Abstract: A blast furnace taphole drilling apparatus is mounted so as to be movable, between the taphole drilling and retracted positions, in an inclined plane. The mounting means for the drilling apparatus permits the vertical and/or angular adjustment of the drill bit and the drill is held in the operative position solely under the influence of hydraulic pressure. Motive fluid for the drill of the taphole drilling apparatus is delivered to the drill, which is mounted for movement along a support beam, either by a rigid conduit system or via flexible conduits which are played out from and rewound on a reel.