Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/95079
industryfocus network; providing for more rapid problem-solving and better recovery from disruptions; improving our retention of knowledge and best practices across our operations; and supporting our growth plans by providing scalability in line with development of future mines, rail lines and ports," says Hadley. SEMI-AUTONOMOUS DRILLS Historically, much has been said about automation causing unemployment, however, it also creates new and exciting high-tech jobs. Atlas Copco's range of Simba drilling rigs for long-hole drilling is a textbook example. Launched by the Swedish company in Australia in March and now in operation at the Ridgeway gold and copper mine in the Cadia Valley of NSW and various other tunnelling sites throughout Australia, the Simba drill features a host of self- diagnostic, data-logging and automation tools for drilling up to 51.2 metres (theoretical depth). The Simba includes advanced boom control, which when fed with an electronic drilling plan can drill a full long-hole ring in full auto, and the mechanised bit-changing system means the Simba can be programmed to change drill bits by itself. "You can't leave one of these machines unmonitored. It's not about that; it's not about removing the human altogether," says Wayne Symes, Atlas Copco's business line manager for tunnelling and mining equipment in Australia. "It's about making drilling easier and safer. For instance, with this type of technology you don't have to send personnel into dangerous situations like drilling in previously fired ground." The Simba is also more precise, accurate and flexible than any other drilling rig on the market. Accuracy is key when drilling long holes and the Simba makes this more achievable. At Cadia Valley, productivity improvements of up to 10 per cent have been realised. "We aren't driving the drills remotely yet, but that is our next step and we're already testing remote drilling in Australia," Symes says. "That's the great thing about automation in mining. It's all scalable and upgradeable, and it's always improving." 58