Types of drilling machines refers to the entire piece of equipment that provides the power, rotation, and feed force to the drill bit. These are the large rigs that perform the work. The type of machine is chosen based on the drilling method, the depth of the hole, the environment (surface or underground), and the size of the operation(Rotary Drilling Rig & Down the Hole Drill Machine for Mining, 2023.).
They include:
Drill rigs: which are essential for different mining needs. Rotary drill rigs are ideal for large-diameter holes in open-pit mining, using a rotating bit and downward pressure to break rock. Top Hammer drill rigs are suited for smaller operations and hard rock, where impact energy is delivered directly to the bit. Down-the-Hole (DTH) rigs are best for medium-to-deep holes in hard rock, with the hammer located at the drill bit for efficient energy transfer.
Auger Drills: These drills are used for shallow exploration and are effective for soft or unconsolidated soils. They work by rotating a helical screw blade to remove cuttings.
Core Drills: Core drilling equipment extracts cylindrical rock samples. These are crucial for mineral exploration, as the cores provide data about the geology, mineral content, and structure.
Percussion Drills: These use repeated strikes on the rock surface to break it. Commonly used for shallow drilling and water well exploration.
Blast Hole Drills: Specifically designed for creating holes for explosives in surface mining, enabling controlled blasting.
Horizontal Drills: Used for tunnel construction and underground mining. They are highly versatile and effective for creating horizontal or inclined shafts.
Hydraulic Drills: Powered by hydraulic systems, these drills are compact and efficient, making them suitable for confined spaces in underground mining(synergyrigs, 2024).
From remote-controlled jumbos to autonomous rigs, technology is reshaping the role of drilling machines in mining and construction. What’s one type of drilling machine you find particularly impressive, and why? Share your thoughts!
References:
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Rotary Drilling Rig & Down the Hole Drill Machine for Mining. (n.d.). Revathi Equipment Limited (REL). Retrieved September 24, 2025, from https://www.reldrill.com/
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synergyrigs. (2024, October 25). List of Mining Drilling Equipment and Methods of Drilling | Synergy Rigs. https://synergyrigs.com/list-of-mining-drilling-equipment-and-methods-of-drilling/
