About Our Company

RAISEBOR is the oldest and largest raiseboring contractor in the U.S. today, and is 100% American owned.

When founded in 1973, we had only one rig, a Robbins 41R, which provided us with raise drilling capability for 4’ and 5’ diameter raises. Since that time we have added to our fleet of raise machines one additional 41R, two Robbins 61R’s for 6’, 7’ and 8’ diameter raises, and Ingersoll Rand RBM-7-SP-LH for 9’ through 12’ diameter raises, a Robbins 83 RM with capabilities up to 20’ diameter to a depth of 2,000’ and most recently an Atlas Copco 123 RH with capabilities up to 20’ diameter to 3,000’ deep.

Over the years, we have probably drilled more dip angle raises than anyone. Dip angles of 45º are not uncommon to us. We feel the drilling procedures developed by us enable the drilling of straight holes in even the most difficult formations.

For example, we have successfully completed projects which have included: 6’ diameter raises to a total depth of 2,250 feet; 9’ diameter to 1,800 feet; 12’diameter to 1,250 feet; 16.5’ diameter to 1,540 feet; and 20’ diameter to 2,000 feet, just to mention a few. Our complete line of equipment ( including high pressure air compressors, generators, rig-up trucks, etc.) and our strong financial position which enables us to bond our work, give us the capacity to perform complete turn-key surface or underground shafts, without relying on assistance from our customers or other construction companies.

Also, we specialize in providing and installing steel casing and tunnel liner. For example, we have installed casing strings as large as 110” diameter to a depth of 400’, 8′ diameter to 1,300′ deep,  6’ diameter to 760’, 4’ diameter to 1,400’, etc.

Safety is another great advantage. Our lost time accident rate is one of the lowest in the United States, and our efficiency speaks for itself. Raisebor’s safety process encompasses subcontractors and suppliers as well. They are held to our rigid guidelines for project safety and must participate in our safety program which also includes a comprehensive substance abuse program.

RAISEBOR will work for you wherever the job may be. We’ve shipped our equipment by truck and train through the United States, by barge to Alaska and by ocean freight to Central America. No job is too remote or too difficult.

If you’re looking for speed, safety and efficiency, you’ll find it with RAISEBOR!

The most powerful raiseboring machine in the US.
83RM Robbins drill gives us the capability to drill raises up to 20' in diameter and up to depths of 2000 feet.

Our Team

John J. Cowin

Co-President Operations

John holds a BA degree from the University of Alabama. He has over 30 years of experience in the mine construction business and is directly responsible for Operations and Production for both Cowin & Company Inc and Raisebor.

John D. Moore

Co-President/CEO

John has been with Cowin & Co and Raisebor for over 30 years. He is directly responsible for oversight of Company Safety, Administration, and Risk Management.

Mick Hardwick

General Manager - Raisebor

Mick has over 40 years experience in operations, manufacturing, development and management of raiseboring in various countries. He has extensive experience in raiseboring that provides solutions for the most  difficult projects, in the most difficult locations.

Frank Stevens PE

Manager of Technical Services

Frank has a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and a MBA from Samford University. Since 1990, Frank has worked in various capacities in the mining industry including estimating, project management and general management.  

Chris Moore PE

Project Manager/Engineer

Chris graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2012 with a B.E. in civil engineering. Upon the completion of his engineering degree, Chris joined Cowin/Raisebor and has since been extensively involved in budgeting, preliminary design, estimating, project management and construction of numerous turnkey projects. Chris has been part of the team that have drilled, concrete lined and installed hoisting and ventilation fans on shafts throughout the US.

Josh Dowd

Senior Drill Superintendent

Josh has 20 years experience in the mining industry with the past 10 years in raiseboring. Josh has experience in setting up and operating Raisebor’s fleet of rigs, both on the surface and underground, and on site management of projects. 

Willie Hicks

Drill Superintendent

Willie has in excess of 25 years of experience in raiseboring. While experienced in all our fleet, Willie is currently the superintendent on our Atlas Copco 123R, primarily focusing on long, large diameter vent raises.  

Walter Bosshart

Maintenance Superintendent

Walter served as a field service technician for the major raiseboring machine manufacturers and later as a senior technical advisor for these companies. During his 30 years working for these companies, Walter commissioned and serviced raiseboring machines throughout the world.

Only the Best

We have successfully completed projects which have included: 6’ diameter raises to a total depth of 2,250 feet; 9’ diameter to 1,800 feet; 12’diameter to 1,250 feet; 16.5’ diameter to 1,540 feet; 20’ diameter to 2,000 feet, just to mention a few. Our complete line of equipment ( including high pressure air compressors, generators, rig-up trucks, etc.) and our strong financial position which enables us to bond our work, give us the capability to perform complete turn-key surface or underground shafts, including steel- or concrete lining, without relying on assistance from our customers or other construction companies.

We would be very pleased to be added to your bidders list for any future projects that would encompass our raiseboring capabilities. We invite your inquiry and will provide cost estimates, as requested.

83RM Reaming Continues

Years Established

FEET DRILLED

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Cowin Equipment Company