Big Ranger Developments For Q1

As WA’s mining industry continues to pick up speed, the first quarter of the financial year has been a busy time for Ranger Drilling.

Diamond Drill Mobilised

We mobilised our first Boart Longyear LF160 diamond drill to its first contract in June with a double shift starting late in the month.

The machine has performed well with excellent availability and very few teething issues. The fleet set up has delivered impressively with all works allocated to the machinery.

Productivity and safety have been good from day one. Ranger Crews have adapted well to the Freedom Loader: hands-free rod handling which greatly improves safety. Thanks to the crews for their efforts in making our venture into diamond drilling a successful one.

Ranger Mobilised Rig 17

Rig 17 is an Austex X350HC. The machine is a small footprint (6×6 mounted) RC drill rig with a 1150/500 Sullair compressor. All modern safety features have been incorporated into the machine, including an MDP module developed by Cortex Intelligence Systems.

The machine is fitted with remote control rod handling, set up functions and electronic interlocks to prevent access to live equipment by our personnel. It’s performing well on its first contract.

Using Material Data Processing

MDP functions as the information centre for Rig 17, tracking and logging drilling parameters, plus engine/machine health, with the ability to view this information from Perth in real time.

Looking Forward

The market has been picking up with increased enquiries for work. It’s promising to see a greater spend in the exploration and brownfields sectors as confidence returns after a few quiet years.

Ranger is looking forward to the next few years as market confidence grows, which will allow further innovation, development and improvement to machinery in the automated space.