To further our presence in the market and provide our customers with solutions for mechanically excavated deep/large diameter blind drilled shafts, Frontier-Kemper, Wirth, and ACI have entered a joint cooperation agreement to build a 240-ton blind shaft drilling system (Model DHI 240). While primarily used for ventilation in coal mines, the DHI 240 can also be employed for use in other mining and heavy civil applications.

The DHI 240 will be equipped with many automatic features to enhance productivity and safety of the operation. In its current configuration, the DHI 240 will have a working capacity of 240-tons and will be capable of drilling a 14 ft. diameter shaft to a depth in excess of 1,000 ft.

In addition, Frontier-Kemper’s DUR 1000 Raise Drill has been modified to handle smaller blind shaft drilling projects. The modifications made to the DUR 1000 allow the machine to be used for raise drilling activities, as well as providing blind drilling capabilities for shafts up to 8 ft. in diameter and to depths in excess 1,000 ft. in depth.

The result of our entry into the blind shaft drilling market will be the availability of an additional option to owners when schedule and geological conditions warrant an alternative to conventional shaft sinking or raise boring methods. Frontier-Kemper has always been committed to providing cost-effective, technologically advanced solutions to owners in the mining and heavy civil industries. We believe offering this new line of services to our customers is an even better reason to make us your first choice for your next shaft sinking project.

To discuss your next mine development project, please contact our Mining Department at mining@frontierkemper.com.