SEPTEMBER 2013, TAMPERE: Part of Sandvik’s expanded suite of AutoMine® automation products announced at MinExpo last year, AutoMine® Surface Drilling applies the technology and experience used to develop its underground automated mining systems – and applied successfully in hard rock mines around the world.

According to Pieter Prinsloo, Sandvik Mining's Australian-based Product Support Manager for Mining Systems (Automation), AutoMine Surface Drilling provides a suite of flexible and scalable automation options, depending on a mine’s requirements.
Advantages include increased safety and efficiency, real-time process control to enable consistent productivity levels, superior drilling accuracy and more effective use of what has traditionally been non-productive time.

AutoMine Surface Drilling is available for Sandvik’s existing DPi series of surface drill rigs, as well as its Next Generation Pantera drill range – which was released at Finland’s EuroMining 2013 exhibition in September.

“Because it is based on our highly successful AutoMine concept, AutoMine Surface Drilling is a proven solution for automated and tele-operated drilling,” said Pulli.
“It provides improved safety and efficiency for all surface drilling operations.”
A key aim of AutoMine Surface Drilling is increasing mining personnel safety by minimizing the need for them to access hazardous areas.

These include:
• Blast-damaged areas
• Areas where underground drilling or mining has previously taken place, and where there may be sub-surface voids
• Areas close to high walls
• Water drainage drilling
• Presplit and un-scaled crests.

How it works
AutoMine Surface Drilling consists of:
• An ergonomically designed remote operator station – including a full set of standard drill rig controls
• A fully integrated on-board automation system within the drill rig
• A dedicated safety system
• A robust, reliable wireless network communications system between the rig and the operator station.

“The wireless network connection provides continuous, reliable real-time video and data communication between the drill rig and the operator station,” said Pulli.
“The operator station has been designed to be easily installed on a range of mobile platforms – for example in a van or a trailer – enabling simple and quick relocation from one operational area to another.”
Operator station hardware consists of two large touchscreen displays, along with drill rig controls identical to those in the rig itself.
All drilling controls and equipment status are displayed on a graphical screen, while direct visual contact to the rig is provided by seven on-board video cameras.
The cameras – including a remote-controlled pan/tilt/zoom camera for drilling, rod-handling and tramming controls – transmit real-time images on the operator station’s displays, eliminating blind spots in the drilling area.
“Because it is completely integrated with the drill rig’s control system, personnel in the remote operator station can carry out exactly the same tasks, using the same controls as conventional manual operation – but with none of the potential hazards and health risks,” Pulli said.
“This makes training of operators for AutoMine Surface Drilling applications a simple and straightforward process, as all controls and procedures are identical to manual operation.”
This includes remote 3D-navigation to precise hole locations, automated feed rail aiming and automatic one-hole drilling.
Safety advantages
Pulli said that with Sandvik Mining giving safety its top priority when designing equipment, AutoMine Surface Drilling had been built around thoroughly tested and proven technology. This includes a comprehensive evaluation program at the factory and in real mining conditions.
“Removing operators from the drilling area significantly reduces their exposure to risks related to the drilling operation, including ground collapses, rock falls, dust, noise and vibrations,” he said.
“In addition, by offering greatly improved visibility over the entire working area around the rig, unlimited flexibility in where the remote operator’s station is located and reducing fatigue, AutoMine Surface Drilling delivers significant operator health and safety benefits.
“It also provides a far more comfortable operating environment, resulting in better operator motivation and more drilled meters per shift.
“And because the system allows drilling in areas inaccessible to manually operated drill rigs due to safety concerns, previously inaccessible resources can be more readily accessed – significantly adding to mine production levels,” Pulli said.

Benefits of AutoMine Surface Drilling at a glance
• Keeps operators out of hazardous areas
• Better visibility over entire working area
• Easy to install and move to new location
• Easy-to-operate user interface, using familiar controls
• Fully integrated with drill rig controls and components
• Rugged, proven technology.

“Sandvik Mining is the world’s leading provider of mine automation solutions with more than 16 automation systems deployed in seven countries around the globe,” Pulli said.
“All Sandvik AutoMine products are built on the same core technologies, providing configurable, expandable automation solutions to streamline and standardize workflows while increasing production.”
A growing number of mines globally are showing interest in implementing AutoMine applications.

For further information contact:
Pieter Prinsloo
Product Support Manager for Mining Systems (Automation)
Sandvik Mining
Phone: +61 41 7944 861
Email: pieter.prinsloo@sandvik.com

Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global industrial group with advanced products and world-leading positions in selected areas – tools for metal cutting, equipment and tools for the mining and construction industries, stainless materials, special alloys, metallic and ceramic resistance materials as well as process systems. In 2012 the Group had about 49,000 employees and representation in 130 countries, with annual sales of about 99,000 MSEK.

Sandvik Mining
Sandvik Mining is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a leading global supplier of equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining industry. The offering covers rock drilling, rock cutting, rock crushing, loading and hauling and materials handling. In 2012 sales amounted to about 37,800 MSEK, with approximately 14,000 employees.