What is a mining drilling jumbo? A mining drilling jumbo (often simply called a "jumbo drill") is a large, specialized piece of equipment used in underground mining to drill holes into rock. These holes are typically used for blasting (to break the rock into smaller pieces), ground support (e.g., bolting or shotcreting), and sometimes for exploration (to sample rock for mineral content). Jumbos are critical in the development and expansion of tunnels, shafts, and declines within underground mines.
What are jumbos used for in mining?
1. Drill Blast Holes: Jumbos drill holes into rock for blasting operations. The holes are then filled with explosives to break up the rock, allowing miners to access ore bodies or create space for further development.
2. Tunnel Development: They are used to help excavate tunnels, shafts, and declines (sloped tunnels) to reach ore bodies or other areas within an underground mine.
3. Surface Preparation: Jumbos prepare the surface by drilling holes for bolting, shotcreting, and other safety measures to stabilize tunnel walls.
Jumbo drills are vital for the rapid development of tunnels and the initial stages of accessing ore bodies in underground mines. Their speed and efficiency make them indispensable for modern mining operations, helping improve overall productivity and safety.