Core Drilling – With Bears!

Working at the top of the mine shaft, workers drilled the holes in several different locations in the hard concrete. The holes were then cleaned and roughed. After the holes were prepped, they were filled with epoxy and 7/8” rebar was inserted.

Working safely and efficiently, Aggregate Technologies completed this job with a day to spare from the allocated time.

At a salt mine renovation in Louisiana, ATI operators core drilled 91 holes, one inch in diameter and between 18 and 40 inches deep. Working at the top of the mine shaft, workers drilled the holes in several different locations in the hard concrete. The holes were then cleaned and roughed. After the holes were prepped, they were filled with epoxy and 7/8” rebar was inserted.Working safely and efficiently, Aggregate Technologies completed this job with a day to spare from the allocated time.

What made this job different than most was the black bears in the area. One operator said a bear approached within 60 feet of him, and when it stood up it looked him eye to eye! According to bearwise.org, Louisiana is home to an estimated 500-800 bears. Bears are more likely to be seen this time of year as they get ready for hibernation.

What to do if you see a bear?

“NEVER run from a bear. Don’t approach a bear – just quietly move away and leave the area. However, if a bear does approach you, make yourself look big, make loud noises, clap your hands, and continue to back away.”