UNDERGROUND DRILLING
Using Epiroc machines and technology, the Apatit phosphate mine saw the
world’s largest teleremote project for production drill rigs
SAFETY - First, Last and Always.
“After drilling a ring and retrieving the rods, the rig can be tele-remotely
trammed to the next ring, saving time and work effort. Not only does the
tramming process become faster and simpler, the teleremote e-tramming
function also provides a safer work environment since the operator can
control the machine out of harm’s way, even between rings.”
Guilherme Paiva, Global Product Manager of Automation at Epiroc, said:
“Our Simba drill rigs are globally recognised as the best in their class, and we
continue to strive towards even smarter and faster solutions. Teleremote e-
tramming makes for an easier, safer and more continuous drilling process.
Fewer disruptions mean greater productivity.”
Simba rigs that feature Epiroc’s Rig Control System can be operated
through a control panel from onboard the rig or from a remote location where
potentially hazardous work conditions can be avoided. With information
provided by laser sensors and cameras mounted on the rig, the operator can
navigate, position and stabilise the rig to ensure drilling is executed according
to plan, Epiroc said. “Mission accomplished in one ring, the operator can then
tram to the next and the next.”
Looking at customer applications of Epiroc’s advanced automation
solutions for remote underground drilling – Simba Teleremote, ABC Total and
the Certiq telematics system were implemented, in 2018, at Apatit JSC’s
Kirovsk branch (PhosAgro group). Through the automated solutions, several
risks in operators’ jobs were eliminated, output of the drilling machines grew
by 20% and the utilisation of one machine increased to 95%. PhosAgro is the
leading producer of mineral phosphate fertilisers in Russia and one of the
largest producers in the world. The Kirovsk branch of Apatit JSC (PhosAgro
Group) is a closed-circle facility, with operations ranging from ore extraction
to the production of apatite concentrate, a raw material used for mineral
phosphate fertilisers.
“As the scope of drilling at the mine increases every year, our company has
searched for ways to increase productivity, reduce costs and improve work
quality. Additionally, we have set a goal to maximise safety levels for drilling
machine operators, who have always faced severe working conditions. To
achieve this, we decided to move towards automation of the entire drilling
process, including the adoption of digital drilling datasheets. Only Epiroc has
been able to offer an integrated solution which meets our requirements,”
says Andrei Abrashitov, Director Apatit JSC Kirovsk branch.
In 2018, Apatit installed Epiroc’s Teleremote options on three Simba
production drill rigs, as well as ABC Total and Certiq telematics system for
remote control and monitoring of the drilling units at the Kirovsk branch.
During the pilot project, a special rig control station was allocated on the
surface.
The smart features and the automated platform have been enabled by 6th
Sense, the Epiroc way to optimise its customers’ value chain through
automation, system integration and information management. With 6th Sense
comes system connectivity, using interoperability to unlock the full potential
of automation for production gains at lower operating costs.
Traditionally, underground production drilling has been performed with
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JUNE 2020 | International Mining 31