SURFACE DRILLING analytics and automation capabilities of our iSeries drilling solutions allow us to provide mining operations an additional edge . The data is not only utilised to provide mining operations accurate results and a means of measuring success ; but data analytics allows Sandvik to provide our customers with additional value . With data analytics , not only are we able to provide results ; but we are able to improve efficiency , productivity , and maintainability of our drilling solutions as well as the entire mining value stream .”
The company says improvements related to drilling and blasting are easy to fathom . Subbiah comments : “ The availability of data helps ensure that onboard automation functionality are more efficient thus productive ; and the availability of health data to maintenance specialists provides mining operations and Sandvik the ability to diagnose , predict , and prevent component failure prior to any major breakdowns . As for drilling data analytics and their benefit across the entire mining value stream , we often have to explain the relationship . The value is huge but not as direct .”
Harris adds : “ The current need and problem is the lack of drilling data available to other processes to help improve processes sooner than later . Currently , actual information about the rock is not found until late in the process causing inefficiencies in the mining operation . Solving the needs and problems of a lack of important drilling information would lead to efficiency throughout the entire mining operation . Every stage of the mining life cycle could benefit with knowing the details of the ground being excavated . Sandvik digital solutions solve the problem by gathering , calculating ( when needed ), and logging the information through our drilling and office digital solutions . Then making this interface available to 3rd party solutions across the mine life cycle via direct data access , APIs , or other 3rd party integrations .”
Over the past year , Sandvik has also devoted a large effort in developing its digital solutions . Subbiah : “ With all of our digital solutions , the data is collected through our iDrill onboard automation and digital technology ( a component of all iSeries drilling solutions ) ensuring that we are able to provide a single source of truth . In the past , data capable solutions were a nice to have . In today ’ s market , it ’ s a requirement . Every customer wants accessibility to the data for their reporting needs and integrations to a third party solution . The ultimate goal is faster feedback so that adjustments can be made as needed to meet mining targets and corporate goals .”
The area of improvement differs from operation to operation ; and that ’ s the beauty of Sandvik ’ s data approach , says Harris . With the
abundance and variety of data that it provides , mining operations are able to strategise and prioritise their improvement initiatives . “ One of our customers were able to utilise the data provided and the capability of our iSeries drilling solution to justify utilising a smaller class of drill rig at an operation known to use larger electric rigs . In addition , this customer was able to reduce their hole size and pattern design which provided massive drill and blast cost savings . With other customers , we have plans to utilise our measurement while drilling data to assist them with optimising their blast . Customers with a maintenance focus are utilising the alarm and sensor data from our iSeries drilling solutions to improve availability . Through our office solutions we are able to provide operations with all alarm data without traveling to the drilling solution . In
addition , Sandvik ’ s factory experts are able to connect remotely to provide our customers an extra pair of hands and eyes capable of monitoring our iSeries drilling solutions .”
Harris says this is just a small subset of examples of how its customers are taking advantage of digital solutions . “ There are also countless of other examples with our customers utilising our third party integration capability onboard the drilling rigs and in the office to integrate with other third party solutions and improve operational efficiency .”
What about automation developments ? Sandvik ’ s latest developments include functionality and features to increase the efficiency of its scalable automation platform . Harris : “ The automation platform begins with groundbreaking onboard operator assist
APRIL 2023 | International Mining 15