Mines and Quarries

Instrumentation

LIM develops, constructs and commercialises electronic instrumentation and associated data processing software packages for the mining and quarrying industries. Our primary objective in this sector is to allow our clients to maximise the efficiency of their drilling and blasting operations.

The upgradeability of LIM instrumentation solutions means that a client can progressively add new functions as and when required, without having to replace components or sacrifice previously installed applications.

As an example of this advantage, a mine or quarry can start with a simple display-type unit such as an INCLINOLIM 2D or a VISUALIM 4G, intended to provide the driller with valuable real-time information. Moving on to the next level, these basic instruments can be replaced by a FORALIM 4G drilling parameters display and recorder. The different drilling parameters can be displayed and/or printed in real time and subsequently transferred to a PC for processing and personalised log and geotechnical report production by means of dedicated software packages. Several possibilities exist in terms of data transfer: PCMCIA memory cards, direct RS-232 serial connection or by GSM modem.

Key benefits.

Our instruments respond to the specific needs of our customers by providing them with the necessary data for making key decisions in respect of exploratory and production boreholes, thereby ensuring a rapid return on investment. The key benefits gained from using LIM instrumentation solutions are:

reduction or elimination of overdrilling;
maximising penetration and optimising drill-bit selection and use;
control of borehole inclination at all points of the quarry face to ensure a regular front after blasting;
rapid identification of "signature" horizons (e.g. coal beds);
evaluation of formation hardness and fracturing;
blasting optimisation by taking into account the geology when calculating dynamite charge to use;
improve shovel-loading and crushing efficiency
improved drilling operations management;
improved safety and environmental protection;
lower maintenance costs;
improved knowledge of site geology.

In short, the deployment and use of LIM instrumentation will not only result in increased drilling productivity but, through effective use and management of the data obtained, will also provide efficiency gains throughout the extractive process - planning, maintenance, exploration, dynamite use, transport and crushing.

Logging

See under Logging