Abstract: The invention provides a method of loading flowable explosives into a borehole, and a lance suitable for use in the method, A plurality of different fluids are fed into the borehole along a plurality of separate conduits each forming part of the same lance, The lance comprises said separate conduits, arranged side-by-side.

Abstract: A part feed bowl is provided with removable bowl tooling to allow the same bowl to be fitted to feed varying parts from time to time. The bowl tooling is an air feed and has the capability of variable feed speeds thereby improving efficiency.

Abstract: A robotic assembly apparatus includes a robot (2), a component supply station (6) and at least one placement station (7, 8). Components are correctly orientated by means of feeder bowls (11, 12) and are serially presented to the supply station along tracks (9 and 10). A multi-head tool (5) simultaneously picks up a plurality of correctly orientated components and places them in their correct positions in or on the workpiece. Before or during their travel to the workpiece, the plurality of components are placed in their correct positions relative to one another. Preferably two placement stations are used per robot so that one can be used for removing an assembled workpiece and supplying a new workpiece while the other is having components inserted. The multi-head tool (5) consists of individually-pneumatically-operable actuators (27) carrying individual-operable component grippers which may be mechanical, vacuum or electromagnetic.