Surface mining and quarrying drill rig

Atlas Copco Construction Equipment, Canada

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The popular, multipurpose Atlas Copco ROC L8RC drill rig has been redesigned to increase its performance and versatility, with greater flexibility and an even higher capacity than previous models. It is ideal for most applications in surface mining and quarrying, such as the drilling of production blast holes, pre-split and buffer blast holes. Its flexibility also makes it well suited for drilling de-watering holes for pit-wall de-pressurization.

The ROC L8 is now also available in reverse circulation (RC), in the L825 RC and L830 RC models. These are used for efficient in-pit grade control or shallow exploration holes using a reverse circulation system. Conversion to conventional DTH drilling from RC drilling can be carried out quickly, which guarantees maximum utilization of the rig’s investment. The ROC L8 with the RC system is light, flexible and transportable, for quick and successful site-to-site operation. As a standard feature, the rig stores 118 feet (36 m) of RC drill pipe, including 98 feet (30 m) in its revolving magazine, which is usually enough for in-pit grade control through two or more benches. The feed capacity facilitates deeper RC drilling, up to 328 feet (100 m) by the insertion of additional RC pipes into the carousel while drilling. The boom and feed system makes it possible to raise the exploration holes up to 45 degrees forward and 30 degrees left and right without moving the rig, for finding the boundaries of the ore body in the minimum number of holes.