Abergeldie Mining Unveiled Rig 100
The world's largest blind bore drill rig was unveiled at the Regents Park Estate on 31st July 2009.
The 500 tonne rig is capable of drilling shafts up to 6.5m diameter and 650 deep in all ground conditions. The new rig is safer, more reliable and can drill larger diameter shafts deeper than any other rig in the world.
A100 is the fifth rig Abergeldie Mining has fabricated in the previous nine years. The rig took six months to complete due to parts being sourced internationally. If you would like information on how A100 can complete your next shaft please give us a call.
Why Blind Boring....?
Our shafts are bored from the surface. During construction the shaft remains full of water which provides stability to the shaft. Cuttings are removed using reverse circulation. This method requires virtually no interface with the existing underground workings and is a big advantage, particularly to new mine developments and tunnelling projects.
Mechanised drilling and lining methods avoid exposing workers to the hazards associated with raise boring and conventional drill and blast shaft excavation, no personnel enter the shafts during any phase of the work.
Shaft Lining Options
A broad range of shaft lining options are available that can be specifically tailored to provide economical and permanent support of the shaft’s wall through any ground conditions. All our shaft lining options can be installed without the need for personnel to be working inside the shaft.
Our lining options include:
- Remotely applied shotcrete for reasonably dry strata,
- Precast concrete segments for ground with significant aquifers,
- Hydrostatically designed steel or composite steel and concrete liners for completely watertight shafts through any strata including severe ground conditions and high pressure aquifers.
The composite steel and concrete liners used by Abergeldie are the first of their type in Australia. The impermeable steel lining is delivered to our job site where steel reinforced concrete is formed and poured into each of the casing sections. The liner sections are then assembled into a continuous pressure bearing, 100% water tight cylinder as they are lowered into the completed shaft. Abergeldie used this technique for shafts at Springvale Coal mine and North Goonyella Mines.
Our Equipment
Our rigs are designed component by component with the view to provide a reliable machine to bore deeper and wider diameter shafts than previously considered viable. We are proud to have eliminated design problems often faced by those using older blind bore shaft rigs.
Our design process focuses on:
- Reducing risks,
- Compliance with mine quality, OH&S and environmental standards and regulations,
- Environmental control and monitoring,
- Removing workers from work face hazards,
- Providing a timely and quality product.
