Celebrating 50 years of raiseboring

Atlas Copco is the largest supplier of raiseboring equipment worldwide, and there is much to celebrate this year as the world?s first successful raiseboring machine, the -Robbins 41R, turns 50. The legacy started in 1962 when industry pioneer James Robbins set out to mechanize a hazardous task in mining. With pinned drill tubes and steel cutters, the 1.2 m diameter Robbins 41R was launched and, amazingly, was found to still be working just recently at a site in Morocco.

Since design and manufacturing moved to Sweden, 17 models have been developed in a product range that represents a long line of milestones in raiseboring technology. Recent innovations such as the energy efficient VF drive and Measure While Drilling (MWD) system achieve unparalleled results while providing a safe environment for operators.

Raiseboring is the preferred and most cost effective means of excavating raises in underground projects. Today?s best selling raise drill is the Robbins 73RH C which is capable of reaming 1.8?3.1 m diameter holes.

Atlas Copco continues to push the boundaries of raiseboring operations and the Rig Control System (RCS) has placed automation at the forefront of future trends.