What is a jumbo in underground mining? In underground mining, a "jumbo" refers to a type of drilling rig used for tunneling and mining excavation. These machines are equipped with one or more drilling booms, which are used to drill holes in rock for blasting purposes. Jumbos are particularly large and powerful, capable of drilling holes with diameters ranging from several inches to over a foot wide and depths that can reach hundreds of feet.Jumbos are essential for advancing tunnels, shafts, and other underground structures.

　　Structure and components

　　- It typically consists of a drilling boom. The boom is a long, articulated arm that can be extended and maneuvered to position the drill bit accurately at different points on the rock face. The drill bits used can vary depending on the type of rock and the specific requirements of the mining operation. There are also hydraulic systems that power the movement of the boom and the rotation of the drill bit. Additionally, it has a cab or control station from which the operator can manipulate the drilling process, adjusting the drilling speed, angle, and depth of the holes.

　　Key Features of a Jumbo:

　　- Multiple Drilling Arms (Booms): Can have one to three or more booms, depending on the scale of the operation.

　　- Automated or Manual Controls: Modern jumbos often have computer-assisted controls to increase precision and efficiency.

　　- Versatile Movement: Mounted on wheels or tracks for mobility within the mine.

　　- Specialized Drills: Equipped with rock drills to penetrate hard rock surfaces.

　　Types of Jumbos:

　　1. Single Boom Jumbo: Suitable for smaller tunnels or shafts.

　　2. Double or Triple Boom Jumbos: Used in large-scale operations for higher productivity.

　　Applications:

　　- Blast Hole Drilling: Drilling holes into rock for explosives placement.

　　- Support Installation: Sometimes used to install rock bolts or other structural supports.

　　Jumbos are vital in mining operations, as they increase the speed, safety, and accuracy of underground excavation work.

　　The operation of a jumbo requires skilled personnel who must navigate the machine through narrow tunnels and ensure it is positioned correctly for each hole.

　　Once the holes have been drilled by the jumbo, they are then loaded with explosives and blasted to break up the surrounding rock, allowing it to be collected and transported out of the mine.