Chile, the world’s largest copper producer, is known for its high-strength, highly abrasive copper ore formations. These formations, with a rock hardness coefficient of 8–12 and quartz content ≥60%, pose significant challenges for conventional drilling tools. Mining operators require drilling solutions that deliver both durability and high penetration efficiency to reduce operational costs and increase productivity.
This case study highlights how Suburb Tools’ DTH Hammer Bit, engineered with premium PDC cutters and optimized bit face design, addresses these challenges in Chilean copper mining operations.
The test site is located in a copper mining region of Chile, where the ore formation contains high quartz content, making it extremely abrasive. Traditional DTH hammer bits experienced short lifespans and frequent replacements, disrupting drilling operations and increasing cost per meter. Mining engineers sought a reliable, high-performance DTH hammer bit capable of maintaining penetration speed and wear resistance under these harsh conditions.
The Suburb Tools DTH Hammer Bit is designed for hard, silica-rich formations.
Key features include:
Premium-grade PDC cutters: Offering exceptional hardness and wear resistance to extend tool life.
Optimized bit face design: Ensures high penetration efficiency and stability during continuous drilling.
Field-tested durability: Reduces the need for frequent bit replacements, saving time and cost.
These features make the Suburb Tools DTH hammer bit an ideal solution for abrasive copper ore formations in Chile and similar high-hardness geological settings worldwide.
In a direct comparison between Suburb Tools and a competitor DTH hammer bit in Chile, the following results were observed:
Drill Bit Type | Average Lifespan | Average Penetration Rate |
Competitor DTH Bit | 30 meters (2 bits per hole) | 12.98 m/h |
Suburb Tools DTH Bit | 60 meters (1 bit per hole) | Higher than competitor |
The Suburb Tools DTH bit completed a full 60-meter hole with a single bit, effectively doubling the tool life. This significantly reduces downtime for bit changes and lowers the cost per meter drilled.
The project manager from the Chile mining site reported:
“We were impressed by the consistency and endurance of Suburb Tools’ DTH bit in the highly abrasive copper ore conditions. It maintained a stable penetration rate and required fewer bit changes, saving both time and cost.”
The customer also noted a 40% reduction in overall drilling cost, highlighting the efficiency and reliability of Suburb Tools’ solution in challenging geological formations.
Field results from Chile’s abrasive, high-quartz copper ore show that the Suburb Tools DTH Hammer Bit delivers consistent penetration, strong wear resistance, and significantly longer service life. Its durable PDC cutters and optimized bit face maintain drilling efficiency where standard bits wear out quickly, reducing downtime and lowering overall cost per meter.
With proven performance in hard and silica-rich formations, the Suburb Tools DTH bit offers a dependable, cost-effective solution. Customized designs are available to match specific geological requirements. Contact us to discuss your drilling conditions or request a customized DTH hammer bit design!
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