Mining Magazine August 2014 | Page 17

Future tech report : Heavy Duty Drills
The future of automated drilling will features a remote control system that will allow operators to mechanically load and unload the drill rod from the tower frame at a distance and without any physical contact
together to ensure that the tasks assigned to the drill could be received and carried out in an automated fashion with the drill operator located in the office . We expect benefits both from a single operator being able to operate multiple drills and from flexible operation , which will be possible between operators and potentially between operating sites .”
He adds , “ We are also seeing improved drill utilization and consistency in drill outcomes , providing more accurate information for mine operation .”
One important element of autonomous drilling is the software . Utilizing an internal computer frame , the system relates to the human senses – monitor for eyes and speakers for ear .
Sean Masse , mine manager at New Gold ’ s New Afton mine explains how their autonomous drilling
17