Modern methodologoy

Raise boring was developed to meet underground mining demands, but new applications continue to arise due to its inherent safety benefits and other advantages over conventional drilling and blasting. Raise boring can be used for a variety of mining applications, from ore shafts to shafts for ventilation, water or cable installations.

Published: 25 April 2014

The raise boring method enables construction of circular mechanized shafts between two mine levels without the use of explosives. A borer is set up on the upper level and drills a narrow pilot hole, typically between 23 and 35 centimeters, to accommodate a drill string. A reamer head is then attached to the drill from the lower level and raised back towards the machine.

Sandvik raise boring heads optimize the performance of the boring machine through high penetration rates, great stability, low vibration and low torque demands. Together with the company’s high-performance pilot bits, they enable shafts and holes from 0.66 to 6.0 meters in diameter to be bored to depths of up to 1,000 meters — quickly, economically and safely.