ATEX-Certified Drilling Equipment: Why It Matters for Underground Mining Safety

In underground mining, the difference between ATEX-certified equipment and non-certified equipment goes far beyond compliance paperwork — it determines whether your drilling crew goes home at the end of the shift. In this article, we explain what ATEX certification actually means, which underground environments legally require it, and how pneumatic rock drills from Set Makina meet the standard in practice.

01What ATEX certification actually means

ATEX is the European framework governing equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The name comes from the French ATmosphères EXplosibles. Specifically, it is defined by two EU Directives: Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114), which covers the design and manufacture of equipment, and Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137), which covers the health and safety obligations of employers operating in hazardous locations.

For a mining equipment manufacturer to carry the ATEX mark, engineers must design, test, and independently certify its products to confirm they cannot act as an ignition source in an explosive atmosphere. In practice, this means eliminating or controlling all potential sources of sparks — whether mechanical, electrical, thermal, or electrostatic.

Consequently, Set Makina’s pneumatic rock drills carry ATEX certification alongside CE marking and ISO 9001 quality certification — a combination that satisfies procurement requirements across European, Middle Eastern, and African mining regulatory frameworks.

02Understanding explosive atmosphere zones in underground mining

ATEX regulations classify hazardous locations into zones based on the frequency and duration of the explosive atmosphere present. Importantly, the correct zone classification determines which equipment category is permitted on site. Underground mining operations typically encounter zones across both the gas/vapour group and the dust group.

Indeed, coal mines are particularly demanding because they present both gas and dust hazards simultaneously. Firedamp (methane) accumulates in poorly ventilated headings while coal dust — explosive at concentrations as low as 50 g/m³ — is generated by every drilling and cutting operation. Therefore, any equipment operating in these areas must hold certification for the appropriate zone categories across both hazard groups.

03Why pneumatic drills have a structural safety advantage underground

The ATEX framework applies to all equipment categories — electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic. However, pneumatic rock drills carry an inherent design advantage in explosive atmospheres that is important for procurement engineers to understand.

04Set Makina’s ATEX-certified underground drilling products

Set Makina manufactures a range of pneumatic rock drills and drilling units certified for use in explosive atmospheres. In particular, the two primary products for underground mining applications are the TIGER YT28 air-leg drill and the TIGER RD20 coal auger unit.

05Real-world application: Zonguldak coal basin, Turkey

065 questions procurement teams should ask about ATEX drilling equipment

1. Does the product carry a valid ATEX certificate — not just a declaration?

   Self-declarations of conformity are not sufficient for higher-risk zones. Specifically, Zones 0, 1, and 20 require independent certification by a recognised Notified Body (NoBo). Always request the actual certificate number and verify it against the issuing body’s registry. Notably, Set Makina products include full certification documentation.

2. Is the equipment category matched to your zone classification?

   ATEX equipment categories (1, 2, 3) must correspond to the zone in which they will operate. For example, Category 1 is required for Zone 0/20, Category 2 for Zone 1/21, and Category 3 for Zone 2/22. Consequently, procuring Category 3 equipment for a Zone 1 environment is a compliance breach even if the product carries an ATEX mark.

3. What is the maximum surface temperature classification (T-class)?

   Different flammable substances ignite at different temperatures. The T-class of your equipment must be lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the hazardous substance present on site. For methane (firedamp), common in coal mines, the auto-ignition temperature is approximately 537°C — equipment must carry at minimum T1 classification.

4. Are all system components — not just the drill — ATEX certified?

   The ATEX requirement applies to the entire system, including hoses, oilers, air legs, fittings, and ancillary connections. In other words, a certified drill connected to non-certified accessories may still constitute a compliance gap. Set Makina can advise on full system configurations for classified zones.

5. Does the manufacturer provide documentation for regulatory inspection?

   Mines are subject to regulatory inspection, and inspectors will request equipment documentation. This includes EC-type examination certificates, conformity declarations, technical files, and maintenance records. Therefore, ensure your supplier provides a complete documentation package and supports re-certification when required.

All ATEX references in this article are based on EU Directives 2014/34/EU and 1999/92/EC. Set Makina products referenced carry valid ATEX certification from recognised Notified Bodies. Certificate documentation is available on request. This article is intended for informational purposes — always verify zone classification and equipment category requirements with a qualified competent person for your specific site.