Longcliffe invest in second Epiroc drill rig
Second FlexiROC D55 rig delivers major improvements in operational efficiency and sustainability
DERBYSHIRE-based Longcliffe Quarries Ltd have made a significant investment in a second drill rig for their calcium carbonates quarrying operation, delivering major improvements in efficiency and sustainability.
The Epiroc FlexiROC D55 rig will be based at Brassington Moor Quarry where the company has access to one of the highest-purity limestone sources in the country and operates an in-house drilling and blasting system.
Previously, one drill rig was used for both this quarry and Longcliffe’s Ryder Point Quarry, two miles away. The rig had to ‘track’ between the quarries, taking up valuable time (around half a day each time), and using large amounts of fuel. The new, second rig will prevent the need to move rigs between quarries, allowing Longcliffe to achieve improved efficiency, reduce fuel use and save on the cost of replacement tracks.
Jon Murgatroyd, manager of Brassington Moor Quarry, said: ‘This investment will deliver significant improvements on our operational efficiency and environmental impact. In addition to achieving savings on time and fuel, the rig will also help us with better utilization of the rock on the ground.’
The new rig will be operated by Longcliffe’s highly experienced in-house team of driller Paul Hadfield and shotfirers Nick Taylor, Dwain Redman, Harry Wanford and Chris Ogden.
Longcliffe managing director Paul Boustead said: ‘We are pleased to take delivery of this second drill rig. We are continually looking for ways to increase the sustainability and efficiency of our operations. Moving our original rig between sites was challenging and costly, and we can see already the benefits of having a dedicated rig in each of our quarries.’
Epiroc area sales manager Jason Reilly added: ‘Epiroc’s ambition is to produce the world’s greenest machines, to enable our partners to extract minerals in the most sustainable way possible, whilst improving safety, productivity, and machine availability even further.
‘We are delighted that the team at Longcliffe have ordered another Epiroc FlexiROC D55, in their chosen corporate colours, complete with a ROC-Care service agreement, demonstrating the close working partnership and shared commitment to sustainability between our two companies.’
