitted with claw couplings
Description


Ordering No. Oil volume Weight

0.2 l bottle

1 l bottle
5 l container
25 l container
200 l barrel
0.2 0.04 0.24 0.53 8099 0202 40
1 0.22
5 1.1
1.1 2.4
5.8 13
28 62
220 485
8099 0202 36
8099 0202 02
8099 0202 20
8099 0202 28
l gal lb kg

25 5.5
200 44
Air oil, synthetic lubricant with excellent lubrication, anti-corrosion and anti-freezing properties
No moving parts contributes to safe and trouble-
free operation. The oil supply is easily adjusted
even during operation.
120 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
COMPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT
Description Ordering No. Thickness Max working
pressure
Inner
diameter
Weight Length
roll
Universal
Universal
9030 2015 00
9030 2011 00
mm in
20
3
/4
25 1
2.3
3
/32 20 290
20 290
20 65
20 65
4.5 10
6 13
mm in bar psi m ft kg lb
2.5
3
/32
Mantex flat hoses, pre-mounted hoses with fitted couplings and hose clamps
Hoses
The Atlas Copco rubber hose is ideal for all
applications and air lines in use on building and
construction sites, in mines, shipyards etc.
The Mantex fat hose is a lightweight hose,
weighing only 1/3 of a conventional rubber hose.
Description Ordering No. Outer
diameter
Max working
pressure
Inner
diameter
Weight Length
roll
Rubber hose, 30m
Rubber hose, 30m
Rubber hose, 30m
Rubber hose, 30m
Rubber hose, 20m
Rubber hose, 20m
Rubber hose, 30m
9030 2037 00
9030 2038 00
9030 2039 00
9030 2040 00
9030 2040 03
9030 2041 00
9030 2041 03
mm in
10
3
/8
12.5
1
/2
16
5
/8
17
11
/16 16 232
16 232
16 232
16 232
16 232
16 232
16 232
30 98
30 98
30 98
30 98
20 65
30 98
20 65
6.9 15.2
12.3 27.1
13.9 30.6
19.3 42.5
12.9 28.3
24.0 52.9
16.0 35.3
mm in bar psi m ft kg lb
22
5
/8
25 1
25 1
25 1
20
3
/4
20
3
/4
30 1
3
/16
30 1
3
/16
36 1
5
/16
36 1
5
/16
Round rubber, hose rolls
Description


Ordering No. Thickness Max working
pressure
Inner
diameter
Weight Length
roll
Lightweight hose, 60m
Lightweight hose, 100m
Lightweight hose, 200m
Lightweight hose, 60m
Lightweight hose, 100m
Lightweight hose, 200m
Lightweight hose, 60m
Lightweight hose, 60m
Lightweight hose, 40m
9030 2014 00
9030 2014 01
9030 2014 02
9030 2006 00
9030 2006 01
9030 2006 02
9030 2007 00
mm in
20
3
/4
20
3
/4
20
3
/4
2.3
3
/32 20 290
20 290
20 290
20 290
20 290
20 290
14 203
60 195
100 325
200 650
60 195
100 325
200 650
60 195
13 29
22 48
44 96
16 35
26 57
52 114
27 60
mm in bar psi m ft kg lb

2.3
3
/32
2.3
3
/32
25 1
40 1
1
/2
25 1
25 1
2.5
3
/32
2.5
3
/32
2.5
3
/32
2.5
3
/32
9030 2008 00 14 203 60 195 36 79 50 2 2.8
7
/64
9030 2009 00 10 145 40 130 36 79 76 3 3.0
1
/8
Mantex flat hoses, hose rolls
Max working pressure is calculated with safety factor 5. Burst pressure = 5 x Max working pressure
Description
for products
Ordering No. Outer
diameter
Max working
pressure
Inner
diameter
Weight Length
roll
Universal
Universal
Universal
9030 2045 00
9030 2049 00
9030 2050 00
mm in
12.5
1
/2
20
3
/4
25 1
22
5
/8 16 232
16 232
16 232
15 49
15 49
15 49
5.9 13
7.6 16.8
12 26.5
mm in bar psi m ft kg lb
30 1
3
/16
36 1
5
/16
Round rubber hoses, pre-mounted hoses fitted with couplings and hose clamps
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 121
COMPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT
Claw couplings
You will not nd a better claw coupling anywhere
with such a low pressure drop. And its strength and
life span are unsurpassed. The Atlas Copco
couplings are always easy to assemble and
dismantle. They are also available with a lock nut
to provide effective, reliable sealing even under
extreme conditions.
Hard treatment resistant
Made of galvanized drop-forged, hardened steel
All couplings mate, regardless of nipple and
thread size
Description Ordering No. Fit to coupling
ordering No.
9000....
Comment
Packing
Packing
Packing
Lock spring
9000 0000 00
9000 0015 00
9000 0268 00
3176 8640 00
0300 00 to
0314 00
0260 00 to
0262 00
0263 00 and
0264 00
Can be replaced by special
packing 9000 0000 01
Can be replaced by special
packing 9000 0319 00
Fits to all 9000 0300 00
to 9000 0314 00 couplings
Packings and lock spring for claw couplings
Special packings can be used in max. temp +200C (390F) steam and -40C to +250C
(-40F to +482F) air. Excellent for neutral and alkaline liquids (pH above 5)
Connection Ordering No. Bore Hose inner
diameter
Weight
Hose nipple
Hose nipple
Hose nipple
Hose nipple
Hose nipple
Hose nipple
Hose nipple with lock nut
Hose nipple with lock nut
Hose nipple with lock nut
9000 0308 00
9000 0309 00
9000 0310 00
9000 0311 00
9000 0312 00
9000 0313 00
9000 0260 00
mm in
6.3
1
/4
10.0
3
/8
12.5
1
/2
5.0
3
/16
8.0
5
/16
10.5
13
/32
13.5
17
/32
17.2
11
/16
22.0 7
/8
8.0 5
/16
0.11 0.25
0.13 0.29
0.14 0.31
0.14 0.31
0.15 0.33
0.17 0.38
0.29 0.64
mm in kg lb
25.0 1
10.0
3
/8
16.0
5
/8
20.0
3
/4
9000 0261 00 10.5 13
/32 0.29 0.64 12.5
1
/2
9000 0262 00 13.5 17
/32 0.29 0.64 16.0
5
/8
Hose nipple with lock nut 9000 0263 00 17.2 11
/16 0.32 0.71 20.0
3
/4
Hose nipple with lock nut 9000 0264 00 22.0 7
/8 0.32 0.71 25.0 1
Claw couplings
Connection Ordering No. Bore Connecting
thread
Weight
External thread
External thread
External thread
External thread
Internal thread
Internal thread
Internal thread
Internal thread
Cover
9000 0300 00
9000 0301 00
9000 0302 00
9000 0303 00
9000 0304 00
9000 0305 00
9000 0306 00
G
3
/8A
G
1
/2A
G
3
/4A
11.3
7
/16
14.8
37
/64
19.0
3
/4
25.5 1
15.0
19
/32
18.6
3
/4
24.2 1
0.11 0.25
0.12 0.27
0.13 0.29
0.13 0.29
0.12 0.27
0.13 0.29
0.14 0.31
mm in kg lb
G
1
/
2
G
3
/4
G1A
G
3
/8
9000 0307 00 30.3 1
3
/16 0.15 0.33 G1
9000 0314 00 0.18 0.40
Claw couplings
122 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
COMPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT
Hose
jointing
nipple
Hose
clamp


Connecting
nipples
External thread
Hose
clamp
Hose
nipple
Hose inner
diameter
Cup nut
Hexagonal
Cup nut
Wing

9000 0215 00
9000 0216 00
9000 0217 00
9000 0218 00
9000 0219 01
mm in
0347 6105 00
3
/8 10
1
/2 12.5
9000 0321 00
9000 0322 00
9000 0323 01
9000 0324 00
9000 0325 00
9000 0326 00
9000 0337 00
9000 0337 00
9000 0338 00
9000 0339 00
G
5
/8
9000 0331 00
G
5
/8
9000 0331 00
G
3
/4
9000 0332 00
G
3
/4
9000 0332 00
G
3
/4A - G
3
/4A
9000 0343 00
G
7
/8A - G1A
9000 0345 00
G1
1
/8A - G1A
9000 0346 00
G
7
/8
9000 0333 00
G1
1
/8
9000 0334 00


9000 0194 00
1
/2 12.5
9000 0195 00
5
/8 16
9000 0196 00
3
/4 20
9000 0197 00 1 25
Guide, hose couplings for round rubber hoses
Hose
clamp

Hose
nipple


Connecting
nipples
Internal thread
Packing Hose inner
diameter
Connecting
nipples
External thread
Cup nut
Wing

9000 0194 00
9000 0196 00
mm in
9000 0370 00
1
/2 12.5
3
/4 20
9000 0025 00
3)
9000 0197 00 9000 0372 00 9000 0154 00
9000 0154 00
9000 0154 00
G
1
/2A
9000 0028 00
G
3
/4A
9000 0029 00
G1A
9000 0030 00
G1
9000 0035 00
G
3
/4
9000 0034 00
G
1
/2
9000 0033 00


9000 0371 00 9000 0025 00
3)
9000 0025 00
3)
1 25
Guide, hose couplings with particularly coarse thread for round rubber hoses


Hose
clamp

Hose
jointing
nipple
Packing Claw
coupling
Hose inner
diameter

mm in
9000 0218 00
1)
3
/4 20
1 25
9000 0194 00
9000 0313 00
9000 0312 00
9000 0000 00
3)
9000 0000 00
3)

9000 0219 01
1)
9000 0196 00
Guide, hose couplings for Mantex flat hoses

Hose couplings for rubber hose
Hose
jointing
nipple
Hose
clamp


Connecting
nipples
Internal thread
Hose
nipple
Packing Hose inner
diameter
Connecting
nipples
External thread
Cup nut
Wing

9000 0220 00
2)

9000 0221 00
2)

9001 0045 00
2)

mm in
9000 0381 00
9000 0198 01
9000 0189 00
1
1
/2 40
2 50
9000 0026 00
3)
9000 0026 00
3)
3176 8294 00
3)
9000 0159 00
9000 0159 00
3176 8295 00
G1
1
/2A
9000 0031 00
G2A
9000 0332 00
G2A
3176 8296 00
G3A
3215 7766 00
G1
1
/2
9000 0036 00
G2
9000 0037 00


9000 0374 00
9000 0373 00
3 76 9001 0025 80
3 76
Guide, hose couplings for Mantex flat hoses

1) 2 hose clamps per nipple needed
2) 4 hose clamps per nipple needed
3) All claw couplings and hose nipples supplied with packings
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 123
COMPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT
Both clean and polluted liquids
Pumps used for polluted liquids in the construction and
mining industries have to satisfy stringent demands for qu-
ality and reliable operation. They must be able to withstand
difcult conditions with regard to both the surroundings
and the media being conveyed, with a minimum of main-
tenance.
Equipment DOP 15
Technical data DOP 15N
Air-powered pumps for safe handling of liquids
under difcult conditions
DOP diaphragm pumps
DOP diaphragm pumps are designed for the most pol-
luted and viscous media, as well as highly abrasive and
inammable uids.
Submersible
Easy to start despite sedimentation
Self-priming which means that unnecessary handling is
avoided
Can handle large solid particles up to 30 mm in diameter.
Can be connected in series to increase the head
Pump housing made from aluminium alloy results in
low weight
Easy to service the valves are accessible for servicing
without dismantling the chambers
Max. head 59 m 194 ft
Max. ow 7 l/s
Max air requirement 34 l/s 72 cfm
Weight 31 kg 68 lb
Height 585 mm 23 in
Length 390 mm 15
1
/4

in
Width 330 mm 13 in

Fluid outlet Air inlet
Connection thread
1
G 2
1
/2 G
3
/4
Ordering No 8492 0101 48

The pumps can also be delivered as complete pump
systems. In addition, there are a number of optional
equipment. The illustration shows a DOP 15N kit
plus connection parts for the lubricator.
Pos Description Included in kit, Ordering No
qty
DOP 15N kit 8492 0101 55
1 Pump 1
2 Outlet hose 63 mm x 32 m
(2
1
/2

in x 105 ft) incl. fittings 1 4950 0191 90
2 Reinforced outlet hose 63 mm x 25 m
(2
1
/2 mm x 82 ft) incl. fttings 4950 0196 90
3 Lubricator CLG 30 for synthetic oil
(Air-oil) or mineral oil 1 8202 5102 39
4 Connection parts for lubricator CLG 30
Valve, air hose 20 mm x 3 m
(
3
/4 in x 10 ft) incl. fttings 9030 0500 90
5 Reinforced spiral suction hose
63 mm x 5 m (2
1
/2 in x 16 ft)
incl. ttings and strainer 3330 0069 90
Spare parts kit for DOP 15N
(see spare parts list 9853 5492 90) 3330 0071 91
Spare parts kit for DOP 15F
(see spare parts list 9853 5492 90) 3330 0071 92
Delivery head
feet m
229 70
196 60
164 50
131 40
98 30
66 20
33 10
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 l/s
0 65 132 198 264 330 396 imp gal/min
ow
Capacity diagram for DOP pumps at 6 bar (87 psi)
DOP 15
LUBRICATION
124 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Technical data COP OIL
Density, 15C 927 kg/m
Viscosity at 40C 65 cSt
Viscosity at 100C 13.4 cSt
Index of viscosity 215
Flash point 250C (482F)
Lowest ow temperature - 39C (-38F)
Part number
3115 3125 00 Can 10 litres
3115 3126 00 Can pallet 48 x 10 litres
3115 3127 00 Drum 208 litres
Using Atlas Copco COP OIL ensures that you are doing your best for
both the environment and your equipment!
COP OIL

Main features
The development of lubricating oil for pneumatic and
hydraulic tools has been driven by the high demands on
environment and reliability. COP OIL is made of care-
fully selected components that give the highest technical
performance. COP OIL has a broad temperature range
that gives you optimum operation in the most variable
temperatures. It withstands heavy loads and protects
against wear and corrosion.
More and more users are recognising the advantages of
using environmentally adapted lubricants. In applications
where lubricant is contaminating the surroundings, the
use of environmentally adapted lubricants will therefore
be a strong coming demand. COP OIL is based on rene-
wable raw materials that are readily biodegradable.
COP OIL is specially developed for Atlas Copco pneumatic
and hydraulic rock drills and down-the-hole hammers.
COP OIL
Excellent lubricating properties.
Reduces the risk of scoring and abrasion.
Protects against corrosion and oxidation.
Insensitive to temperature variations. Works equally
well throughout the ambient temperature range
- 35C to + 45C (-31
o
F to +113
o
F).
Adhesion and larger drop formation contribute to the
very good lubricating properties.
Based on > 90% renewable raw materials.
Readily biodegradable according to OECD301
Additives in the oil are:
Approved in accordance with the German authorities
Blue Angel
Approved in accordance with the Swedish
authorities Ren Smrja
The oil for Atlas Copco pneumatic
and hydraulic rock drills, and DTH
hammers that unites technology
and environment
COP OIL
Mineral oil
20 28
Number of days
10
Readily biodegradable
Biodegradability according to OECD 301
SERVICE WORKSHOPS
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 125
Mobile Service and ROCKHOSE Workshops
For easy and convenient service of drill rigs and hydraulic hoses
When you invest in an Atlas Copco drill rig you receive a
quality product. Quality gives reliability, availability and
high productivity, which is essential to make prot.
But the quality of any machine has to be maintained in
order to give continuous high performance and good
operating economy. And that can only be achieved
through regular preventive maintenance and the use of
Genuine Parts from Atlas Copco. A service workshop
located on site or close by is the key solution to rapid
maintenance and repair routines. This is why Atlas
Copco have designed and equipped mobile workshops
to serve different servicing requirements.
Convenient service
The latest enhanced versions of the well regarded
Atlas Copco Mobile Workshop and Mobile ROCKHOSE
Workshop contain all of the equipment needed for
maintenance and increased availability of rockdrills and
drill rigs. They are housed in 20 ft ISO standard steel
containers, internally insulated and tted with non-slip
aluminium oor plating. Each workshop container is
equipped with heating and has a complete electric and
compressed air line system for immediate connection
to external electrical and pneumatic power sources.
Basic Mobile Workshop
The container can be delivered as a Basic Mobile
Workshop without any tools or machinery for those who
wish to equip the container themselves. In this version
it has a workbench, 2.5 m long with vice and lockable
pedestal; shelves; tool-board with tool hooks; 14 m long
hose roll-up for air pressure; 17 m long, 230 V electric
cable roll-up; writing desk with lockable pedestal; powder
fre extinguisher; frst aid panel; ventilation system; and
heating fan.
Mobile Workshop
The fully equipped version of the Mobile Workshop comes
complet with standard tool kit, comprising all hand tools
needed for carrying out service and repair work; 30 t hyd-
raulic press, with mandrel set; 500 kg extensible hoist beam
with manual tackle; and a smalI-part cleaning booth, with
exhaust. The Mobile Workshop can then be completed
with a number of well thought-out options of special tools,
instruments and machinery to optimize effciency. Mobile
Workshops are suitable for installation of drill bit grinding
equipment, and the Secoroc Grind Matic Manual B air-
powered, handheld portable grinding machine can be
supplied.
Mobile ROCKHOSE Workshop
A new approach to hose maintenance is the Mobile
ROCKHOSE Workshop with the hose assembly centre,
a complete hose mounting workbench, designed to full
all your needs for a safe and professional assembly of
hydraulic hoses with up to four reinforcement layers.
The centre is delivered with a hose reel, cutting machine,
peeling machine, marking machine, hose cleaning
equipment and hose press. The centre is delivered with
all the necessary accessories.
2
6
0
0
2500 6000
Each container has two main doors at the front that
open completely, and on one side they have a
window with steel shutter.
View inside fully equipped Mobile
Workshop.
View inside fully equipped Mobile
ROCKHOSE Workshop.
General information
The containers have a base socket provided for forklift
transportation. The external dimensions of the containers
are 6.0 x 2.5 x 2.6 m, and they weigh around 3 t, depending
on equipment. The mobile workshops can be delivered
for 230V/50 Hz and 380V/50 Hz, or other voltages on
request.
MARKET MATERIAL
126 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
Conversion table
This unit Times Equals
Length
mm (millimetres) ..................... x 0.001 .....................= m
cm (centimetres) ...................... x 0.01 .......................= m
dm (decimetres) ....................... x 0.1 .........................= m
km (kilometres) ........................ x 1000 .....................= m
in (inches) ................................. x 25.4 .......................= mm
ft (feet) ...................................... x 0.305 .....................= m
yd (yard) ................................... x 0.914 .....................= m
miles ......................................... x 1609 ......................= m
Power
kW (kilowatts) ........................... x 1000 .....................= W
hp (horsepower) ...................... x 735.5 .....................= W
hp (horsepower), UK ............... x 745.7 .....................= W
ft.lbf/sec .................................... x 1.36 .......................= W
Btu/h .......................................... x 0.29 .......................= W
Volume
l (litres) ...................................... x 0.001 .....................= m
3
ml (millilitres) ........................... x 0.001 .....................= l
dm
3
(cubic decimetres) ............ x 1.0 .........................= l
cm
3
(cubic decimetres) ............ x 1.0 .........................= ml
mm
3
(cubic millimetres) ......... x 0.001 .....................= ml
in
3
(cubic inches) ...................... x 16.39 .....................= ml
ft
3
(cubic feet) ........................... x 28.316 ...................= l
Imperial gallon ......................... x 4.546 .....................= l
US gallon .................................. x 3.785 .....................= l
Ounces (Imp. fuid oz) ............. x 28.41 .....................= ml
Ounces (US fuid oz) ................ x 29.57 .....................= ml
Pints (US liquid) ....................... x 0.4732 ...................= l
Quarts (US liquid) .................... x 0.9463 ...................= l
yd
3
(cubic yards) ...................... x 0.7646 ...................= m
3
Force
kN (kilonewton) ........................ x 1000 .....................= N
kp (kilopond) ............................ x 9.81 .......................= N
kgf (kilogramme force) ............ x 9.81 .......................= N
Ibf (pound force) ...................... x 4.45 .......................= N
Torque
kpm (kilopondmetres) ............. x 9.81 .......................= Nm
Ibf in (poundforce inch) .......... x 0.11 .......................= Nm
Ibf ft (poundforce foot) ............ x 1.36 .......................= Nm
Equals Divided This
by unit



































This unit Times Equals
Mass (weight)
g (grammes) ............................. x 0.001 ................... = kg
t (tonnes, metric) ...................... x 1000 ................... = kg
grains ........................................ x 0.0648 ................. = g
oz (ounce) ................................. x 28.35 ................... = g
ozt (troy ounce) ........................ x 31.10 ................... = g
lb (pounds) ............................... x 0.4536 ................. = kg
tons (long, US) ......................... x 1016 .................... = kg
tons (UK) ................................... x 1016 .................... = kg
tons (short) ............................... x 907 ...................... = kg
Speed
km/h (kilometres/hour) ............ x 0.2777 ................. = m/s
m/s (metres/sec) ....................... x 3.6 ....................... = km/h
mph (miles/hour) ..................... x 0.45 ..................... = m/s
mph (miles/hour) ..................... x 1.61 ..................... = km/h
ft/s (foot/second) ...................... x 0.3048 ................. = m/s
ft/s (foot/second) ...................... x 18.29 ................... = m/min
ft/s (foot/minute) ...................... x 0.3048 ................. = m/min
Frequency
blows/minute ........................... x 0.017 ................... = Hz
kHz (kiloHertz) .......................... x 1000 ................... = Hz
rpm (rev/minute) ...................... x 0.01667 ............... = r/s
degrees/second ........................ x 0.1667 ................. = r/min
radians/second ........................ x 0.1592 ................. = r/s
Pressure
bar ............................................. x 100 ...................... = kPa
bar ............................................. x 100 000 .............. = Pa
kp/cm
2
....................................... x 0.98 ..................... = bar
atm (atmospheres) .................. x 1.01 ..................... = bar
psi (pounds/in
2
) ........................ x 6.895 ................... = kPa
psi .............................................. x 0.06895 ............... = bar
Area
mm
2
(square mm) .................... x 0.000001 ............ = m
2
cm
2
(square cm) ....................... x 0.0001 ................ = m
2
in
2
(square inches) ................... x 645 ...................... = mm
2
ft
2
(square feet) ......................... x 0.0929 ................. = m
2
yd
2
(square yards) .................... x 0.8361 ................. = m
2
Acres ........................................ x 4047 .................... = m
2
Square miles ............................ x 2.590 ................... = km
2
Equals Divided This
by unit
NOTES
PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING 127
NOTES
128 PRODUCTION DRILLING IN UNDERGROUND MINING
www.atlascopco.com
Want peace of mind?
Visit our Master Class Support!
By launching our One-Stop-Shop, we are committed to make life simple
and business more profitable for you. Within our concept you will find
genuine parts as well as technical competence regarding your equipment.
You will become familiar with new, innovative service and logistic
solutions to enhance availability and productivity.
Interested in our Master Class Support? You are most welcome to get
more information at our local customer centres.
Committed to your superior productivity.
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www.atlascopco.com
Experience and knowledge
Committed to your superior productivity.
Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
Working with Atlas Copco means working with highly productive rock drilling
solutions. Whats more, the people you work with are the best with the ability
to listen and to understand your diverse needs. This approach requires experience
and knowledge, presence, flexibility and involvement in your processes. It means
making customer relations and service a priority.
Through interaction, innovation and a continuous drive to improve the way we
do things we help you achieve results.

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