Boart Longyear Launches Advanced Ultramatrix™ Diamond Coring Bits

SALT LAKE CITY, March 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boart Longyear™ (www.boartlongyear.com, ASX:BLY), the world's leading integrated drilling products and services provider, has launched Ultramatrix™ (UMX™) diamond coring bits, an innovative and versatile new line of diamond coring bits using patent-pending technology. With several technologically advanced features, the bits make diamond coring more efficient than ever before.

UMX bits are engineered to drill faster, last longer, and out-perform existing bit technology in a wide range of drilling conditions and ground formations. The extended range and versatility of the Ultramatrix diamond bit series means fewer bits are needed on the job site, and drillers can expect increased productivity throughout the entire operation.

"This advanced bit technology has the ability to transform diamond coring productivity. We are very excited to introduce the Ultramatrix series to the market and expect drillers will immediately benefit from the unmatched capabilities of these powerful new bits," said Matthew Baird, global product manager for Boart Longyear. "Drillers demand extreme performance, and we developed this new technology using customer feedback and testing at sites around the globe, in the most remote locations and in the harshest drilling conditions, in order to provide a diamond coring bit solution that far exceeds expectations."

The Ultramatrix diamond bits feature Boart Longyear's advanced metallurgical formulas and Razorcut™ face design. Ultramatrix technology impregnates large synthetic diamonds within a highly engineered, proprietary metallurgical formula, creating a crown matrix that is optimized for longer bit life and increased penetration capabilities, turning easily from one ground formation to another. The patented Razorcut face design is ready-to-cut right out of the box and improves tracking and balance in the hole.

The new bits also feature the advanced Stage™ waterway design, which allows crown heights up to 25 mm — the tallest in the industry — increasing productivity and extending bit life even further. The Twin-Taper™ windows dramatically improve surface flushing, forcing debris through the windows while keeping the bit face clear and reinforcing the inner-diameter. The window distribution and shape have been designed for optimum performance in all ground conditions.

About Boart Longyear

Boart Longyear (ASX: BLY) is a 120-year-old global mineral exploration company that provides mineral exploration services and drilling products for the global mining industry and also has a substantial drilling presence for water exploration, environmental sampling, energy, and oil sands exploration.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, with 2010 sales of US$1.476 billion and over 9,000 employees worldwide, the company conducts contract drilling services in 40 countries, and provides mining products to customers in over 100 countries.  Regional offices and operations are located in Asia Pacific, EMEA, Latin America, and North America.

The company can be found on the Web at www.boartlongyear.com .  To get Boart Longyear news direct, visit http://www.boartlongyear.com/rss

SOURCE Boart Longyear