Customised drilling solutions have recently assisted the successful completion by JSW Australia of multiple horizontal dewatering programs for BHP Billiton, Citic Pacific, Mineral Resources and Regis Resources with some bores pushed out to over 500m horizontal depths.

Reaffirming its commitment to best-practice, JSW has ensured that these programs have been carried out safely, without an environmental impact, on schedule, and within budget.

Specialist equipment enables comprehensive solutions  

JSW uses its versatile Vermeer D100X120 drill rigs to deliver its comprehensive solution. This includes the drilling of the holes at a distance of over 8 metres away from pit wall, installation of casing, grouting, and well-head connectors.  This process is supported by JSW management which offers its expertise to assist with bore design and pumping requirements.

JSW rigs are capable of drilling both air hammer, air rotary and mud rotary holes dependent on ground conditions.

Specialist Tatra hook trucks support all of the drilling activities, eliminating the need to access the back of the truck and bringing the trays containing all of the compressors, drill rods, water and service modules and other support items down to ground level.  The use of the single hook truck further enhances safety by reducing vehicle numbers in the active mining area.

JSW were engaged to complete a horizontal depressurisation drilling program at Nickel West Mt Keith.

"The Vermeer D100X120 was employed to drill 127mm holes to +150m at minus 5 degrees inclination," said JSW CEO, Jeff Branson.  

"Each 150 metre hole was completed within a single shift".

"Use of a directional drill rig, where the operator is well clear of the high wall during drilling, ensured that high safety standards were applied at all times.  We also overcame a number of working at heights issues by locating drill-hole collars about a metre above the bench level, which assisted the efficient installation of casing and dewatering plumbing".

BHP Billiton has endorsed the JSW drilling program, which was completed on time and within budget.