The Highlander Drill Rig: Exclusive to Clarks Mining Services
- Bethany Loiterton
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
The Highlander Drill Rig is one of the most trusted and recognised drill rigs in the Australian mining industry. Originally manufactured in Emerald, Queensland, the Highlander earned its reputation for strength, adaptability, and performance in demanding underground environments.
Today, the Highlander design is owned exclusively by Clarks Mining Services, who hold the intellectual property (IP) for the machine. This guarantees that the Highlander continues to be manufactured, serviced, and supported to the highest Australian standards.
The Highlander Range
Over the years, the Highlander has been produced in four models: HS1 through to HS4. Each version was designed to suit specific underground mining applications.
HS1 - HS3: Earlier models that built the Highlander’s reputation for reliability.
HS4: The most advanced Highlander, designed for strength, productivity, and efficiency.
HS4 Skinny: A specialised machine built for narrow vein mining, with a compact 1.2 metre width, making it ideal for tight underground spaces.
At Clarks Mining Services, we are able to manufacture the HS4 Skinny, guaranteeing that mining operations can access rigs built for their exact requirements.
Parts, Servicing, and Support
Because Clarks Mining Services owns the Highlander IP, we provide genuine parts and service support for all models,
including older HS1–HS3 rigs.
Our services include:
Genuine spare parts for Highlander drill rigs.
Specialist servicing and maintenance by experienced technicians.
Rebuilds and retrofits to extend the life of existing rigs.
New builds of HS4 and HS4 Skinny models, tailored to site needs.
Customisation and Upgrades
Clarks Mining Services is not limited to standard builds. We offer full customisation of Highlander drill rigs, enabling mining companies to optimise performance for their unique conditions.
Customisation options include:
Wedgetail Air Motor: Can be fitted to new Highlander rigs or retrofitted to older machines.
Hydraulic upgrades: Boosting strength and reliability.
Scorpion Air Track Machine integration: Combining the Highlander with the Scorpion Air for greater mobility and adaptability underground.
Custom fitting of any Clarks Mining Services products to create site-specific solutions.
Our engineering capability means we can design, manufacture, and deliver modifications that improve productivity and extend the lifespan of Highlander rigs.
Industry Recognition
The Highlander’s success has even led to cheap competitor copies. However, only Clarks Mining Services manufactures the original Highlander, backed by exclusive IP ownership, Australian-made construction, and expert support.
Why Choose the Highlander Drill Rig from Clarks Mining Services?
Exclusive IP ownership: Clarks Mining Services is the only manufacturer of the Highlander.
Proven reliability: Decades of trusted performance in Australian mining.
Australian-made and supported: Locally designed, manufactured, and serviced.
Full customisation available: From Wedgetail Air Motors to our Scorpion air Track Machine integration.
Clarks Mining Services makes certain the Highlander remains a cost-effective, adaptable, and dependable drill rig for underground mining operations in Australia
and worldwide.
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