Cockerill gives thumb’s up to Peterstow innovation

Peterstow Aquapower has developed a drilling system which promises to save mining companies millions of dollars in capital and operational costs, while dramatically reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

The new drilling systems for hard-rock deep mining use less than 0.01% of the energy required by some existing systems and 60% less water.

In addition to dramatic potential cost savings, it can help companies respond to increasing regulatory and political pressure to improve energy efficiency.

The Peterstow system also promises to cut capital costs by eliminating the need for much of the underground infrastructure required for traditional hard-rock drilling, such as compressed air reticulation columns and high- strength water piping.

The system uses Peterstow’s patented closed-loop water hydraulic technology and modular power packs.

The closed-loop design significantly cuts water usage and ensures a more efficient transfer of power to the drill with greater reliability than existing technologies. It reduces water wastage and flooding which allows for the reduction of pumping facilities, opening up additional opportunities for savings.

Ian Cockerill, former CEO of Gold Fields (GFI-N, GFI-J) and an advisor to Peterstow, said in a press release: “This is a breakthrough technology which can give a huge leap in productivity.

“Mines are going to come under huge pressure as significant consumers of power. But big business like mining has the capability to put in place a game-changing technology, and this is a game-changing technology,” Cockerill said.

Peterstow has built a world-class manufacturing plant on a 32-acre site in Ngwenya, Swaziland, where it employs more than 100 people. The location provides transport links for worldwide distribution, and offers opportunity for expansion to meet increasing demand.