Mine Master Launches First-Ever Low-Profile Automated Underground Drill Rig in South Africa

Mine Master, in co-operation with Komatsu Underground Hard Rock South Africa, has introduced a groundbreaking innovation to the South African mining sector with the arrival of the country’s first low-profile automated drill rig - the FLP1410 with ADS system. This development is set to transform underground drilling practices, delivering major improvements in both productivity and safety.

Advancing safety and productivity in underground drill rigs

The new rig revolutionizes low-profile drilling capabilities, offering precise and consistent results while significantly reducing risks for operators. By automating core processes, the system minimizes operator exposure within hazardous zones — keeping safety, a cornerstone of mining operations, at the forefront.

Key benefits of the low profile drilling rig FLP1410

Among its standout advantages:

• Supervision by one operator over multiple rigs.
• Faster advancement and improved drilling efficiency.
• Enhanced geometry of the face, floor, roof, and sidewalls.
• No geological marking required on the face thanks to a built-in guide system linked directly to the drilling plan.

Alongside its Automated Drilling System (ADS), Mine Master has also introduced the Feeder Guidance System (FGS) on the FLP1410 low-profile drill rig. This advanced support technology enables operators to achieve highly precise manual drilling in line with the drill pattern, further improving both geometry and advancement.

With these innovations, Mine Master continues to set new benchmarks in underground mining technology, empowering operations to become safer, more productive, and more efficient.