Mine Master’s new Face Master 2.8ATEX is a 30 t, multipurpose, self-propelled two boom drill jumbo on a wheeled chassis. The machine is designed for drilling blast holes and roof bolting in coal and other mines with explosive hazards from methane.

Due to the applied innovative solutions in the design of the FM 2.8ATEX, focused mainly on the safety of the operator, the machine is the first diesel-powered twin boom jumbo which complies with the ATEX EU Directive (2014/34/UE), thus achieving the safety category at the level of  Ex I M2 Ex h I Mb 150^°C.

The machine’s working units are designed to carry out face blast hole drilling as well as bolt holes in the roof and side walls by using rotary-percussive drifter. Additionally, the machine is equipped with a system of water flushing reduction allowing for drilling in kimberlite rocks, still under ATEX approval.

The operator’s ergonomic compartment is FOPS/ROPS certified and features a canopy flap for better visibility. Additional safety feature on the machine are safety bars installed on both sides of the operator’s compartment. They do not allow the operator to leave the machine during operation. The tyres used on the FM 2.8ATEX have antistatic properties to avoid any flame hazards.

The Face Master 2.8ATEX drilling rig has also been recently succesfully commissioned at a mining operation in Russia.