A Central Asia-based mining contractor operating in hard rock formations was consistently hitting a ceiling of 60–80 meters per shift with their existing blast hole drilling fleet. Hard rock was chewing through drill bits, capping daily blast hole production, and directly delaying downstream blasting and excavation schedules.
They put the JC980 rock blasting drilling rig on their toughest face. Designed for high-speed blast hole production in hard rock, the rig combines powerful percussion with stable rotation to punch through formations that stall conventional rigs. The goal was simple: can it break the 100-meter-per-shift barrier?
"Good morning, my friend. I'd like to thank you — the JC980 drilling rigs have already completed their first shift. The drilling diameter is currently 130 mm, but we've ordered 165 mm drilling tools locally and are expecting them next week. The results are very good; we've drilled 163 meters through hard rock, while the other rigs only manage 60–80 meters per shift. I think we'll work with the JC980 drilling rigs for two months and then order two more of them from you."
Project: Hard Rock Blast Hole Drilling, Central Asia
Equipment: JC980 Rock Blasting Drilling Rig
Outcome: 163 meters of blast holes drilled in a single shift through hard rock — more than double the 60–80 m/shift achieved by conventional blast hole rigs. Customer confirmed plans to order two additional units after the 2-month trial. Currently operating at 130 mm diameter, upgrading to 165 mm.
"We've drilled 163 meters through hard rock, while the other rigs only manage 60–80 meters per shift."
— Central Asia Mining Contractor
Confirmed repeat order after one shift with JC980