Jackleg drill contest highlights mining expo in Sudbury – by Staff (Sudbury Star – September 7, 2014)

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

The North America Mining Expo will feature the newest in mining technology and equipment Wednesday and Thursday. But when it came to hard-rock mining decades ago, you couldn’t beat the jackleg drill for sheer utility.

The dexterity of some Sudburians and some visitors will be tested Wednesday at several jackleg drilling competitions being held the first day of the mining trade show at Hanmer Centennial Arena.

The first competition will get under way shortly after the 10:30 official opening of the show, which will feature more than 300 exhibits.

Mayoral candidates will face off against the media to see who can come closest to hitting the mark in large pieces of rock placed on the arena grounds.

Seven of the nine mayoral candidates had agreed to participate by Friday and show organizers, Canadian Tradex, were looking to contact and sign up an eighth candidate. The winner will take home a giant statue of a jackleg driller, courtesy of contest sponsor Boart Longyear Canada.

The more serious competitions will get under way about 1 p.m. with the world’s only Ladies’ Invitational Jackleg Competition (novices only). Ladies’ regional champion Tina Pellerin, of Aecon Mining in Timmins, will take on all-comers for the provincial title of Ontario Queen Jacklegger and cash awards.

Pellerin said it takes determination to operate a drill, “but the weight of the drill sits on a leg and really all we have to do is push in and know when to stop when reaching a specified depth.

“An experienced trainer is with you at all times. I am an office administrator. Any lady can do it. I did it for the excitement,” she said.

The main event, the Men’s Professional Provincial “King” Jacklegger Competition, will run from 2-7 p.m. featuring top miners from the North who will vie for the giant jackleg driller statuette designed by Tyler Fauvelle and cash awards for first, second and third place.

Judges will award points for safety and speed with the complete setup and dismantling of a S250 Secan jackleg drill, and safely collaring and completing two drill holes to a minimum depth of 600 mm with a centre-to-centre distance of six inches.

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