PLANT AND EQUIPMENT •
SIMBA E70 S SHINES ITS LIGHTS ON PROCESS MANAGEMENT – NEXT STEP IN PRODUCTION DRILLING
Epiroc ' s Simba E70 S
Supplied Epiroc
Epiroc launched its new long-hole production drill rig for medium to large-sized drifts in October 2022 . The Simba E70 S offers automation features , drilling quality and the company ’ s optimisation method : a step-by-step program that continuously improves how the machine is utilised in the mining process .
Together with the Simba E70 S ’ automated features , the solution also offers the ability to track and evaluate its performance , then optimise accordingly . This is made possible by production reporting ; the first step in Epiroc ’ s optimisation program .
“ Our new Simba E70 S delivers greater value to our customers ’ operations through improved productivity , with zero compromise on quality ,” says Sarah Hoffman , vice president Sales and Marketing at Underground division .
The Simba E70 S is part of Epiroc ’ s Smart series and can also be delivered with the optional battery-electric driveline for reduced environmental impact and healthier underground conditions .
More metres , more value The real value is created while the machine is producing metres – the ability to track effectiveness and utilisation is one of its main advantages .
“ The connected Simba E70 S provides us with performance and quality data , so we can take the first step towards providing tailored process management to our customers ,” says Mikael Larslin , global product manager Production Drilling at Underground division .
“ After tracking effectiveness and utilisation , we compare the result to global benchmarks . In that way , we can easily analyse if the machine is being used in the most optimal way or if there is room for improvement ,” says Olav Kvist , global portfolio manager Production Drilling at Underground division .
“ Increased utilisation is the main goal . By guiding customers through a structured step-by-step optimisation program , we can increase their efficiency and profits over time . Change management based on data and reports is real customer value ,” says Kvist .
While the optimisation journey progresses , the operator ’ s role changes as well . “ As the process becomes more automated , the operator moves from running the Simba E70 S to supporting it when running in automated mode , upskilling and making them more of a process operator ,” says Larslin .
“ All in all , it is the obvious next step in production drilling ,” says Kvist . •
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African Mining • January 2023 • 61 |