‘Pick Up and Go’ Drill for Coal Exploration

Rosebud Mining is one of the largest producers of high quality bituminous coal in Pennsylvania and Ohio from the company’s 11 operating mines. An exploration drill program is important to maintaining future supplies.

For this effort the company has recently bought a CS-1000 surface coring drill from Atlas Copco Exploration Products in North Bay, Ont. But coal exploration has different challenges than the hard rock core drilling usually done by Atlas Copco’s rigs. Core drilling for coal is a continuous process, so the drill needed to be able to move quickly from site to site, which required unique modifications.

The relatively shallow drilling (120-275 m) and the terrain meant that a truck-mounted drill was the most cost-effective option, taking portability to a new level. The CS-1000 was permanently mounted to the back of a single-axle truck while allowing for the driller to operate the control panel from the ground. The results have exceeded expectations, with increase footage per shift and a lower cost per foot.

For more information contact Martin Sommers, North American sales manager for Atlas Copco Exploration Products at 800-465-8490.