Automated drill rig optimises mining processes

A new long-hole production drill rig for medium-sized to large drifts features state-of-the-art automation, as well as a step-by-step program that aims to continuously improve the machine’s performance in the mining process.

Epiroc says that its Simba E70 S drill rig is the next step in production drilling not only because of its automated features but also its ability to track and evaluate its performance and optimise accordingly – made possible by production reporting. The machine is part of the company’s Smart series and can also be delivered with an optional battery-electric driveline that helps to reduce environmental impact and enable healthier underground conditions.

The ability to track effectiveness and utilisation is seen as one of the main advantages of the Simba E70 S.

“The connected Simba E70 S provides us with performance and quality data, so we can take the first step towards providing tailored process management to our customers,” says Epiroc global product manager production drilling: underground division Mikael Larslin.

“After tracking effectiveness and utilization, we compare the result to global benchmarks. In that way, we can easily analyse if the machine is being used in the most optimal way or if there is room for improvements,” says Epiroc global portfolio manager production drilling: underground division Olav Kvist.

“Increased utilization is the main goal. By guiding customers through a structured step-by-step optimisation program, we can increase their efficiency and profits over time. Change management based on data and reports is the real customer value,” says Kvist.

“As the process becomes more automated, the operator goes from running the Simba E70 S to supporting it when running in automated mode, upskilling and making them more of a process operator,” adds Larslin.