The Primsmulde ventilation shaft project, which was completed using a rod less shaft boring system developed in the German coal industry, constituted an effective response to the demand for rapid and cost-efficient access to new coal deposits. Careful planning and the consistent attainment of performance targets meant that any project risks were kept to a minimum. The three project phases, comprising directional drilling, raise-boring and main shaft-boring, set new standards not only as regards the sinking depth of 1,262 m, but also because they involved innovative technologies that never before been employed for shaft sinking operations. Rodless shaft boring, which has now been used in more than 50 individual projects with a total drilling length of over 21 km, has now established itself as a proven technique.
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