Raiseboring and drilling company Master Drilling Group was awarded a shaft construction contract with copper mine Palabora Mining Company (PMC) last month, an industry first for the mining sector.

Master Drilling designed and built the RD8 raiseboring machine, specifically customised for the PMC contract, which entails the construction of two ventilation shafts, each 6.1 m in diameter and a record-breaking 1.2 km deep.

“Once completed, the project will qualify as the largest scope of raiseboring work per cubic metre ever embarked on, not only in South Africa but across the globe,” says Master Drilling CEO Danie Pretorius.

This unique technology is estimated to be up to four times faster than conventional blind sinking methods and only requires two personnel per shift working from the safety of an above-ground control room.

The raiseboring machine will be key to pursuing deep-level, large-diameter shafts in future projects.

Master Drilling’s remotely operated shaft support unit and inspection device will be used to line parts of the shafts, either during or after the raiseboring process.

In comparison with its competitors’ systems, which can only go down to 350 m with umbilical cords, the Master Drilling system can line up to a full 1.5 km deep. The inspection device has the capability to scan the geometry of the execution and identify the lithology. This is important to determine the stability of the shaft during or after construction.

This three-year contract has positioned Master Drilling ahead of the industry to build on its unique turnkey drilling service solutions offered to a diverse clientele in Africa and abroad.

“We pride ourselves on the distinctive customised service we deliver for each of our sustainability projects, which enables the team to explore innovations and deliver value to our clients. This new boring machine is truly revolutionary for the future of raiseboring,” says Pretorius.

Master Drilling recently completed the 1 km Rowland shaft for platinum miner Lonmin using similar technology. Accomplished within budget, on schedule and with no incidents, accidents or damage to property, the operation was a huge success and the company employed three local community members as part of their drilling crew.

“The new crew members will now be moving with us to the next job as they have proven their competence and fit to company culture,” he notes.

Building on their record, Master Drilling currently has over 100 raiseboring rigs in use around the world, in addition to its diverse drilling fleet which includes rock boring and slim drilling solutions. This pioneering technology transforms and improves the industry and further places South Africa on the map in terms of taking the mining industry into the future.