The grade of an ore body and the mineral being mined is rarely constant. It can be more concentrated near the surface and dissipate as the drilling samples reach greater depths. Grade control drilling helps to define the economic limits and determine where the mineral is abundant or too scarce for a return on investment.
The most economical method to carry out grade control is Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling. Mincon have been involved in the design and manufacture of reverse circulation drilling tools since the early 1990’s. In 2006 Mincon started the design and manufacture of our current range of RC tools. The Mincon MX RC Hammers and Bits were the first range produced and quickly gained traction in the market place. With Mincon’s patented bit and hammer design the MX5456 and MX5053 became a firm favourite with a lot of exploration drilling companies. Mincon started the design of the MR range of RC tools early in 2010 and since their launch the tools have quickly been accepted by the industry for their outstanding performance in RC exploration, grade control and pit extension exploration drilling.
Listening to the concerns of end users about the tools they were running at the time Mincon found that the new range of hammers and bits needed to be able to withstand some of the harshest drilling environments while at the same time maximizing the available air pressure to boost drilling productivity. With this firmly in mind the MR range of hammers boasts some of the industry’s highest production rates in both deep and shallow bore RC drilling, the most robust industry shank design and the lowest wear rates on all internal and external wear components.
The MR range encompasses the most popular drill diameters for RC exploration and grade control drilling. The MR132 hammer drills from 137mm (5.4”) up to 146mm (5.75”) holes and covers deeper drilling requirements while at the same time maximising the available air output providing the industry’s fastest drilling rates. The MR120 and MR116 cover from 121mm (4.75”) up to 143mm (5.625”) drilling with excellent drilling efficiencies utilizing available rig air or with boosters. The MR range is ever expanding and there will be other additions to the range that will meet and best utilise all of the latest rig and compressor specifications.
For grade control drilling the MR range of hammers offer many benefits to the end user. In high matrix wearing ground conditions commonly seen in grade control operations Mincon can supply tungsten protected chuck sleeves to maintain a proper seal for better sampling ability. A proprietary heat treatment process extends the life of sample tubes maximizing their service life. Mincon offers the largest range of face configurations to suit all different kinds of drilling conditions and the industry’s most robust drill bit to withstand the harshest drilling conditions.
The Mincon philosophy is to not only provide “World class” products, but also a first class training, service and support program. With the Mincon MX and MR range of RC tools backed up with an industry leading after sales service and support todays drilling contractor is assured of the industry’s lowest cost per meter for RC and grade control drilling maximizing production operations.
Mincon, “The Drillers Choice in Grade Control”
