The aim of the advanced logging tool project is to develop a suite of measurement-whilst-drilling tools that can facilitate faster and more reliable holes to be drilled, provide accurate coal interface detection for geo-steering, and to leverage in-seam drilling for geological modelling and longwall planning, Prochon said.

With the development of the in seam wireless drill string and the advanced logging tool architecture, CRCMining is positioning itself to be able to deliver tools suitable for both niche and broader markets.

“Many in the industry regard technologies developed by CRCMining as game changers,” he said.

“The advanced logging tool has the capacity to vastly improve productivity in underground in-seam mining operations. It will help change drilling practices by continuously identifying structures such as the roof and floor of the coal seam, as well as faults, dykes and sills. This will minimise delays during drilling, and achieve more reliable pre-mining drainage by drilling straighter holes.”

Unplanned longwall delays will also be reduced, which can cost around $1 million per day for some mining operations, according to Prochon.

The UIS industry is lacking a number of the leading edge capabilities that has helped the surface to in-seam drilling industry to improve the quality of metres drilled and provide geological surveying data for mine planning, Prochon said.

“These capabilities include real-time wireless telemetry that enables standard hollow drill pipes to be used; pump down wire-line tools; and coal seam imaging for accurate mine planning,” he said.

One inherent weakness in current UIS drilling practices is the inability to maintain the bit within the confines of the coal seam, according to Prochon.

“As a result, coal seam boreholes tend to undulate, frequently drilling out of the seam,” he said.

“This requires pullbacks and branching, which duplicates drilling meters, and establishing a branch takes time. It is estimated that 20-30% extra metres are drilled as a result of branches. Branching also carries a risk of borehole collapse, so are not desirable from a gas drainage perspective.”

In 2014 CRCMining developed a resistivity measurement tool, which is a good solution for geo-steering, not only for UIS drilling but also for SIS drilling.

With the development of the advanced logging tool, CRCMining is also helping to address a current lack of geological mapping that would be highly valuable for longwall planning, according to Prochon.