A new platform to convert data into useful, actionable information for mines has recently been unveiled. Epiroc, a leading productivity partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, in partnership with ASI Mining, has introduced Mobius for Drills, designed to display data in an easy-to-use layout to map drill usage, evaluate statistics, track consumables, and compare planned outcomes against actual results.   

"We think of it as a tool to directly support making quick and effective interrelated decisions. Mines can get greater productivity and economies of scale as a single operator controls multiple remote and autonomous vehicles. Mobius for Drills is designed to tie the whole value chain together," says Epiroc surface division automation director for surface mining Tyler Berens.

By providing a single platform for all stakeholders within the drilling operation, users are able to navigate the information, filter it to their needs and streamline the decision-making process, day-to-day and over time. 

“Mobius for Drills is an ideal management tool for smarter decision-making. It provides access to powerful insights, the functionality to take action and monitor the impact all in the same application,” adds Epiroc surface division product owner: data solutions Christopher Blignaut.   

The tool is also able to work across fleets with drills from multiple manufacturers, condensing all sources of information, allowing the tool to be used as a fleet management system or to integrate with a mine’s existing system.

“Mobius for Drills enhances the engagement of all stakeholders within the drilling process. It provides valuable insights at each stage of the drilling process through a drill plan builder for planning, situational awareness for drill controllers, and reporting for supervisors. It is a scalable product, which accommodates the evolving needs of a mine,” explains Epiroc surface division engineering project manager: automation Mahmood Hassan.

The tool imports drill plans, monitors drilling, and creates reports over a secure system on-site or remotely. It supports manual operations, teleoperation, semi- and fully-autonomous modes, and covers applications from drill and blast through autonomous haulage systems.