Increasing the efficiency of borehole drilling in underground mining
V.V. Arno1, E.P. Kolesnichenko2, I.Yu. Garifulina1, P.E. Sharov1
1 North-Eastern State University, Magadan, Russian Federation
2 Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №1/ 2026 p. 68-72
Abstract: The article discusses the problem of stabilizing borehole walls when drilling in unstable clayey and mudstone formations, which are characterized by soil heterogeneity, high pressures, and high temperatures at deep levels. The relevance of this research is explained by the need to develop efficient technologies and materials that can improve borehole stability and reduce drilling fluid losses, which is crucial for the safety and efficiency of mining operations. The article analyzes the use of the X-TEND 400 multifunctional agent at the Dvoinoy and Kupol mines. The study uses field test data, drilling fluids with the agent concentrations of 1–3 kg/m3, and measurements of wall stability, adhesion, and loss of the drilling fluid. The methods included a comprehensive assessment of rock physical properties, analysis of drilling process parameters, and quantitative assessment of the agent’s efficiency. The results showed a significant improvement in the wall stability and a decrease in the drilling fluid loss when using X-TEND 400, which confirmed its technological and economic feasibility. The study’s findings recommend the use of X-TEND 400 to optimize the drilling process in challenging geological conditions.
Keywords: borehole drilling, geomechanical instability, multifunctional agent, borehole reinforcement, drilling performance, safety of drilling operations
Acknowledgements: The authors express our sincere gratitude to mining engineer Maxim Ivanovich Kayuda, a drift miner at the Kupol mine of the Chukotka Mining and Geological Company JSC Chukotka Mining and Geological Company, for his valuable contribution to shaping the research ideas, as well as for his assistance in collecting and providing materials on the X-TEND 400 multifunctional agent, which he personally used in his practical work. His professional experience and involvement in the work have increased the quality and practical significance of this research.
For citation: Arno V.V., Kolesnichenko E.P., Garifulina I.Yu., Sharov P.E. Increasing the efficiency of borehole drilling in underground mining. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(1):68–72. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-1-68-72
Article info
Received: 27.10.2025
Revised: 16.12.2025
Accepted: 17.12.2025
Information about the authors
Veronika V. Arno – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Polytechnic Institute, North-Eastern State University, Magadan, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eva P. Kolesnichenko – Student of the field of training “State and Municipal Audit”, Higher School of Public Audit, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Irina Yu. Garifulina – Senior Lecturer of the Department of Geology and Mining, Polytechnic Institute, North-Eastern State University, Magadan, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pavel E. Sharov – Student of the field of “Mining”, Polytechnic Institute, North-Eastern State University, Magadan, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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