Epiroc has enhanced its Deep Automation suite of underground automation solutions by adding drilling and bolting options. The expanded range helps customers at all stages of their automation process, from remote control to greater autonomy, while maintaining safe, reliable performance and consistent outcomes.
“With Deep Automation, we are building an even stronger, more holistic automation offering and advancing our vision of a seamless ecosystem approach. This is of particular importance as many mining operations move to greater depths and face new challenges,” said Rickard Johansson, vice president of marketing at Epiroc’s Underground division.
First introduced in 2023, Deep Automation is Epiroc’s set of automation systems and applications, used to orchestrate loaders and trucks in underground mining operations. Deep Automation has also been successfully integrated with other mining systems, enabling interoperability across equipment from different OEMs.
“Deep Automation for drilling can significantly improve the bottom line for underground operations through greater precision and optimized processes, enabling up to 30% faster mine development rates and up to 70% shorter stoping cycles,” Guilherme Paiva, global automation lead at Epiroc’s Underground division, stated.
“This also helps reduce waste and improve fragmentation – leading to positive downstream effects in rock reinforcement and material handling, such as increased machine utilization and overall output.”
Epiroc reported that Deep Automation has already helped mines recover millions of tonnes of ore that would have been impossible to extract safely without automation. For example, one customer increased mine output by more than 15% by enabling continuous feeding of underground crushers during blast clearance.
Source: Epiroc