Female operator with Robbins 34RH raise boring machine in underground mine

Raiseboring equipment

The Epiroc range of Robbins raise boring machines includes models for raiseboring, boxhole boring, and down reaming.

Underground boring drills for boxhole boring and shaft drilling

Epiroc’s range of raise boring machines includes models for both conventional raise and boxhole boring as well as down reaming and it covers diameters from 0,5 meters up to over 6 meters. The boring drills are used in both civil engineering and mining applications for drilling shafts for ventilation, drainage, ore passes, back fills, hoisting, slotholes, and penstocks for hydro power plants. Features include drill pipe handling for easy and safe pipe handling as well as the computerized Rig Control System, RCS, which improves drilling accuracy, equipment reliability, and serviceability of the raise boring machines.

To reduce fatigue and maximize uptime, operators can control the boring drill rig remotely from a safe and comfortable setting above ground.

Our boring rigs lower costs by excelling in a variety of settings with quick and easy setup, giving you more flexibility with one rig.

Setup of the raise boring machines from Epiroc is quick and easy to maximize your uptime.

The standard in raise boring

Raise boring machines from Epiroc have been setting the industry standard for more than fifty years. We continue to lead thanks to outstanding equipment design and excellent quality. Our boring drills include only premium components, and all Robbins machines come with a 12-month (2 000-hour) warranty. At Epiroc, we strive to construct high-quality machines that are easy to set up, operate and maintain.

Operator cabin with RCS5 (Rig Control System) of Easer L

High performance in challenging conditions

“When everything is going nice and smoothly like this, my work is like watching a painting dry. The machine does its work and all I have to do is to observe and keep my ears open."

- Anders Jonsson, Senior Supervisor at Orefields Raise Boring AB

Robbins raise boring rig in underground mine

Epiroc Rig Control System

As early as 1998, Epiroc introduced its Rig Control System (RCS) – a computerized control system for drilling rigs that stunned the market. More than 3 000 RCS rigs are currently in operation the world over. Long experience and an ongoing dialogue with customers have resulted in increasingly sophisticated functions – with expertise that makes Epiroc uniquely qualified to drive development in the industry.

Common questions about raiseboring

How does conventional raiseboring work?

Conventional raiseboring begins with drilling a small-diameter pilot hole from the upper level, where the machine is placed, down to the lower level. After breakthrough, a large reaming head is attached at the bottom and pulled upward as it cuts the rock. The broken material falls to the lower level for removal. This method creates smooth-walled raises typically used for ventilation, ore passes, service shafts, and escape ways.

What is down-reaming?

Down-reaming follows the same principle as conventional raiseboring, where a pilot hole is drilled first, but the reamer is pushed downward from the top. The rock is cut in the same way, though cuttings must be managed at the bottom. This method is less common and is mainly used when upward reaming is not possible due to site conditions or handling limitations.

What is boxhole boring?

In boxhole boring, the raiseboring machine is positioned at the lower level. An optional pilot hole is drilled upward, and the reaming head is then pushed upward to cut the rock. Cuttings fall back into the muck chute for removal. This method is suited for smaller, shorter raises where access from the top is not available.

What is a media hole?

A media hole is a small-diameter borehole which is used to provide essential services between levels. It can supply water, compressed air, power, communication, and sometimes ventilation to the working area.

What is a backfill hole?

A backfill hole is a raise developed to transport fill material into mined-out stopes or voids. Materials such as paste backfill, hydraulic fill, or rock fill are delivered through the hole to stabilize the ground and allow safe extraction of nearby ore. Backfill holes are usually smaller in diameter and may be lined to handle abrasive or high-pressure materials.

Robbins 92R

Raiseboring machine for holes ranging from 2.4 to 6.0 m in diameter.

Robbins 34RH

Low-profile, lightweight raise drill for slot holes, back filling and narrow vein mining applications.

Robbins 34RH QRS

Low profile, lightweight raise rig for holes of smaller diameter.

Robbins 44RH

Low profile and lightweight raiseboring machine for both civil engineering and mining applications.

Robbins 53RH

Low profile raise drill for holes ranging from 1.2 to 2.4 m in diameter.

Robbins 74 S

The Robbins 74 S is a mid-sized raiseboring machine, drilling holes up to 4.5 meters in diameter and is reliable in a variety of applications.

Easer E10 S

Robbins 123RH raiseboring machine, documentary photo from Kemi, Finland

Challenging conditions demand powerful tools

6 000 meters of ventilation shafts are being drilled into very hard rock in the Kemi Mine in Northern Finland. The conditions have been even harder than expected, but with Epiroc’s Robbins 123RH rig, Orefields Raise Boring AB has been able to meet the rigorous demands of their client.

Parts and services

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Rock drilling tools

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