Drilling is a cutting process that uses a drill bit to cut a hole of circular cross-section in solid materials. Mining drilling is used for two main purposes:
1. exploration drilling which aims to identify the location and quality of a mineral
2. production drilling, used in the production cycle for mining
Underground mining (hard /soft rock) uses a variety of drill rigs dependent on the desired purpose, such as production, bolting, cabling, and tunneling. The drilling operation In connection with methane exploration or extraction activities in a belowground mine or part thereof, the conditions and other details for the conduct of drilling operation shall be specified by the Chief Inspector, by a special order. Different types of drilling machines are used in underground coal mines like; Electric coal drill machines, pneumatic drill machines, jackhammer drill machines, & Universal drill machines.
The objective is to reduce the likelihood of getting injured due to failure in identifying the hazard during drilling, sharpening drill bit, and getting optimum pull per blast. This module is applicable for all driller- (SDL-Side discharge loader) crew/LHD-(Load Haul dumper) crew, face crew, and multi-skill crew working in belowground mines for different drilling jobs in soft or hard rock/coal.