Proven drill improves post-blast fragmentation

After successful drilling results shown at an underground operation of Chile-based copper miner Pucobre, mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc is introducing its COPROD rock drilling system, to be used with Epiroc’s range of Simba drill rigs, which will ensure better fragmentation after blasting operations.

Historically only available for surface drilling equipment, the COPROD system will be available for underground miners with its incorporation into Epiroc’s Simba platform.

Pucobre has used COPROD for Simba since 2022 and quickly experienced improved results, such as better fragmentation after blasting, dilution reduction to 5% and increased burden to 24 m.

Based on the successful results, Pucobre has placed an order for three additional Simba E70 S equipped with the COPROD system.

“Pucobre is an excellent example of how COPROD for Simba can unlock new opportunities in mine design with the potential to lower cost per tonne, for example by enabling double benches and higher draw bells,” says Epiroc Underground division accounts and applications head Lars Bergkvist.

The COPROD rock drilling system offers a three times higher penetration rate than traditional drilling methods and significantly lower energy consumption of top-hammer equipment with the hole quality and straightness of down-the-hole drilling.

“With drilling being the first step in the process flow, COPROD for Simba creates huge opportunities for optimisation and downstream benefits,” says Epiroc Underground division rock reinforcement and production drilling global portfolio manager Mathias Edhammer.

He adds that the COPROD system will help improve fragmentation and ore recovery, while decreasing hole dilution significantly.

COPROD for Simba combines the rock drill with the smart series of Simba production drill rigs, as well as digital tools and Epiroc’s Sixth Sense optimisation approach – creating a complete package for improved quality and performance of long hole drilling.