MINERAL EXPLORATION
The company already has one company speaking to these benefits too , with South32 recently running a 12-month trial of the EVO Multi-Load prototype at the Jessica and Cararra exploration projects in the Northern Territory of Australia . The company conducted this trial with its contract partner DDH1 Drilling , owned by Perenti , and said it was a “ success ” with plans to deploy the system on other South32 exploration projects .
Slattery said the company ’ s ongoing testing of the prototype rig – in the workshop and the field – had led to an ongoing improvement plan ahead of commercialisation .
He said . “ We identified some areas for improvement during the workshop testing , which were incorporated into the rod loader prior to the field test : the sequencing of adding and removing rods from the loader has simplified the operation and helped with productivity .
“ We have a few more updates in the pipeline to streamline the tripping process and increase overall productivity .”
DDH1 Drilling ’ s experience with the use of several other types of drill rod handling system has allowed Evolution to benchmark operational cycle times against competitor products and confirm the productivity of the EVO Multi-Load system , he added .
Outside of the top head drive multi-purpose drills the Evolution system has already been
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designed to work on , there is the prospect of expanding this list further with a few small tweaks .
“ In regions outside of our native Australia , such as Africa and South America , there is a large existing fleet of multipurpose drills that could most likely use the system ,” Slattery said .
This speaks to the faith Slattery has in the global potential of the system .
“ We believe the majority of the drilling contractors and mining companies are interested in improving the operational safety around drilling projects in general , and drill rod handling is a big part of that ,” he explained . “ The EVO Multi-Load drill rod handling system has been designed around the needs of deeper core and directionally drilled holes , large volumes of drill rods , as well as the need to deal with different pipe and casing sizes . These more complex drilling programs are normally undertaken by the larger mining companies that have been calling for reduced human involvement in the drill rod handling process for some time .”
Along these same lines , Major Drilling leaders in Salt Lake City , Utah , USA , recently unveiled new drills with specialised robotics and rod handling equipment for both surface and underground operations at two special innovation demonstrations for senior partners .
An Epiroc Diamec Smart 8 drill , already part of Major Drilling ’ s updated automated underground fleet , outfitted with a sleek robotic arm , used highpowered magnetic , hands-free technology to lift and load drill rods . Teams also displayed a mobile Diamec Smart 6M underground core
An Epiroc Diamec Smart 8 drill , outfitted with a sleek robotic arm , used high-powered magnetic , hands-free technology to lift and load drill rods at a recent technology demonstration held by Major Drilling
drilling rig from Epiroc equipped with a rod presenter .
The semi-autonomous rod handling robot , developed in Utah , addresses the growing need for hands-free rod handling while supporting Major Drilling ’ s safety initiatives , the company says . This unit can be used across various underground drills . Being fully electric , it eliminates concerns about hydraulic leaks or repairs .
Led by VP US Operations , Kevin Slemko , the robotic arm was developed with a partner during early 2024 .
At an additional demonstration event , Major Drilling teams showcased the Apex 100 ultraadvanced RC mineral exploration rig with handsfree rod handling and the LF90 rod handling conversion rig with FREEDOM™ Loader . The latter is a rod handling platform from Boart Longyear .
Present at the testing in Utah were representatives from Rio Tinto ( Kennecott ) and Nevada Gold Mines ( Barrick and Newmont ).
Additionally , Major Drilling says it is developing a new innovative suite of services that is revolutionising the use of AI , survey tools and data analytics . Drillside GeoSolutions by Major Drilling combines the company ’ s traditional drilling services with borehole imaging by DGI Geoscience and automated core logging from KORE GeoSystems .
During one demonstration event , members of Major Drilling ’ s innovation team exhibited the TrailBlazer Rock5 drill data analytics system and console being outfitted on drills fleet-wide . Rock5 gathers real-time data that enhances drill team and customer safety , productivity and efficiency – a key part of Major Drilling ’ s suite of geosolutions delivered drill-side with innovation partners DGI Geoscience Inc and KORE Geosystems .
IM
36 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2025