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Case Study
AMC BHS™ improved blast hole utilisation by 30%
Location: Western Australia
Project: Boddington Bauxite mine
Resource: Bauxite aluminum ore
Application: Blast hole utilisation
Objectives
Improving overall blast hole utilisation, whilst producing firm collars, in-gauge holes and aided drilling to Total Depth (TD).
Challenges
Varied formations of cap rock, with both cemented and loose gravel, produced inconsistent and unstable holes, not supporting accurate explosive installments.
The previously used foam system produced holes that presented well, yet revealed cave-ins and resulted in lost holes.
Overall productivity was impacted due to re-drills and recovery of lost equipment.
IMDEX Solution
The IMS project team was deployed to review current scope and build an effective execution plan for the revised model.
IMDEX Bore Hole Stabiliser
BHS is a multifunctional product that helps prevent a wide range of downhole problems including poor collaring, hole decay or sidewall instability. Its unique formulation enables it to penetrate deep into the surrounding strata where it will bond friable, fragmented materials, significantly reducing the need for excess conditioning, expensive redrills or casing.
Strategy & Solution
The unique formulation of BHS enabled deep penetration into the surrounding stratae.
BHS would bond friable, fragmented materials and significantly reduce the need for excess conditioning, redrills or casing.
Of the 21 holes drilled using the fluid, 19 were considered acceptable. Comparatively, the initial drill program only produced 11 holes that were considered acceptable.
Crews observed firmer drill collars that held their shapes, were firm to touch, and dried almost immediately. Holes remained in-gauge and in-profile to TD, with no blow-outs; and air pressure remained consistent for improved hole cleaning.
Drill holes were more stable and could withstand the rig pulling out and off the hole without collapsing, providing significantly more holes drilled per hour.
Importantly, the in-gauge holes ensured the correct amounts of explosives were applied in each hole.
