LKAB Wassara's straight forward drilling solution is the only production drill method that can guarantee accuracy during the preconditioning/propagation process.
When gravity is not sufficient to fracture the rock, it is common to drill vertical holes for preconditioning/propagation purposes. The length of these holes can be as long as the ore body, in some case longer than 250 metres; accuracy is the key.
Using Wassara-hammers is the only production drill method can guarantee accuracy at such lengths.
Accuracy in drilling parallel holes is also a key factor as this will ultimately determine the success of the preconditioning/progagation.
In block cave mining, the main extraction level has to last the entire lifetime of the mine. This puts high demands on the team to achieve substantial rock reinforcement, for example by using steel arches, sprayed concrete, cable bolts, rock bolts, steel mesh, etc.
It is essential that the rock is not damaged at the beginning of the process, i.e. during the blast. Wassara’s water-powered hammers allows for the straightest holes and enables optimal circumstances to achieve a successful pre-split.
By pre-splitting the draw bells, the additional rock reinforcement will further improve the stability instead of forcing the team to fix any issues by blasting.
In other words, using Wassara-hammers can be the difference between having a safe and productive area and having a hazardous area with limited production capabilities.
