Mining Magazine April 2016 | Page 10

TECHNOLOGY
Sandvik Sandvik currently focuses all of its attention on creating an integrated automated surface drilling system called AutoMine . The system is almost completely automated , with individuals supervising the mining actions from the control room . In addition to watching the actual action of the drilling equipment on a view screen , multiple real-time measurements come through to confirm data , such as positioning , used to accurately complete the task at hand . If the equipment needs corrections , the supervisors can provide direction using the controls within the station or teleremote devices . Operators can also switch through the drilling equipment options , all the way up to large rotary rigs , to select the perfect tool for the job . In addition to improving safety for drill operators , the automated systems improve efficiency by reaching ore considered inaccessible by onsite teams .
10 April 2016