UNDERGROUND DRILLING
iSURE Geo takes full advantage of the drilling data through a rig-integrated onboard calculation and uses extrapolation, visualisation and export of data to produce geological mapping information. iSURE Geo can assist in identifying weakness zones requiring rock reinforcement, optimise the use of explosives, plan the optimal location for stope openings, reduce over- and underbreak and provide comprehensive reporting, Sandvik says.
During field testing at Agnico Eagle’ s Kittilä mine in northern Finland, iSURE Geo was used to validate the existing rock mass condition data and take the precision of geological information to the next level by creating detailed 3D imagery of the rock conditions and geological properties of the area.
Alexandra Heller, Structural Geologist, Agnico Eagle, said:“ Sandvik iSURE Geo provided us with valuable additional information on the mine geology; the precision was astonishing. iSURE Geo information is important for mine infrastructure development as well, serving both production and safety aspects.”
region, Chile, is becoming more challenging every day due to variable rock quality as well as smaller and irregularly shaped orebodies that are located further away. COPROD for Simba has allowed excellent precision levels while drilling at rates and distances that ensure efficient production.
“ Last quarter, we decided to change our entire production drilling fleet to this equipment.”
COPROD is, according to Epiroc, a unique rock drilling system combining the greater penetration rate and significantly lower energy consumption of tophammer equipment with the hole quality and straightness of down-the-hole drilling. It was historically only available for surface drilling.
Pucobre has used COPROD for Simba since 2022 and quickly saw strong results such as better fragmentation after blasting, a reduction in dilution to 5 % and increased burden to 2.4 m.
Lars Bergkvist, Head of Accounts and Applications at Epiroc’ s Underground division, said:“ Pucobre is an excellent example of how COPROD for Simba can unlock new opportunities in mine design
The MUKI makes its Greenland debut
Speaking of compact drilling, RESEMIN continues to further its global presence with a recent equipment delivery to Greenland.
RESEMIN’ s international presence has been extending beyond its traditional South American markets for many years, reaching locations such as Kazakhstan, Burkina Faso and Guinea.
The recent delivery of a MUKI LHBP production jumbo to Greenland“ reaffirms” its commitment to providing reliable solutions in even the most remote and extreme conditions, it says.
This equipment, with its compact dimensions, hydraulic power and high manoeuvrability, is ideal for environments with limited access and high demands for efficiency, according to RESEMIN.
“ This milestone not only highlights the versatility of our technology but also demonstrates our logistical and technical capacity to support customers wherever they need us,” the company said.“ With every new destination, we continue to
Pucobre backs COPROD
Back to Epiroc, which recently added the COPROD system to the Simba underground production drill rig family.
Compared with traditional drilling methods, COPROD for Simba offers up to three times higher penetration rates with excellent precision, Epiroc says, with Chilebased copper miner Pucobre having already seen the benefits of the system and recently ordered three new Simba E70 S COPRODs.
Sebastián Rios, CEO of Pucobre, said:“ The underground mining that Pucobre carries out in our mines in the Atacama with the potential to lower cost per tonne, for example, by enabling double benches and higher draw bells.”
COPROD for Simba combines the rock drill with the smart series of Simba production drill rigs, as well as digital tools and Epiroc’ s 6th Sense optimisation approach – creating a complete package for improved quality and performance of longhole drilling, the company says.
Epiroc also recently launched a new longhole production drill rig for small to medium-sized drifts, the Simba SM60 S.
The recent delivery of a MUKI LHBP production jumbo to Greenland“ reaffirms” RESEMIN’ s commitment to providing reliable solutions in even the most remote and extreme conditions, it says
strengthen our position as a Peruvian company with a solid presence in the world’ s leading mining markets.”
30 International Mining | JULY 2025