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?

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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.

AltitudeEffective air lossPractical action
0–1500 mnegligibleStandard configuration
1500–3000 m5–12%Slightly larger compressor class
3000–4500 m12–25%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

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

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LGCY-39/25

Pressure
25 bar
Free air delivery
39 mΒ³/min

Compatible rigs

KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550

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LGCY-39/25A

Pressure
25 bar
Free air delivery
39 mΒ³/min

Compatible rigs

KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550

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LGZJ-36/30-41/20

Pressure
20 bar
Free air delivery
36 mΒ³/min

Compatible rigs

KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550

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LGCY-33/25

Pressure
25 bar
Free air delivery
33 mΒ³/min

Compatible rigs

KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550

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LGCY-33/25K

Pressure
25 bar
Free air delivery
33 mΒ³/min

Compatible rigs

KG420B, KG430, KG520, KQLG-115, KG940A, KG550

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Complete Drilling Package

One working system quoted together.

01 β€” Drilling Rig

CDT-600 Trailer Water Well Drilling Rig

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02 β€” DTH Hammer

K10

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03 β€” DTH Bit

M3

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04 β€” Drill Rod

76mm Drill Rods

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DTH 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.

DTH Hammer

K10

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Drill Rod

76mm Drill Rods

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Frequently 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 115–254 mm), KT20S (hole 135–254 mm), KT30 (hole 195–254 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 32–254 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 32–950 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 5–45 mΒ³/min and discharge pressures from 8 to 35 bar. Match the compressor's free air delivery to the hammer's consumption (plus a 10–15% 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.

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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