Rig 1 is a DM 45E Ingersoll Rand capable of completing any drilling requirements, from exploration, grade control and blast hole drilling. In early 2010 a complete machine rebuild was undertaken, this included the installation of a 300m rod bin, KL automated rod handler, full strip back blast and paint and a mechanical overhaul.  These components will enable the rig to ncomplete exploration work and make the rig capable of drilling up to 400m in depth safely.

Full safety features including full automation rod handling and breakouts, dust suppression / fire suppression and complete electrical shutdown features are maintained on rig 1.

Rig 1 was the first machine in the VM fleet and has been taken to numerous contracts for a variation of work from grade control in open cut pits through to 400m Iron ore holes in rugged terrain. The rig has a fully enclosed cab with air conditioning for operator comfort to reduce the risk of heat stress in extreme environments.

Some other modern features include additional lighting for optimum visibility on night shift, onboard video surveillance of critical operations and digital monitored sampling with internal and external displays for very accurate sampling intervals.

The rig has a complete walk around walkway with regulation 900mm high handrails and three access ladders for entry and exit from all areas. With the enclosed cab the driller has complete protection from the slips table, rotating rods and excessive noise.

We have set up a water injection system on this machine to apply water to the tracks allowing them to keep cool during tramming over considerable distances again eliminating downtime and assisting our clients in keeping with their production schedules. Capable of drilling Reverse Circulation, Grade Control, Exploration or Blast Holes, the total flexibility of this rig gives the customer the ability to fully utilize this unit for other applications in the mining environment.