June 2014
MODERN MINING
55
PRODUCT News
All MSP Terra Drill rigs are air
operated at an optimal pres-
sure of 400 kPa to 500 kPa,
which results in a pneumatic
thrust of at least 200 kg.
Rig designed for in-stope
roof bolting
Internationally recognised gold min-
ing operations in South Africa are
able to ensure greater underground
worker safety while maintaining
production efficiency through the
innovative Terra Drill rig manu-
factured locally by Mine Support
Products (MSP).
MSP is jointly owned by inter-
na t i ona l manu f a c t u r i ng and
engineering company DCD Group
and Robor, a manufacturer and sup-
plier of welded steel tube and pipe,
cold formed steel profiles and associ-
ated value added products.
The Vereeniging-based company’s
range of Terra Drill in-stope inte-
grated telescopic roof bolt drilling
rigs, designed to ensure safer and more stabilised underground
drilling, has been used extensively by a number of high-profile
gold mining operations since being introduced locally in 2007.
MSP General Manager Conrad Engelbrecht points out that
the lightweight and easily manoeuvrable Terra Drill rigs can be
set in position, before being operated remotely from a safe dis-
tance, in order to ensure improved safety of drilling personnel
underground.
“Terra Drill rigs come in eight different models that weigh
between 12 kg and 42 kg, which improves transport andmanoeu-
vrability in confined underground working areas. Despite their
varying sizes, all models have a footprint of just 450 mm x 450 mm
for further space saving,” he explains.
All MSP Terra Drill rigs are air operated at an optimal pressure
of 400 kPa to 500 kPa, which results in a pneumatic thrust of at
least 200 kg. Remote control hose lengths vary from 3 m to 6 m to
ensure that the drill operator is a safe distance from the powerful
drilling rig.
Another major benefit of the range is that the units are com-
patible with a wide variety of underground drilling machines,
thereby eliminating the need for purchasing costly additional
connection and safety equipment.
Despite the distinct advantages of the MSP range of Terra Drill
rigs, Engelbrecht admits that the company faces a number of
challenges in promoting the equipment. “Although in-stope roof
bolting is essential to underground worker safety, it is not a legal
requirement. In challenging economic conditions, a number of
local mines are therefore not willing to invest in new technology,”
he says.
Engelbrecht remains optimistic that the range will gain market
share in the long term. “Mining operations in South Africa con-
tinue to place a greater emphasis on safety, and the value of the
Terra Drill rig will become more apparent to the mining houses
when they weigh the initial cost of purchase against the risks of
unprotected underground drilling,” he concludes.
Conrad Engelbrecht , MSP, tel (+27 16) 428-0131
