The Mandela Mining Precinct last month unveiled the two new rock drill prototypes that are designed to enhance drilling operations and reduce the exposure of operators to dangerous conditions. The prototypes, developed under the Isidingo Drill Challenge, are lighter, quieter, more energy efficient and easier to assemble and dismantle than currently used drills. Both products are water operated. HPE sales and marketing directorUlrich Kienle(left) holds his company’s prototype rock drill and Novatek MDJulian Wills(right) his company’s Buffalo drill.Both drills weigh about 16 kg and generate noise levels of just over 100 dB.