RAISE BORING MINING
Vertical Raising
Raise Boring Mining A Safer, Faster and More Cost-Effective Way of Excavating Raises
Raise boring is a specialized drilling technique widely used in the mining industry, particularly for creating vertical or inclined shafts.
The standard in Raise Boring Mining
Raise boring machines from Trans Africa Container have been setting the industry standard for more than fifty years. We continue to lead thanks to outstanding equipment design and excellent quality. Our boring drills include only premium components, and all Robbins machines come with a 12-month (2 000-hour) warranty. At Trans Africa Container, we strive to construct high-quality machines that are easy to set up, operate and maintain.
Trans Africa Container’s range of raise boring machines includes models for both conventional raise and box hole boring as well as down reaming and it covers diameters from 0,5 meters up to over 6 meters. The boring drills are used in both civil engineering and mining applications for drilling shafts for ventilation, drainage, ore passes, back fills, hoisting, slot holes, and pen-stocks for hydro power plants. Features include drill pipe handling for easy and safe pipe handling as well as the computerized Rig Control System, RCS, which improves drilling accuracy, equipment reliability, and serviceability of the raise boring machines.
At Trans Africa Container Mining we own and operate a fleet of 4 Raise Bore machines, 2,500 meters of drill pipe and 16 reamers with sizes ranging from 28 in to 12 ft diameter, offering you the optimal equipment for your raise boring needs.
Safety underground
To reduce fatigue and maximize uptime, operators can control the boring drill rig remotely from a safe and comfortable setting above ground.
Multi-purpose drilling
Our boring rigs lower costs by excelling in a variety of settings with quick and easy setup, giving you more flexibility with one rig.
Fast and easy setup
Setup of the raise boring machines from Epiroc is quick and easy to maximize your uptime.
What is Raise Boring Mining
Raise boring is the process of boring a raise. A pilot hole is drilled from the drill rig to an underground cubby or tunnel. A reamer head with cutters is then attached to the drill string. The drilling rig at the surface or upper level then pulls tension onto the drill string while rotating, causing the large diameter cutting bit to cut a large hole from the underground tunnel or level to the surface or upper level.
The cuttings are removed as this fall to the ground due to gravity feed. The process sounds simple but requires skilled operators, good quality down hole equipment and powerful drill rigs.
A Wide Array of Solutions
AN ARRAY OF EXPERIENCE
Why Choose Trans Africa Container for Your Raise Boring Needs?
“We’re looking for new ways to solve problems and use some of these tried-and-true techniques in innovative ways.”
A capable, cutting-edge fleet matched with knowledgeable people have enabled us to safely and efficiently complete each Raise Bore project we encounter. We can tackle your project with the same tenacity we’ve demonstrated for over 30 years.
TOP EXPERIENCE AND EQUIPMENT
Challenging conditions demand powerful tools
6 000 meters of ventilation shafts are being drilled into very hard rock in the Katanga Mine in the D.R.C. .The conditions have been even harder than expected, but with Epiroc’s Robbins 123RH rig, Orefields Raise Boring AB has been able to meet the rigorous demands of their client.
What is Raise Bore Drilling used for?
Raise boring is used to create a circular vertical or horizontal excavation between two existing levels or tunnels in an underground mine. It is mostly used for ventilation shafts from the surface to underground.
Mining
Raise boring is used to drill shafts for ventilation, transferring ore from one level to another, creating silos for storing rock as well as hoisting of rock and ore to the surface. The application of Raise boring in mining also assists in providing access for personnel or material underground.

Energy
These types of holes and shafts are used in Hydro Electric or Pump Storage plants as pressure shafts. Also, it is used for access to underground nuclear storage facilities.

Civil
In urban infrastructure, raise boring is used to collect waste or flood water from streets directing it to an underground tunnel or dispose of. It is also used to access ventilation shafts required in underground metro and rail systems.

What are the benefits of Raise boring?
Compared to conventional methods of excavation, raise boring has the following advantages:
- Safe
- No explosives used
- No rock fractures associated with blasting
- Stable circular excavation results with zero damage to the sidewalls of the hole or shaft
- Accurate hole or excavation
- Automated operation
- Cost-effective
- Fast, efficient and flexible
- Excavation at various angles or dips
- Ability to obtain machine data and advance rates client
Partners with Experience
Raise Boring Statistics
The past decade has seen us satisfy a number of clients and hone our expertise on tough projects. Our statistics speak for themselves.
What are the different diameter sizes that raise bore
machines can excavate?
The diameter size of excavations are dependent on the client’s requirements, type of rock formation or geology and the capability of raise bore machine used.
250mm – 8m
Excavation diameter
180mm – 1,5km
Excavation depth

Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU: Revolutionizing Raise Boring Mining in African Mining
Introduction to Raise Boring Mining in African Mining
Raise Boring Mining is a specialized drilling technique widely used in the mining industry, particularly for creating vertical or inclined shafts. This method has gained significant traction in Africa due to its efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional drilling methods. Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU stands at the forefront of this innovation, providing state-of-the-art Raise Boring Mining machines and services tailored for the unique challenges of the African mining landscape.
Understanding Raise Boring Mining Technology
Raise Boring Mining involves the use of a Raise Boring Mining machine (RBM) that drills a borehole from an underground level to the surface or between two underground levels. The process begins with pilot hole drilling, followed by reaming out the hole to create a larger diameter shaft. This method is particularly advantageous for deep mining operations where conventional drilling may pose risks such as ground instability and excessive noise.
The Raise Boring Mining machine operates on a simple yet effective principle: it utilizes a rotating drill bit attached to a long drill string that extends from the surface down into the mine. Once the pilot hole is drilled, the RBM can be equipped with various reaming heads to expand the borehole diameter according to project specifications. This technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also minimizes waste and reduces energy consumption.
Advantages of Raise Boring Mining in African
- Enhanced Safety: One of the primary benefits of Raise Boring Mining is its ability to improve safety conditions within mines. Traditional drilling methods often expose workers to hazardous environments; however, Raise Boring Mining allows operators to conduct most operations from above ground, significantly reducing risk.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: With growing concerns about environmental sustainability in mining practices, Raise Boring Mining presents a more eco-friendly alternative. The method generates less waste material and minimizes surface disturbance compared to conventional techniques.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Although initial investments in Raise Boring Mining equipment may be higher than traditional methods, the long-term savings are substantial. The efficiency of RBMs leads to faster project completion times and lower labor costs, ultimately enhancing profitability for mining operations.
- Versatility: Raise Boring Mining machines can be utilized for various applications beyond just shaft sinking; they are also effective for ventilation raises, ore passes, and exploration holes. This versatility makes them an invaluable asset in diverse mining projects across Africa.
- Precision Engineering: Modern RBMs are equipped with advanced technology that ensures precise drilling parameters are maintained throughout operations. This precision translates into better-quality shafts that meet stringent engineering standards.
Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU’s Role in Raise Boring Mining
Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU specializes in providing high-quality Raise Boring Mining machines designed specifically for African mining conditions. Our commitment to innovation ensures that our equipment meets international standards while being adaptable to local requirements.
Our fleet includes various models of Raise Boring Mining machines capable of handling different borehole sizes and depths. Each machine is engineered with cutting-edge technology that enhances performance and reliability under challenging conditions typical of many African mines.
In addition to supplying machinery, Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU offers comprehensive support services including:
- Training Programs: We provide extensive training for operators and maintenance personnel on how to effectively use our Raise Boring Mining machines while adhering to safety protocols.
- Technical Support: Our team of experts is available around-the-clock to assist clients with any technical issues that may arise during operations.
- Maintenance Services: Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal performance of Raise Boring Mining equipment; we offer tailored maintenance packages designed specifically for our clients’ needs.
By partnering with Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU, mining companies can leverage our expertise and resources to enhance their operational capabilities through efficient Raise Boring Mining practices.
Applications of Raise Boring Mining Machines in African Mines
The application of Raise Boring Mining technology spans several key areas within the mining sector:
- Shaft Sinking: One of the most common uses of RBMs is for sinking vertical shafts necessary for accessing ore bodies deep underground.
- Ventilation Shafts: Adequate ventilation is critical in underground mines; RBMs facilitate the creation of ventilation raises that ensure proper airflow throughout mine workings.
- Ore Passes: Efficient transport systems are vital for moving ore from underground workings to surface processing facilities; raise bored ore passes optimize this process by minimizing material handling costs.
- Exploration Drilling: As exploration efforts intensify across Africa’s mineral-rich regions, RBMs play an essential role in conducting exploratory boreholes that assess potential sites for future development.
- Infrastructure Development: Beyond direct mining applications, raised boreholes can also support infrastructure projects such as water drainage systems or utility access points within mine sites.
Each application underscores how integral Raise Boring Mining has become within modern mining operations across Africa—enabling companies not only to extract resources more efficiently but also sustainably manage their environmental footprint.
Future Trends in Raise Boring Mining Technology
As we look towards the future, several trends are emerging within the realm of Raise Boring Mining technology:
- Automation and Remote Operation: Advances in automation technologies will likely lead toward increased remote operation capabilities for RBMs—enhancing safety further by minimizing human presence near active drilling sites.
- Integration with Digital Technologies: The incorporation of digital tools such as real-time monitoring systems will allow operators greater insight into performance metrics—facilitating proactive decision-making during operations.
- Sustainability Initiatives: As global emphasis on sustainable practices continues growing among industries—including mining—Raise Boring Mining technologies will evolve alongside these initiatives focusing on reducing carbon footprints through innovative engineering solutions.
- Enhanced Drill Bit Technologies: Ongoing research into materials science may yield improved drill bit designs capable of penetrating harder rock formations more efficiently—ultimately leading toward deeper explorations without compromising speed or safety standards.
- Collaborative Industry Efforts: Partnerships between equipment manufacturers like Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU and mining companies will foster knowledge sharing aimed at optimizing existing processes while developing new methodologies tailored specifically toward regional challenges faced by African miners today.
In conclusion, Trans Africa Containers Mining SARLU represents a pivotal player within this evolving landscape—dedicated not only toward advancing technological capabilities but also ensuring responsible stewardship over precious natural resources found throughout diverse terrains across Africa’s rich mineral deposits.
With our unwavering commitment towards excellence combined with innovative approaches tailored specifically toward local contexts—we stand ready alongside our partners as they navigate tomorrow’s challenges head-on
FAQ

The Raise Boring process
and applications

