ORICA and Epiroc Rock Drills are jointly developing a semi-automated explosives delivery system, enabling safer and more productive blasting operations in underground mines.
As mines go deeper and ore bodies become more remote, the case for blasting automation becomes clearer.
The partnership brings together the deep expertise and experience of two global industry leaders to address the growing demand from customers mining in increasingly more hazardous and challenging underground operations.
Orica chief commercial and technology officer Angus Melbourne said the partnership with Epiroc allowed Orica to leverage its exclusive wireless initiating system, WebGen, to deliver the critical first steps towards the automation of drill and blast operations.
“Automation is a key pillar of our technology strategy and supports our vision of transforming drill and blast to unlock mining value by creating safer and more sustainable operations,” Mr Melbourne said.
Epiroc senior executive Helena Hedblom said the collaboration was an important first step toward automating the drilling and explosives charging process.
“It is a vital part of both Epiroc’s and Orica’s vision of making the mining operation as safe, productive and cost efficient as possible,” she said.
Orica is the world’s largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems to the mining, quarrying, oil and gas and construction markets, while Epiroc is the industry leader in developing innovative underground mining equipment, including face drill rigs and production drill rigs.
The first prototype system is expected this year, with the first commercially available systems to enter service in 2021.
