Orica and Epiroc partner to deliver blast automation
Orica and Epiroc Rock Drills AB (“Epiroc”) will jointly develop a
semi-automated explosives delivery system, enabling safer and more productive
blasting operations in underground mines.
As mines go deeper and ore bodies become
more remote, the case for blasting automation becomes clearer. The partnership will bring together
the deep expertise and experience of two global industry leaders to address the
growing demand from customers mining in increasingly more hazardous and
challenging underground operations.
Orica
Chief Commercial and Technology Officer Angus Melbourne said: “This exciting partnership
with Epiroc will allow us to leverage our exclusive wireless
initiating system, WebGen™, to deliver the critical first steps towards
the automation of drill and blast operations.
“Automation is a key pillar of our
technology strategy and supports our vision of transforming drill and blast to
unlock mining value by creating safer and more sustainable operations.”
Epiroc
Senior Executive Vice President Mining and Infrastructure Helena Hedblom said: “This
promising collaboration with Orica is an important first step on an exciting
journey toward automating the whole drilling and explosives charging process.
“It is a
vital part of both Epiroc’s and Orica’s vision of making the mining operation
as safe, productive and cost efficient as possible.”
Orica and
Epiroc are the ideal partners to optimise the explosives charging process for
underground mining. Orica is the world’s largest provider of commercial
explosives and innovative blasting systems to the
mining, quarrying, oil and gas and construction markets, and Epiroc is the industry leader in
developing innovative underground mining equipment, including face drill rigs
and production drill rigs.
The first
prototype system is expected in 2020, with the first commercially available
systems to enter service in 2021.
More
details on the collaboration and technology will be communicated later.