Anglo Platinum is employing innovative drilling technology at its PaardeKraal 2 (PK2) shaft, near Rustenburg.

As well as conventional shaft sinking, contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation is using a new electrohydraulic drill rig, which enables both floor and sidewalls to be drilled at the same time, Mining Weekly reports.

Prior to its use at the Rustenburg Platinum Mines operation, the technology, which was developed jointly by Anglo Platinum, Anlgo American Technical Services and its contractor, had never before been applied to vertical shafts.

Its use has been motivated in part by the extra safety that electrohydraulic drill rigs provide, according to Murray & Roberts Cementation Senior Master Sinker Johan Groenewald.

He said: "A main consideration for applying this technology to shaft sinking is safety, as the new drill rig limits the number of people at the bottom of the shaft during drilling operations to six, as opposed to 16 with traditional rigs."

The PK2 project is believed to be Anglo Platinum's largest vertical shaft system in a decade, and comprises a downcast vertical main shaft for staff use and for material and an identically proportioned vertical upcast ventilation shaft.

Sources:

New drilling technology to be used in platinum drilling operation, 14/09/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=115784

Contractor digs deeper for platinum giant, 22/06/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=110331

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