Making Headway In Morocco

In the quest to extract the quartzite at Had Soualem quarry in Morocco, the drilling team produce 12 m deep, 76 mm diameter blastholes in a pattern of 2.6x3m. By introducing the Epiroc PowerROC T35 drill rig at the site to replace old equipment, Gravettes et Bâtiments achieved major improvements on all fronts.

Reliable performance day in and day out and easy maintenance are two key hallmarks of the Epiroc PowerROC T35. This hydraulically-controlled drill rig is a workhorse for construction operations, aggregate and limestone quarries that also boasts low fuel consumption and an ergonomic design.

Boubker Moukafih, Site Manager at Gravettes et Bâtiments said:“The PowerROC T35 was recommended to us by the blasting contractor we collaborate with at the quarry who also offers drilling services and owns the explosives subsupplier CADEX. Our daily production target is 2000 m3 which we can now achieve in a ten-hour shift with minimal disruption.”

"Upgrading to the PowerROC T35 has also improved the working environment for our operators. The cabin is more comfortable and the joystick controls are far easier to use than the levers on our previous equipment," added Moukafih.

The COP Logic system also helps to avoid jamming which translates into less downtime and longer service life for drilling tools. But that’s not all. The PowerROC T35 is also equipped with a highly efficient oil cooling unit which is capable of resisting tropical temperatures up to 50 ℃, making it an ideal choice for the hot and dry Moroccan climate during the summer season.

“It takes us about 30 minutes to drill one 12m hole using the PowerROC T35 and the overall performance and reliability of the drill rig means that troubleshooting has decreased significantly. This has elevated both our productivity and cost competitiveness,” said Moukafih.