Challenge: The "Hard Nut to Crack" Deep in the Mountains

At a large magnetite mining site in Liaoning Province, the operations team has long faced a formidable challenge: the high-hardness magnetite rock formations are as tough as a steel fortress. With a Protodyakonov hardness exceeding F=12 and intersecting, well-developed fissures, traditional drilling rigs often struggle with low efficiency, high fuel consumption, and frequent maintenance. These issues are particularly severe when drilling large-diameter blast holes, where equipment stability and power output become critical bottlenecks. In 2024, the mine launched a production capacity upgrade plan, urgently seeking a drilling solution that combines high efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance.

Breaking the Deadlock: The Hardcore Strength of the SDC170

LGMRT's SDC170 Surface Down-the-Hole Drill Rig arrived in response to the mine's urgent needs and quickly became the preferred solution, thanks to the following core advantages:

Powerful Drilling, Outstanding Efficiency

Equipped with the Sandvik HTRH6 high-torque rotary head, the SDC170 features a 412 kW engine paired with a high-pressure air compressor, delivering robust performance to easily tackle ultra-hard iron ore formations. With a drilling diameter range of 138–203 mm, its single-shift drilling efficiency is over 15% higher than that of traditional equipment.

Intelligent Energy Management

The integrated CMS air compressor management system and advanced drilling control system create a dynamic energy-saving network. Combined with a China Stage IV emission-compliant engine, the SDC170 achieves a 10% reduction in fuel consumption.

The 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen displays key operating parameters in real time, such as impact pressure, rotation speed, and fuel consumption. Users can quickly access all parameters and dynamic data stream information with just five button presses.

The fully electronic control joystick with anti-mistouch design reduces operator workload intensity by 40% compared to traditional hydraulic control.

The open-layout design makes daily maintenance easily accessible, reducing downtime.

The CAN-bus system enables real-time monitoring, with a 3-second communication interruption triggering an alarm to effectively identify potential faults.

The efficient dust collection system keeps dust concentration on the job site stable; the enclosed cab ensures noise levels below 80 dB; heating and air conditioning enhance comfort for continuous operation in both winter and summer.

Running-In: Finding the Optimal Operating State

When the SDC170 first arrived at the open-pit mine, it also went through a running-in period. The LGMRT onsite service team fully supported the equipment’s running-in process, continuously fine-tuning through precise analysis and rapid response to overcome multiple technical challenges. To optimize the SDC170’s initial performance, the team repeatedly tested and ultimately adjusted the impactor size from 7 inches to 6 inches, achieving improved operational efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. They also optimized the pipeline layout to make maintenance more convenient.

Relying on a strategic layout of one service center and three service stations radiating across Liaoning, LGMRT has achieved rapid operations and maintenance at the mine area with a “2-hour technical response + 8-hour spare parts delivery” guarantee, fully demonstrating Lingong Mining’s core competitive strength driven by both “technology + service.”

Repeated Purchases: The Market’s Choice Is the Most Convincing Proof

Based on the outstanding performance of the first SDC170, the mine added two more SDC170 units in January and April 2025, forming a stable and efficient drilling rig fleet that has become a strong force for increasing production and efficiency in the mining area.

Customer Approval: Comprehensive Recognition from Efficiency to Environmental Sustainability

“On our mine, the SDC170 can achieve a maximum drilling depth of 410 meters per shift. It not only solves the efficiency problems of hard rock drilling but also helps the mine save a significant amount of operating costs through its low energy consumption and simple maintenance design. The three units were put into use in stages, perfectly matching the pace of our smart and eco-friendly mine construction. This is truly ‘green productivity.’ Even in the icy conditions of -25°C, our operators can still work steadily and safely inside the warm cabin.” — Mr. Li, Equipment Manager of the Mine

Growth: Driven Forward by Customer Needs

Customer feedback is a vital driving force behind the growth of the SDC170. Considering local mining conditions such as thick and soft overburden and extreme cold during winter operations, Lingong Mining engineers carefully listened to customer input. For the third drill rig, they added an optional water flushing module with insulation measures and implemented several improvements to the cab layout and other processes based on customer suggestions.

As the morning sun pierces through the mine’s dawn mist, the drill rods of the three SDC170 rigs simultaneously advance across different workfaces. They are not just drilling machines but symbols of Chinese mining equipment’s breakthrough into extreme cold and ultra-hard conditions. Every centimeter drilled is redefining the boundaries of cost-effectiveness.