Coordination of In-Seam Drilling Research

In-seam drilling was recognised as the top priority for underground coal exploration research at the ACA Workshop "Underground Coal Mining Exploration Techniques" culminating in the ACARP funded In-seam Drilling Research Scoping Study completed in 1993. The Scoping Study defined the in-seam drilling problems and research needs of mining operators and recommended priorities for research and development.  Research in various aspects of in-seam drilling is currently being conducted by several organisations, mainly under ACARP funding.

The need for the Coal Industry to maintain close co-ordination of all research and development efforts in in-seam drilling to obviate duplication of effort and to assure the knowledge gained from previous research is incorporated into new research was recognised through the appointment in 1994, 1995 and 1996 of John Hanes to the task of in-seam Drilling Research Co-coordinator.  The objectives of the project are:

• To ensure close co-ordination of all research and development efforts in in-seam drilling,
• To obviate duplication of effort,
• To assure the knowledge gained from previous research is incorporated into new research,
• To assure research and development progress is communicated to operators and,
• To facilitate technology transfer.

The outcome of the project is provision of continuing communication and knowledge sharing of the progress of research and development in the disparate areas of in-seam drilling. This is achieved through quarterly reporting to the Exploration Task Force of research and development progress, regular communication with researchers and operators and the organisation of technical transfer and training forums.