High-Altitude Drilling Equipment & Complete Solutions
Bench blasting is won or lost on three numbers β hole diameter, bench depth and rock hardness. Tell us those and we size the rig, the air package and the tooling as one system.
Above 3,000 m, air density falls and every engine loses power. Equipment must be configured for altitude before it leaves the factory.
Find the Right Rig for Your Mine
What Determines the Right Drill Rig?
Click a card to expand.
1. Derate the engine, not the job
Diesel engines lose roughly 1% of rated power per 100 m above sea level without compensation. At 4,000 m a machine that is not configured for altitude can lose a third of its usable power.
2. Compressor sizing at altitude
Compressor free air delivery is quoted at sea level. At altitude, the same machine delivers less actual air volume. Size the compressor for the altitude it will actually work at.
| Altitude | Effective air loss | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| 0β1500 m | negligible | Standard configuration |
| 1500β3000 m | 5β12% | Slightly larger compressor class |
| 3000β4500 m | 12β25% | Altitude-configured machine |
3. Cold and access
High-altitude sites add cold starting, low-temperature lubricants and limited transport access. Weight and dimensions matter as much as specification.
Rig Selection
Grouped by duty. Filter to narrow the range.
69 models available
Mid-Range

KG590
- Method
- DTH

KG590H
- Method
- DTH

KG720
- Method
- DTH

KG920A
- Method
- DTH

KG920B
- Method
- DTH

KG920D
- Method
- DTH

KGH4
- Method
- DTH

KL510
- Method
- Top hammer

KAISHAN KJ311D
- Method
- DTH

KQ311
- Method
- DTH

KS311
- Method
- DTH

KJ210
- Method
- DTH

KG726HIII
- Method
- DTH

KJ215
- Method
- DTH

KJ212
- Method
- DTH

KJ314
- Method
- DTH

KSQ31
- Method
- DTH

KS313
- Method
- DTH

KSJ21
- Method
- DTH

KQ21
- Method
- DTH

KG420S(H)
- Method
- DTH

KS313i
- Method
- DTH

KJ311i
- Method
- DTH

KJ212i
- Method
- DTH

KT6C
- Method
- DTH

KT9C
- Method
- DTH

KT7H
- Method
- DTH

KT7D
- Method
- DTH

KT7C
- Method
- DTH
Mid-Range (up to 152 mm)

KM211
- Hole
- 32β51 mm
- Method
- DTH

KM311
- Hole
- 32β51 mm
- Method
- DTH

KAISHAN KJ310
- Hole
- 32β102 mm
- Method
- DTH

KAISHAN KJ311
- Hole
- 32β102 mm
- Method
- DTH

KJ422
- Hole
- 42β102 mm
- Method
- DTH

KJ421
- Hole
- 42β102 mm
- Method
- DTH

KJ211
- Hole
- 32β102 mm
- Method
- DTH

ZT5
- Hole
- 90β105 mm
- Method
- DTH

KZ5
- Hole
- 90β115 mm
- Depth
- 21 m
- Method
- DTH

KT5C
- Hole
- 90β115 mm
- Depth
- 25 m
- Method
- DTH

KT5H
- Hole
- 90β127 mm
- Depth
- 24 m
- Method
- DTH

KAISHAN KL511
- Hole
- 64β127 mm
- Depth
- 25 m
- Method
- DTH

KG420B
- Hole
- 90β130 mm
- Depth
- 25 m
- Air
- 10β17 mΒ³/min
- Method
- DTH

ZT11
- Hole
- 90β130 mm
- Depth
- 32 m
- Method
- DTH

KT11
- Hole
- 90β140 mm
- Depth
- 32 m
- Method
- DTH

KG430
- Hole
- 90β152 mm
- Depth
- 25 m
- Air
- 13β20 mΒ³/min
- Method
- DTH

KG520
- Hole
- 105β152 mm
- Depth
- 25 m
- Air
- 15β22 mΒ³/min
- Method
- DTH

KQLG-115
- Hole
- 90β152 mm
- Depth
- 25 m
- Air
- 12β25 mΒ³/min
- Method
- DTH

KT12
- Hole
- 115β152 mm
- Depth
- 28 m
- Method
- DTH

ZT12
- Hole
- 115β152 mm
- Method
- DTH
Heavy-Duty (152β203 mm)

KZ9
- Hole
- 115β165 mm
- Depth
- 21 m
- Method
- DTH

KT9D
- Hole
- 115β165 mm
- Depth
- 24 m
- Method
- DTH

KT15
- Hole
- 135β190 mm
- Method
- DTH

KT15C
- Hole
- 140β190 mm
- Depth
- 36 m
- Method
- DTH

KG940A
- Hole
- 105β203 mm
- Air
- 15β26 mΒ³/min
- Method
- DTH

KT25
- Hole
- 152β203 mm
- Depth
- 35 m
- Method
- DTH

KG200GF
- Hole
- 115β203 mm
- Method
- DTH
Large-Diameter (203 mm +)

KG550
- Hole
- 115β254 mm
- Air
- 15β35 mΒ³/min
- Method
- DTH

KT30
- Hole
- 195β254 mm
- Depth
- 27 m
- Method
- DTH

KW360
- Hole
- 115β305 mm
- Depth
- 350 m
- Method
- DTH

CDC-800
- Hole
- 140β350 mm
- Depth
- 800 m
- Method
- DTH

CZT-1200
- Hole
- 140β350 mm
- Depth
- 1200 m
- Method
- DTH

KSC-1300
- Hole
- 105β350 mm
- Depth
- 1300 m
- Method
- DTH

CDC-600K
- Hole
- 105β350 mm
- Depth
- 600 m
- Method
- DTH

CDC-450J
- Hole
- 105β350 mm
- Depth
- 450 m
- Method
- DTH

KW180
- Hole
- 140β350 mm
- Depth
- 180 m
- Method
- DTH

KG500GF
- Hole
- 185β500 mm
- Method
- DTH

CDC-600
- Hole
- 90β850 mm
- Depth
- 600 m
- Method
- DTH

CDT-800J Trailer water well drilling rig
- Hole
- 90β850 mm
- Depth
- 800 m
- Method
- DTH

CDT-600 Trailer Water Well Drilling Rig
- Hole
- 89β950 mm
- Depth
- 600 m
- Method
- DTH
Matching Air Compressors
Air demand is set by the hammer, not the rig. Discharge pressure must cover the hammer rating and free air delivery must cover air consumption plus margin.
LGCY-45/25-37/35V
- Pressure
- 25 bar
- Free air delivery
- 45 mΒ³/min
Compatible rigs
KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550
View productLGCY-39/25
- Pressure
- 25 bar
- Free air delivery
- 39 mΒ³/min
Compatible rigs
KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550
View productLGCY-39/25A
- Pressure
- 25 bar
- Free air delivery
- 39 mΒ³/min
Compatible rigs
KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550
View productLGZJ-36/30-41/20
- Pressure
- 20 bar
- Free air delivery
- 36 mΒ³/min
Compatible rigs
KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550
View productLGCY-33/25
- Pressure
- 25 bar
- Free air delivery
- 33 mΒ³/min
Compatible rigs
KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550
View productLGCY-33/25K
- Pressure
- 25 bar
- Free air delivery
- 33 mΒ³/min
Compatible rigs
KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550
View productDTH Hammer, Bits & Rods
Rig + Compressor + Tools = Complete System
The tooling is matched to the same hole diameter and air package as the rig above β a system, not a shopping list.
Request This PackageRecommended Products
View all βFrequently Asked Questions
Rig selection
Which drilling rig should I use for high altitude drilling?
It depends on hole diameter and depth. In our current range, 29 rig models have a published hole range for this work; the largest-capacity three are KG550 (hole 115β254 mm), KT20S (hole 135β254 mm), KT30 (hole 195β254 mm). Send us hole diameter, depth and rock type and we will confirm the fit.
Which drilling rigs are recommended for high altitude drilling?
Based on the published hole range of the rigs listed for this application, the widest-coverage models are CDT-600 Trailer Water Well Drilling Rig (up to 950 mm), CDC-600 (up to 850 mm), CDT-800J Trailer water well drilling rig (up to 850 mm). Final selection depends on hole diameter, bench depth and rock conditions β use the equipment selector for a parameter-matched shortlist.
Which drilling tools match the rigs used in high altitude drilling?
The parameter-matched tooling for the listed rigs is hammers: K10; rods: 76mm Drill Rods, 102mm Drill Rods. Tool selection follows the hammer class and the required hole diameter.
How many models are available for high altitude drilling?
69 rig models are currently listed against this application, and matched compressors, hammers, bits and rods are linked to each of them. The complete package can be assembled and quoted as one configuration.
Hole diameter
What hole diameter range can be drilled?
Across the rigs we list for this application the published hole range spans 32β254 mm. Depth capability and rock hardness decide which end of that range applies β tell us the diameter and bench depth and we will match the model.
What hole diameter range can be drilled in high altitude drilling?
Across the rigs listed for this application the published hole range spans 32β950 mm. Smaller diameters favour mid-size rigs with higher drilling frequency; larger diameters need a heavier carrier and matched air volume.
Air compressor
What air compressor is required?
Air demand is set by the hammer, not the rig. The compressors we list for this application cover 5β45 mΒ³/min and discharge pressures from 8 to 35 bar. Match the compressor's free air delivery to the hammer's consumption (plus a 10β15% margin) and make sure discharge pressure covers the hammer rating.
What air compressor is required for high altitude drilling?
Air demand is set by the hammer, not the rig. Parameter-matched compressors for the rigs in this application include LGCY-33/25, KSCY-550/13. Match the compressor's working pressure and free air delivery to the hammer class you intend to run.
Drilling method
β
High altitude & site conditions
What is the maximum drilling depth for high altitude drilling?
The deepest published capability among the listed models is 1300 m (KSC-1300, CZT-1200). Note that economical depth depends on method and tooling: a split rig with a separate compressor is normally economical to about 25 m per bench, while deeper holes need matched rod strings.
Which technical guide should I read first for high altitude drilling?
Start with the selection guides linked on this page (how-to-choose-a-dth-drilling-rig and best-compressor-for-dth-drilling). They explain how hole diameter, bench depth and rock hardness drive the rig and compressor choice.
Download the Catalogue
Full model range, specifications and configuration tables.
Tell Us About Your Mining Project
Three ways in β pick the one that fits how far your project has come.
High-Altitude Drilling & Compression

