Major Drilling leaders in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, recently unveiled new drills with specialised robotics and rod handling equipment for both surface and underground operations at two special innovation demonstrations for senior partners.
A Smart 8 drill, already part of Major Drilling’s updated automated underground fleet, outfitted with a sleek robotic arm, used high-powered magnetic, hands-free technology to lift and load drill rods. Teams also displayed a mobile 6M underground core drilling rig equipped with a rod presenter.
The semi-autonomous rod handling robot, developed in Utah, addresses the growing need for hands-free rod handling while supporting Major Drilling’s safety initiatives, the company says. This versatile unit can be used across various underground drills. Being fully electric, it eliminates concerns about hydraulic leaks or repairs.
Innovating these semi-autonomous drilling solutions is an important part of the future of mining. Led by VP US Operations, Kevin Slemko, the robotic arm was developed with partner Elite Automation during early 2024. Deploying robotic rod handlers is one more indicator of Major Drilling’s embracement of emerging technologies to improve efficiencies for mining partners.
At an additional demonstration event, Major Drilling teams showcased the Apex 100 ultra-advanced RC mineral exploration rig with hands-free rod handling and the LF90 rod handling conversion rig with FREEDOM™ Loader. The latter is a rod handling platform from Boart Longyear.
Customer expectations have always pushed Major Drilling to lead change and bring results. This is evident as senior mining partners regularly collaborate to test and give feedback on developing technologies which enhances not only their individual drill site but also Major Drilling’s overall performance, the company says. Present at the testing in Utah was Rio Tinto (Kennecott) and Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick & Newmont).
“As a trusted mining supplier for our USA customers, we’re always looking for ways to give them innovative answers to their challenges,” Slemko said. “So, we’re very excited to demonstrate this new semi-autonomous robotic rod handling technology along with our Rock5 drill analytics because it truly shows how our solutions are making a difference in safety, productivity and efficiency.”
Major Drilling says it is developing a new innovative suite of services that is revolutionising the use of artificial intelligence, survey tools and data analytics. Drillside GeoSolutions by Major Drilling combines the company’s traditional drilling services with borehole imaging by DGI Geoscience and automated core logging from KORE GeoSystems.
During one demonstration event, members of Major Drilling’s innovation team, David Clarke, Senior Advisor – Geological Technologies, and Christopher Klinger, Automation Technician, exhibited the complementary TrailBlazer Rock5 drill data analytics system and console being outfitted on drills fleetwide. Rock5 gathers real-time data that enhances drill team and customer safety, productivity and efficiency – a key part of Major Drilling’s suite of geosolutions delivered drillside with innovation partners DGI Geoscience Inc and KORE Geosystems.
“It all starts with the Rock5 analytics,” Clarke said. “With our integrated data, imaging and automation solutions, we’re putting together a better geological model and better downstream benefits for all.”
