Redpath first entered the underground mining contractor market in Australia by acquiring Eroc in 2008. Its business also stretches across North America, Chile, Indonesia, Mongolia and South Africa.

Since the Eroc acquisition, Redpath has committed to bringing the most experienced personnel and equipment into Australia.

“The ability to provide raiseboring in Australia has brought Redpath another step closer to being a full service mining contractor,” Shannon said.

A big draw card is the Redbore 100.

“The Redbore 100 is the most powerful raise drill package ever manufactured, capable of drilling up to 8 metres in diameter and as long as 1000 metres,” Shannon said.

“It has the highest capacity for torque and thrust on the market giving the operator the control and power to drill through even the most difficult ground.

“The Redbore 100 also uses the largest drill rods in the world which gives it the ability to drill larger diameter and longer holes than competitor raise drills.”

Redpath’s previous work in Australia centred on providing drift development services to the underground coal sector, although the company is exploring further avenues.

“As a part of Redpath’s global expansion, we now have a coal mining equipment manufacturer – DH Mining Systems [Deilmann-Haniel] in the group,” Shannon said.

“Subsequently, we are looking to expand our range of services to the coal sector in Australia and South Africa.”

Shannon said Redpath designs and manufactures a full range of raisedrills which are built by “raise drillers for raise drillers”

He added the company was confident the broader range of services it now offers in Australia would give it a distinct competitive advantage over other mining contractors.

The company has offices in Brisbane and Perth plus service agreements around the country for its projects.