WORLD PROSPECTS
Sandvik- training for surface drilling autonomy
This month’ s issue includes a focus on surface drilling( pp. 50-59) – where automation is continuing to evolve toward a more complete operating ecosystem. For Sandvik, this development includes not only autonomous fleet operation, but also the operator training and safety capabilities required to make automation practical and scalable in day-to-day mine operations.
Training simulators for surface drill rigs have been widely adopted to help operators build experience in a realistic training environment before working with production equipment. Building on the strong reception of these solutions, Sandvik says it has further developed the AutoMine ® Surface Drilling Training Simulator, introduced to the market recently to address the specific skills required for remote operation and autonomous drilling. Designed to accelerate operator competence and enhance the efficiency of automated drilling operations, the simulator is available for all iSeries surface drill rigs and provides a safe and cost-effective platform for training both operators and specialists.
The simulator allows personnel to operate multiple rigs of the same type simultaneously, while practicing key processes such as path planning, autonomous production cycle management and real-time monitoring of drilling progress. Realistic camera views replicate those used in live AutoMine ® operations, and dedicated modules are available for training on AutoMine ® safety systems. Designed as a compact, portable unit with authentic rig controls and standalone functionality, the simulator enables flexible deployment and supports more standardised training, helping mines prepare their workforce for increasingly automated operations.
Sandvik is also progressing its AutoMine ® Surface Fleet feature capabilities, enhancing applications for rotary drills to support the remote and autonomous operation of multiple, mixed fleets from a control room environment. Beyond productivity gains, this development places increasing emphasis on operator competence and new ways of working, where teams collaborate in a
4 centralised control room to manage and supervise drilling operations. This shift supports more consistent decision-making, improved working conditions and reduced personnel exposure in active drilling zones. It builds on Sandvik’ s broader surface drilling automation approach, which includes capabilities such as geofencing, path planning and controlled remote drilling for iSeries rigs.
Alongside productivity and scalability, safety remains a central element of automation development. AutoMine ® Surface Drilling includes an integrated safety system designed in accordance with applicable standards, incorporating functions such as remote emergency stop, communication monitoring, lockout and acknowledgement protocols, and movement prevention at the rig. The system also provides an onboard interface for integration with external proximity detection systems, supporting a layered approach to operational safety.
Within this framework, additional technologies are being developed to address specific operational risks. One example is Void Detection, a feature designed to identify hazardous drops and bench edges during tramming. Using dedicated LiDAR sensors, the system continuously measures ground distance and detects changes in the ground profile, identifying areas where support may be absent. If such conditions are detected within a predefined zone near the machine, the system alerts the operator, can stop autonomous operation, restrict manual tramming, and prevent further movement.
This type of functionality complements other systems such as obstacle detection, which focuses on hazards above ground level, by addressing risks below ground level that may not be fully captured through geofencing alone. Together, these technologies enhance operator situational awareness and provide an additional layer of protection, supporting safer and more confident autonomous drilling operations.
Taken together, Sandvik says these developments reflect a broader shift in surface drilling: moving beyond individual machine automation toward a more integrated ecosystem that combines fleet control, operator readiness and advanced safety capabilities to enable consistent, scalable and resilient operations.
www. mining. sandvik
Glencore Technology heralds Jameson Cell rougher duty expansion
Long recognised for its high-intensity kinetics and compact footprint, the Jameson Cell is now rapidly gaining ground in rougher duties within the flotation process, transforming brownfield and greenfield operations by delivering higher throughput and recovery with a smaller footprint, Glencore Technology says.
Unlike conventional cells, the Jameson Cell uses a downcomer – a component that creates an intense mixing zone for optimal particle-bubble contact. This rapid flotation occurs without mechanical agitation, delivering superior energy efficiency and significantly lower operating costs compared to conventional alternatives.
While historically favoured in cleaner applications, the Jameson Cell is now moving into rougher duties thanks to recent design enhancements, the company reports. Most notably, larger downcomer models have expanded the cell’ s capacity and applicability, enabling throughputs of up to 3,500 t / h and positioning it as a competitive option to mechanical cells in rougher and rougher-scalper duties.
“ Perhaps the most compelling advantage of the Jameson Cell in rougher duties is its ability to deliver high throughput with a much smaller footprint,” Adam Price, Manager of Jameson Cell Technology, says.“ It can handle the same feed volumes as the largest mechanical cells, but with far fewer units. It also simplifies the entire circuit – in many cases, a two-cell rougher – scalper and scavenger arrangement can replace the five to eight cells traditionally required in mechanical trains.”
This efficiency makes the Jameson Cell a major advantage for greenfield projects, reducing capital costs and operational complexity, according to Glencore Technology.
“ Its flexibility also brings significant benefits to brownfields,” Price adds.“ The compact design makes it an ideal solution for increasing throughput in constrained plants, enabling debottlenecking without major expansion.”
A strong example comes from the Fruta del Norte( FDN) underground gold mine in Ecuador, where the operation sought to increase flotation circuit throughput while maintaining high recovery and concentrate grade. Following initial laboratory and Z500 pilot test work confirming the suitability of Jameson Cells, three industrial units were installed, including two B5400 / 18 cells. One was deployed in rougher-scalper duty at the head of the circuit, with the second operating as a scavenger at the end of the rougher-scavenger train.
The installation delivered clear performance improvements across the circuit, according to the company. Throughput increased from 4,500 t / d to 5,000 t / d. Gold recovery rose by 4.4 %, from 86 % to 90.4 %, while final concentrate grade reached 199 g / t Au. Fine particle recovery also improved, reducing valuable losses to tailings.
International Mining | MAY 2026