Co-Ordination of In-Seam Drilling Research

In-seam drilling technology and priorities for its application have changed considerably since 1993 when the scoping study into in-seam drilling was conducted. Technological advances have mainly been due to the changing attitude in the industry to in-seam drilling and its role in defining whether mining can be conducted. The main technological developments to date have been made by the mine operators and contractors with assistance from their suppliers, to solve their problems in the short term. There is still much to be done in this area as the mines realise the limitations of the accuracy of their methods.

ACARP funded research has resulted in prototypes which have either been completed or will be completed over the next year and which should take in-seam drilling technology into the next generation. The continuing ACARP support of the project, Coordination of In-seam Drilling Research has facilitated the technological advances through promotion of communication amongst all players and through the monitoring of the research projects. Although the appointment of an ACARP in-seam drilling research coordinator has been extended beyond the number of years initially envisaged, the problems identified and refinements arising from a maturing in-seam drilling industry have reinforced the need for the continuing facilitation of communication amongst all players.

One of the main problems that has been given much attention recently is the need for better quality control of in-seam drilling and the hazards which accompany sloppy work. The industry has improved drilling quality enormously from the days mines accepted that rotary holes were straight. It took a fatality when an outburst occurred in a drive which was protected by rotary holes to make the industry adopt surveying of all holes. It has taken three occurrences of intersection of gas pressurised guided holes that were not where they were supposed to be to make the industry act regarding borehole surveying techniques. In all cases the NSW Chief Inspector has added his incentive of "Shape up or don't mine" to the situation. The industry still needs to review aspects of safety in in-seam drilling and make changes as necessary. 1998 promises to be another interesting year in in-seam drilling developments.

The open and honest contribution by most mines' drilling personnel, contractors, researchers and suppliers to sharing of knowledge on in-seam drilling has made the author's role easier, interesting and personally rewarding. These people set an example that other people who make their livings from the coal industry should follow. Without such cooperation, the industry will battle to survive.