Boart Longyear has announced the launch of a new LM Deephole underground drilling rig that, it says, builds off the LM110 and Nitro-Chuck™ platforms with the addition of a new PQ drill head.

The drill will allow for a 50% increase in drilling depth for NQ size.

As with all LM drills, the rig can be operated with remote control through the DCi™ (Drill Control Interface) and supplied with a rod handler for enhanced safety. This, Boart Longyear says, drastically reduces the driller’s exposure to potential hand injuries, one of the biggest risks for a drilling operator.

When paired together, drillers can use semi-autonomous drill routines over breaks and shift changes which have been found to increase productivity of up to 14%, according to the company.

Erik Gaugh, Product Manager at Boart Longyear, said: “I’m very excited about this rig. It combines established product platforms with several of our new technologies to deliver our customers what they want.”