South African equipment supplier Mine Support Products’ (MSP’s) drill rig, the Terra, is being used by gold mining majors AngloGold Ashanti and Sibanye Gold at their local operations. The drill rig’s enhanced ergonomic design enables it to manoeuvre easily around tight slope conditions underground, says MSP research and development engineer Christian Nissen.

The rig weighs about 25 kg, which makes it light enough to be carried by one man, compared with the two-man team that is usually required to operate a rig.

Nissan further says that the Terra drill rig, which is fairly robust, with an extensive life span and low maintenance cost, is capable of stabilised remote drilling. “This means it can be set in position and operated from a safe distance, which ensures the safety of personnel underground,” he adds.

The rigs, developed in Roodepoort, currently constitute about 10% of the local market.

Nevertheless, Nissen highlights cost cutting, the global economic downturn and the mining workforce’s resistance to change, as some of the challenges currently facing MSP.

He adds that industry stakeholders are in constant talks about the features and benefits of using this new technology in an attempt to change the industry’s current mindset.

“It is not something that will happen overnight, but we are confident that, with enough education, people will come round,” stresses Nissen.

In addition to changing the mindset of the industry, Nissen notes that the future of these drill rigs could be affected by legislation that promotes in-stope roof bolting to promote a safe working environment. Although important, in-slope bolting is not legally required. If it were, Nissen believes that the drill would be well accepted in the market.

Nevertheless, he highlights that the Terra drill rig has received positive feedback from major mining houses in South Africa.