Drilling and Blasting in Mining: Solutions for the Mining Industry

Drilling and blasting are commonly adopted techniques for overburden removal and ore excavation in opencast as well as underground mining operations. Blast hole drilling also constitutes the simplest and the most economical solution for discovering and accessing underground mineral deposits.

Choosing appropriate drill and blast methods is critical to improving mining productivity and increasing profit margins while enhancing worker and environmental safety.

Finding suppliers of mining drilling and blast mining equipment and services

Mining Technology has listed leading suppliers of mining drill and mine blasting equipment and systems, based on its extensive experience in the sector.

The list covers suppliers of a wide range of drill and blast solutions for the mining industry. It includes manufacturers and suppliers of various mining drill and rock blasting machines and components for mining applications.

The list also includes mine blasting and drilling service providers, suppliers of blasting materials, such as bulk emulsions and explosives, as well as vendors of mining drill rig parts and drilling fluids.

The information contained within the download document is useful for mining operation managers, mining exploration geologists, mine planners, engineers and consultants, and any other individual involved in mineral exploration and ore extraction in the mining sector.

The download contains detailed information on drill and blast contractors and their product and service lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing or hiring decision.

Related Buyer’s Guides which cover an extensive range of mining equipment manufacturers, solutions providers and technology can also be found here.

Mine blasting and rock drilling tools and services

Drill and blast equipment and services for the mining industry include, but are not limited to:

  • Deep-hole drills, reverse circulation drills and pneumatic rock drills
  • Underground coring mobile drill rigs, excavator drills, crawler drills, and bolting rigs
  • Hydraulic drilling and demolition equipment
  • Down-the-hole, water-powered and slot drilling systems
  • Blasthole drilling and surface blast machines and tools
  • Underground drill rig parts, assemblies, and drilling fluids
  • Remote firing devices, explosives, and laser-based measuring equipment
  • Diamond and surface core drilling services for mineral exploration
  • Drill rig repair and refurbishment services
  • Blast optimisation and design services

Frequently asked questions

  • What role does drilling and blasting play in mining?

    Drilling and blasting are essential techniques in mining for breaking up rock and accessing ore deposits. These methods are widely used for both surface and underground mining operations, enabling efficient excavation of minerals and overburden removal.

  • What are the types of drilling equipment used in mining?

    Mining operations use a variety of drilling equipment, including deep-hole drills, pneumatic rock drills, crawler drills, and hydraulic drill rigs. These machines are chosen based on the specific mining requirements and the type of rock being excavated.

  • How do blasting services optimise mining operations?

    Blasting services ensure precise and controlled explosions to break rock, maximising productivity and safety. Proper blast designs reduce rock fragmentation, improve digging efficiency, and minimise environmental impacts, such as vibration and noise.

  • What safety measures are necessary for drilling and blasting?

    Safety measures include using remote firing devices, proper training for personnel, and following strict protocols for handling explosives. Advanced sensors and laser-based measuring systems are also used to ensure precision and minimise risks during blasting.

  • Who are the leading suppliers of drilling and blasting equipment?

    Leading suppliers include Atlas Copco, Epiroc, and Sandvik. These companies provide high-performance drilling machines, blasting tools, and safety systems that help mining operations achieve efficiency, precision, and safety.