Underground Rock Drilling Rigs – A Complete Expert Guide

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2025-05-16 17:09:38

Underground rock drilling rigs form the foundation of the mining, tunneling, and underground construction in the harsh environment. Such specialized machines allow for exact digging out of resources, shaping as well as building of infrastructure in harsh underground settings. 


These rigs have been designed for a fine level of precision combined with the toughness and efficiency to allow the workers to operate effectively in harsh geological environments. Modern underground drilling rigs featuring advanced automation and control systems eliminate the problem of human error and maximize their productivity. 

What are the components of subsurface rock drilling rigs?

Heavy-duty devices called underground rock drilling rigs are used to bore into hard rock formations in tight areas. They differ from surface drilling rigs, which are movable, adaptable, and made to function in low-oxygen, high-pressure underground environments.Key components include:


Hydraulic/Pneumatic Drills: For penetrating rock surfaces.

Boom Systems: Articulating arms for precision positioning.

Dust Suppression: Critical for miner safety.

Remote Control:Enables operation in hazardous zones.

Excavation rigs for underground rock drilling are used by Zimscn to combine high levels of automation and ergonomics to increase the productivity of mines, tunnels, and civil works.

Types of Underground rock drilling rigs 

DH180B Multifunctional Rock Bolting Rig

  • The crawler-type drilling rig is used for putting up anchors, reinforcing slopes, and creating foundations.

  • Drills deep holes and pipes in areas that are made up of gravel and weathered rock.

  • Supports:

  1. Rope coring

  2. Single/double pipe grouting

  3. Geological prediction

  4. Emergency work in tunnels and anti-outburst systems

DW1002 Mining and Tunneling Rock Drilling Jumbo 

  • It is a machine used to help with drilling in the mining and tunneling industry.

  • Hydraulic rock drilling equipment for building support tunnels

  • Mining, hydropower, railways, and highways make the best use from this tool.

  • Key features:

  1. Two retractable booms

  2. Anti-sticking drill system

  3. Simultaneous boom operation

  4. Nice and compact design with superb precision while drilling

 DW1002B Mining and Tunneling Rock Drilling Jumbo

  • All features of DW1002 plus:

  1. Work platform attached to cranes for use at high altitudes

  2. Fast mobility between tasks

  3. Multi-angle drilling with precision alignment

DW1203 Rock Drilling Jumbo

  • For large-scale tunneling and bolting

  • Three boom arms to allow wide coverage.

  • Perfect for:

  1. High-altitude drilling

  2. Simultaneous multi-boom use

  3. Simplified control & enhanced safety

DW1803 Underground Drilling Rig

  • Blasting and bolting are achieved with the use of a premium underground rock drilling rig for underground operations.

  • Created for mining tunnels, railway cutting, and transformer tunnel building

  • Features:

  1. Full hydraulic drive

  2. Three independent, retractable booms

  3. High-altitude aerial platform

  4. Imported hydraulic components for reliability


DW551 Rock Drilling Jumbo

  • Multipurpose drilling rig for:

Blasting, placing anchors, grouting, and drilling in a pipe shed are all important phases.

  • Works in:

Areas with dry dusty dirt and elevations up to more than 4000m

  • Operates in -20°C to 45°C temperature range

DW801 Rock Drilling Rig

  • An underground rock drilling rig that can be used in various ways and is easy to transport.

  • Tunnel blast holes and anchor drilling are best done with this drill.

  • Offers:

  1. Vertical lift up to 12m

  2. Max excavation area: 80m²

  3. Advanced catheter drilling support

DW902 Multi-Function Anchor Drilling Rig

  • This rig can drill and core rocks by switching the head.

  • Used in:

  1. Tunnel anchoring

  2. Detection, coring, grouting

  • Can operate effectively in tunnels that are high up, full of dust, or wet.

  • Dual power source: diesel walking & electric construction


DWS901 Anchor Injection Drilling Rig

  • All-in-one solution for tunnel support

  • Functions include:

  1. Drilling

  2. Grouting

  3. Anchor rod installation

  4. Real-time data monitoring

  5. Smart automation & gas detection

  • Comes with bolts that are meant for installation ahead of time


WH10 Aerial Work Trolley

  • Ideal for high-altitude tunnel work

  • Used for:

  1. Maintenance

  2. Cable installation

  3. Drilling holes and putting in anchors is an extra option.

  • Features:

  1. Expandable platform

  2. Full hydraulic drive

  3. Compact and mobile design


6 Advantages of the Modern Underground Rock Drilling Rigs

1. Enhanced Safety

  • Proximity Detection: Sensors alert operators to obstacles.

  • Dust/Fume Control: Integrated filtration systems protect workers.

  • Emergency Cutoffs: Auto-shutdown during instability.

Zsimcn’s drilling rigs have surpassed the ISO 19438 standards of safety, thus lowering on-site accidents by up to 40%.

2. High Productivity

  • Automated Drilling: Pre-programmed patterns enhance placement of blast holes.

  • Rapid Cycle Times: Zsimcn drills up to 30% quicker than traditional constructions.

  • Fuel Efficiency: Hybrid engines reduce energy cost by 15%.

3. Precision Engineering

  • Laser Guidance: Accuracy within ±2cm for tunnel alignment.

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Sensors measure the drill pressure, temperature, and wear.

4. Durability in Harsh Conditions

  • Reinforced Frames: Withstand vibrations and rock bursts.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Coatings for a humid or acidic ecosystem.

5. Versatility

  • Modular Designs: Animated for narrow veins or large scale mining.

  • Multi-Purpose Attachments: Go back and forth between drilling, bolting, or scaling.

6. Reduced Environmental Impact

  • Electric Models: Zero emission for green mining programs.

  • Noise Reduction: Soundproof cabins (≤75 dB).


The applications of Underground Rock Drilling Rigs

Mining

  • Blast Hole Drilling: Fragment ore bodies for extraction.

  • Ventilation Shafts: Ensure airflow in deep mines.

  • Ore Pass Development: Create channels for material transport.

Civil Engineering

  • Tunnel Construction: Subways, highways, and hydroelectric projects.

  • Anchoring: Stabilize slopes and foundations.

Geothermal Energy

  • Well Drilling: Access underground heat reservoirs.

Disaster Response

  • Rescue Tunnels: Rapid excavation during emergencies.

The Selection of the Appropriate Underground Rock Drilling rigs

Step 1: Assess Project Requirements

  • Rock Hardness: Granite Vs limestone require different drill bits.

  • Tunnel Dimensions: Size rig based on width/height of excavation.

  • Depth: Shallow (<500m) vs. deep (>1,000m) drilling.

Step 2: Evaluate Key Features

  • Power Source: Diesel, electric, or hybrid.

  • Automation Level: Manual vs. semi-autonomous operation.

  • Mobility: Tracked vs. wheeled systems.

Step 3: Partner with Experts

Zsimcn provides free consultations for linking people to the best underground rock drilling rigs – Contact Us.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

  1. Daily Checks: Inspect hydraulic lines, lubricate joints.

  2. Bit Care: Replace worn carbide tips promptly.

  3. Software Updates: Upgrade rig control systems annually.

  4. Operator Training: Zsimcn provides certified training programs.

Trends in Underground Drilling Technologies in the Future

  • AI-Powered Rigs: Machine learning for predictive maintenance.

  • Battery-Electric Rigs: Eliminate diesel dependency.

  • Robotic Swarms: Multiple small rigs working autonomously.


Zsimcn’s R&D team is the first to introduce these; Stay Ahead.

Why to use Zsimcn’s underground rock drilling rigs?

  1. Proven Expertise: 25+ years in mining equipment manufacturing.

  2. Global Support: 24/7 technical support and network of spare parts

  3. Custom Solutions: Fit rigs for unusual geological problems.

  4. Cost Efficiency: Competitive pricing with 10-year structural warranties.

FAQs

Q: How long can a Zsimcn drilling rig last?

A: 15–20 years with proper maintenance.


Q:Can rigs function in extremely hot or cold temperatures?

A: Indeed! between -30°C and 50°C for testing.


Q:Are there any financing alternatives available?

A: There are various lease/purchase options available.

Conclusion

Underground rock drilling rigs are essential for modern mining and tunneling as there is no match for precision, safety, and efficiency that the drilling rigs bring along. Zsimcn’s state-of-the-art drilling rigs take these advantages a notch higher, through futuristic designs and world wide reliability. Got a project to power?