Mining Magazine > Panorama > Sandvik and Flanders team up for automation

Sandvik Mining and Construction and Flanders have entered a formal partnership to automate surface mining drill rigs.

The Flanders ARDVARC system has been proven on multiple blasthole drills around the world. For factory-supplied systems on new Sandvik drills, the initial automation modules will be offered starting in the March quarter of 2012 on machines with electric-over-hydraulic controls.

Gregg Scanlan, VP of surface drilling equipment at Sandvik said: "Together, we will deliver automated and autonomous machines directly from the factory, and offer sophisticated retrofits for more than 2,000 Sandvik drill rigs currently operating globally. Our strategy is to combine proven automation with world-class drill rigs and a strong global aftermarket support.”

Allen Patterson, COO at Flanders explained: "Together we can better standardise the offering and formalise field support on a global scale. Our partnership will accelerate implementation and acceptance of 'automation' on drill rigs and benefit a growing number of mining companies."

Levels of drill rig automation can vary, from automation of certain functions and remote control up to completely autonomous operation (without direct human interaction). Often the target is to have a single operator supervising multiple drills from a remote office.

The driving factors for considering automated or autonomous operation vary from mine to mine, but typically include: improved safety, better utilisation, reduced need for training and recruitment, better reliability and maintenance planning, improved bench control and fragmentation in blasthole drilling and reduced operational costs.