Drill rigs

The main types of drill rigs used in mining and construction include surface drill rigs, underground production drill rigs, face drill rigs (jumbos), exploration drill rigs, rotary blasthole drill rigs, dimension stone equipment and raiseboring rigs. Each different rig is designed to meet the demands of a specific application - tunneling, quarrying, mineral exploration, or large-scale blasting for example. Choosing the right drill rig depends not only on application, but on additional factors such as rock type, drilling depth, mobility requirements and production goals.

Surface drill rigs are usually used for drilling on the surface, in applications like quarrying, construction, and open-pit mining. A surface drill rig normally features some sort of vertical mast which can be positioned to drill at precise angles. Surface rigs use top hammer, down-the-hole and COPROD drilling technics. A long-feed, or mast, allows the rig to drill deeper holes with fewer rod changes. Surface rigs are often fitted with a carousel containing many rods. In contrast, underground drill rigs are designed to operate in confined spaces below ground, such as tunnels and mines. Underground rigs, including face drill rigs (jumbos) and production drill rigs, are built for maneuverability and precision in space restricted working areas. Regardless of application or whether working on the surface or underground, drill rigs must always be designed to keep the operator and other personnel as safe as possible.

Exploration drill rigs are used to collect samples, often from deep underground, which are then analyzed to determine the presence, quality, and extent of mineral deposits. These rigs are essential in the early stages of mining projects, as they provide accurate subsurface information that guides investment decisions and mine planning. They are typically designed for high precision, depth capability, and adaptability across different terrains. Some exploration rigs are intended for surface use, often in remote, tough locations. Others are built for drilling within tunnels and tight underground spaces. Samples are delivered in the form of a core or as a powder, depending on the machine and the drilling technique it utilizes.

Rotary blasthole drill rigs are primarily used in large-scale surface mining operations to drill large-diameter holes in a pre-calculated grid pattern for blasting. They are ideal for high-production environments where efficiency and consistency are critical. These rigs are used in open-pit mines and are optimized for drilling in hard rock formations with minimal deviation. They usually feature a comfortable and safe operator cabin and move on crawler tracks. In common with many other surface rigs, they include a high vertical mast and can drill relatively deep holes with one pipe, known as single-pass drilling.

A face drill rig, also known as a jumbo, is a type of underground drill rig used for drilling blast holes in rock faces as part of mines or tunnelling projects. Jumbos are equipped with one or more booms, allowing precise and efficient drilling patterns in confined spaces. As with all mining products, jumbos feature a high level of safety. Underground sites are normally equipped with an extensive power network. Jumbo rigs can travel to the work area under their own power and are then plugged into the site power grid prior to drilling. Depending on the features and options a face drill rig is equipped with, it can either be controlled by an operator inside the cabin, or from distance via teleremote control.

Dimension stone drilling equipment is used in quarrying to extract large, whole blocks of natural stone in marble, granite, or limestone. These large, dimensioned blocks are often seen on building façades and in other highly visible construction features. Unlike other drilling methods focused on fragmentation, this equipment is designed to deliver the precision needed to extract whole, high-quality blocks suitable for construction and architectural use.

Underground production drill rigs are used for longhole drilling in underground mining operations, where they create holes for blasting to extract ore efficiently and safely. These rigs are typically employed in large-scale mining methods such as sublevel stoping and block caving. Designed for accuracy and productivity, production drill rigs can drill long, straight holes at various angles, often using automated or semi-automated systems. They are built to operate in demanding underground conditions, offering high reliability, strong penetration rates, and features that enhance operator safety and ease of use.

A raise boring rig is used to create vertical or inclined shafts between two levels in an underground mine. The process involves drilling a pilot hole from one level to another, after which a reaming head is attached and pulled back to enlarge the hole to the required diameter. Raiseboring is commonly used for ventilation shafts, ore passes, and access routes, as it provides a safer and more controlled alternative to conventional drill-and-blast methods. These rigs are known for delivering smooth, stable openings with minimal impact on the surrounding rock.