Photo - boring shot holes

code: LVSAV2019.074

Collection code:
LVSAV2019.074
File type:
Photographs
Collection:

Description

B&W negative copied in 1990 from official albums then held at Grangemouth refinery.

Shale was mined by drilling shot holes and setting a series of explosive charges to loosen the rock. Electric drills were tried out for shot boring in shale mines as early as 1911, but it was not until 1935 that they were widely introduced. This type of electric drill was rated at 1.25 hp, running at a speed of 600 rpm. Using a tungsten carbide tip, a shot hole 4'6" deep could be bored in four minutes. See also LVSAV2019.075

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