In 2026, a mining contractor in Ghana contacted YG Machinery for a reverse circulation drilling machine for a new gold exploration project. The customer needed equipment that could work in remote areas with mixed soil and rock conditions. Their previous drilling method had problems with sample accuracy and site mobility. They wanted a drilling solution with stable performance, efficient sample collection, and easier transportation between exploration points. After several technical discussions, YG engineers reviewed the project requirements and recommended a crawler-mounted model suitable for 400-meter exploration drilling.
- Product Parameters of Reverse Circulation Drilling Machine
- Technical Communication and Video Meeting Before Choosing the RC Drilling Rig
- Selecting an RC Drilling Rig for Gold Exploration
- Production Inspection and Export Preparation
- Arrival in Ghana and On-Site Installation Support
- Field Operation Feedback from Ghana Gold Exploration Project
- Crawler RC Drilling Rig Adapted to Remote Mining Conditions
- Contact Your Reliable RC Drilling Rig Manufacturer
Product Parameters of Reverse Circulation Drilling Machine
| Parameter | Unit | YGL400 | YGL500 | YGL600 | YGL800 | YGL1200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Drilling Depth | m | 400 | 500 | 600 | 800 | 1200 |
| Hole Diameter | mm | 105–305 | 105–400 | 105–450 | 105–550 | 105–800 |
| Working Air Pressure | MPa | 1.2–3.5 | 1.6–6 | 1.6–6 | 1.6–8 | 1.6–8 |
| Air Consumption | m³/min | 16–55 | 16–55 | 16–75 | 16–96 | 16–96 |
| Drill Rod Length | m | 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Drill Rod Diameter | mm | 89/102 | 102/114 | 102/114 | 114/127 | 127/146 |
| Axial Force | T | 6 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 13 |
| Lifting Force | T | 22 | 25 | 29 | 47 | 57 |
| Fast Hoisting Speed | m/min | 20 | 23 | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Fast Advancing Speed | m/min | 32 | 33 | 33 | 42 | 44 |
| Maximum Rotation Torque | Nm | 8000/4000 | 10000/5000 | 12000/6000 | 18000/9000 | 24000/12000 |
| Maximum Rotation Speed | r/min | 75/150 | 75/150 | 75/150 | 70/140 | 86/172 |
| Auxiliary Winch Lifting Force | T | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Outrigger Stroke | m | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Penetration Rate | m/h | 10–35 | 10–35 | 10–35 | 10–35 | 10–35 |
| Travel Speed | km/h | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 6.4 |
| Gradeability | ° | 21° | 21° | 21° | 21° | 21° |
| Machine Weight | T | 11 | 12 | 12.5 | 17 | 23 |
| Overall Dimensions (L×W×H) | m | 7×1.85×2.86 | 7×2.1×2.9 | 7×2.1×2.9 | 10.5×2.25×3.3 | 11.5×2.25×3.4 |
| Engine Power | kW | Yuchai 92 | Cummins 132 | Cummins 132 | Cummins 194 | Cummins 264 |
| Drilling Method | – | Top drive hydraulic rotary propulsion, DTH hammer drilling, or mud drilling | Top drive hydraulic rotary propulsion, DTH hammer drilling, or mud drilling | Top drive hydraulic rotary propulsion, DTH hammer drilling, or mud drilling | Top drive hydraulic rotary propulsion, DTH hammer drilling, or mud drilling | Top drive hydraulic rotary propulsion, DTH hammer drilling, or mud drilling |
| Suitable Conditions | – | Loose strata and bedrock | Loose strata and bedrock | Loose strata and bedrock | Loose strata and bedrock | Loose strata and bedrock |
| Matching Hammer | – | Medium & high-pressure pneumatic DTH hammer series | Medium & high-pressure pneumatic DTH hammer series | Medium & high-pressure pneumatic DTH hammer series | Medium & high-pressure pneumatic DTH hammer series | Medium & high-pressure pneumatic DTH hammer series |
Technical Communication and Video Meeting Before Choosing the RC Drilling Rig
After confirming the basic requirements, YG arranged an online video meeting with the Ghana project team. The customer showed pictures of the exploration area and explained the working environment.
The site was located away from major infrastructure. Road conditions were not always suitable for heavy vehicles. Therefore, mobility became one of the most important factors. YG engineers introduced the working principle of the RC drilling rig and explained how the crawler system could help operators move across rough terrain.
During the meeting, the customer focused on several technical questions:
- How deep can the machine drill?
- How does the reverse circulation system collect samples?
- What maintenance is required in remote areas?
- How can operators learn the machine operation?
YG engineers explained each point through drawings, videos, and technical documents. The discussion lasted several rounds because the customer wanted to reduce possible risks before purchase.
According to common mineral exploration practices, drilling equipment must provide reliable geological information while maintaining safe operation procedures. Sample quality, drilling records, and equipment stability are important factors during exploration projects.
After reviewing the technical information, the customer decided that the YGL400 model matched their project requirements. The configuration included a maximum drilling depth of 400 meters, a 105-305 mm hole diameter range, and a Yuchai 92 kW engine.
Selecting an RC Drilling Rig for Gold Exploration
The Ghana customer selected the machine mainly for gold exploration. This RC drilling rig for gold exploration was configured according to the local working conditions.
Before production, both teams confirmed the final machine details. The customer requested additional checks on hydraulic components and external protection because the drilling site had dusty conditions.
The final configuration included:
- Maximum drilling depth: 400 m
- Hole diameter: 105-305 mm
- Working air pressure: 1.2-3.5 MPa
- Air consumption: 16-55 m³/min
- Lifting force: 22 T
- Machine weight: approximately 11 T
The quotation included the drilling machine, standard accessories, operation documents, and technical support. The customer reviewed the proposal and completed payment after confirming all details.
YG engineers then started production. Each major component was inspected during assembly. The hydraulic system, rotary head, crawler structure, and drilling mast were checked according to factory procedures.
Before shipment, YG conducted a complete machine inspection. The team tested the rotation system, lifting function, hydraulic pressure, and traveling performance. The customer received inspection photos and videos before arranging transportation.
Production Inspection and Export Preparation
The production process followed a step-by-step inspection system. Engineers checked the machine structure first. Then they tested the hydraulic components and power system.
The customer joined a remote factory inspection through video communication. They checked the engine area, control panel, drill mast, and included accessories.
After inspection approval, the machine entered the export preparation stage. The team prepared packing documents and arranged transportation according to international shipping requirements.
The drilling machine was fixed carefully before loading. Accessories such as drill pipes and tools were packed separately. Labels were added to help the customer identify each part after arrival.
The equipment was shipped from China to Ghana by sea. During transportation, YG maintained communication with the customer and provided updates about shipping progress.
Arrival in Ghana and On-Site Installation Support
After arriving in Ghana, the machine was transported from the port to the exploration site. The customer completed local clearance procedures and arranged final delivery.
Because the site was remote, the customer’s operators needed practical training before starting work. YG provided online guidance during installation and commissioning.
The training covered:
- Daily equipment inspection
- Hydraulic system checks
- Drill pipe connection
- Sample collection process
- Safe operating procedures
The operators first practiced basic movement and drilling preparation. After several trial operations, the team started the first exploration holes.
The customer reported that the crawler structure helped the machine move between different drilling points. The reverse circulation system also helped the geological team collect samples more efficiently.
Field Operation Feedback from Ghana Gold Exploration Project
After the first drilling stage, the Ghana team continued recording machine performance and operation data. The project manager focused on three main areas: drilling stability, sample quality, and equipment maintenance requirements.
During field operation, the machine worked in different ground conditions, including loose soil layers and hard rock sections. The crawler structure helped the operator adjust the drilling position without preparing large working areas. This reduced relocation time between exploration points.
The customer reported that the drilling process became easier to manage compared with their previous equipment. The geological team received continuous samples from different depths and used them for further analysis. In mineral exploration projects, accurate sample records are important because they support decisions about future mining investment.
The customer also paid attention to maintenance. Since the project was located far from large cities, simple inspection procedures were important. The operators followed the training provided by YG and checked key components regularly, including hydraulic oil levels, drill pipes, and connection parts.
After several weeks of operation, the customer shared feedback with YG Machinery. The project manager explained that the equipment matched their exploration requirements. The machine provided stable drilling performance and suitable mobility for the Ghana site.
The customer planned to continue exploration work in additional areas. Based on future drilling depth requirements, YG engineers discussed possible upgrades, including larger models from the same series.
Crawler RC Drilling Rig Adapted to Remote Mining Conditions
The Ghana project demonstrated the importance of selecting equipment according to actual site conditions. The customer needed a machine that could handle remote locations, uneven terrain, and different geological formations.
The selected crawler RC drilling rig provided mobility advantages during field operation. The crawler undercarriage improved ground contact and allowed the machine to travel across areas where traditional vehicles could face difficulties.
For mining contractors, equipment selection usually depends on several factors:
- Required drilling depth
- Rock formation conditions
- Transportation limitations
- Available power supply
- Maintenance capability
The YGL series covers different drilling requirements from 400 meters to 1200 meters. Customers can select models according to exploration scale and project conditions.
In this Ghana case, the customer started with the YGL400 model because the initial exploration target was around 400 meters. The machine configuration matched the project stage without unnecessary additional investment.
The cooperation process also included technical communication after delivery. YG engineers continued answering operational questions and providing suggestions based on field feedback.
The customer kept the operation records for future planning. These records included drilling depth, working hours, maintenance information, and geological sample details.
Contact Your Reliable RC Drilling Rig Manufacturer
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