– Mack Metroliner of Plantman Equipment
Machinery
works : “ Our surveyors will draw up a design for how the drilling should go , and then we put that card into the jumbo ’ s computer , and the jumbo will automatically take the drill-bit to where the hole is supposed to be on that pattern ,” says “ The only thing the operator does is make sure it ’ s not going to drill into where there ’ s a remnant of the last ( explosive ) round .”
Benefits of automation The benefits of automation are unanimous . Everything from single operator , consistency in drilling outcomes , multiple autonomous rig drilling systems and reduction in training time , provide massive amounts of advantages to miners .
Automated drilling is precise . It ’ s been proven to enhance drill pattern accuracy and improve efficiency of drilling operations . Automated drilling also provides real-time feedback on materials being drilled that can aid in ore sampling and more precise hold loading . By fine tuning the ever varying stream of ore , companies can maximize recovery while utilizing less energy , water and time .
Another added benefit to autonomous drilling is safety .
“ The development of semi-autonomous mining equipment has created considerable benefits for operator welfare and safety in other high risk jobs but , until now , not for the manual and labor intensive process of winching drill rods into drill rigs ”
– Mack Metroliner of Plantman Equipment
Companies can execute drill plans more safely by keeping operators out from harmful areas as well as reducing human error . Mack Metroliner of Plantman Equipment believes the safety benefits of autonomous drilling are unparalleled .
“ The development of semiautonomous mining equipment has created considerable benefits for operator welfare and safety in other high risk jobs but , until now , not for the
18 A ugust 2014