https://www.miningweekly.com

Change management crucial for automation

SMART DRILL RIG
The Epiroc Advanced Drilling Solutions division supplies surface drilling machines that are autonomous

SMART DRILL RIG The Epiroc Advanced Drilling Solutions division supplies surface drilling machines that are autonomous

26th October 2018

By: Jessica Oosthuizen

Creamer Media Reporter

     

Font size: - +

There is a need for effective change management in the opencast mining industry to assist clients in adapting to new technologies and technological capabilities, says equipment supplier Epiroc surface and exploration drilling business line manager Hedley Birnie.

“Challenges facing the South African market regarding technology are change management and the perception that automation will take away jobs,” he tells Mining Weekly.

The Epiroc Drilling Solutions division supplies surface drilling machines that are autonomous and operated from a remote control centre that can be positioned outside the mining area, thereby creating a safe working environment. “This is being used successfully in a few countries, including South Africa,” Birnie highlights. Epiroc also offers a smart option on its smaller production drill rigs.

He contends that there is a “definite push for technology” locally and that Epiroc’s technology is being used at some of the iron-ore mines in the Northern Cape, as well as platinum mines in the Southern Africa region. The company has sold about 30 smart drill rigs to the South African market since April last year, he highlights.

However, he notes that some mines are adopting technologies faster than others. “Some opencast mines may not want to adopt new technologies, owing to their particular circumstances, others are resistant to change and sometimes the correct infrastructure is not in place.”

The correct level of support is crucial to success when a client decides to adopt a certain technology. Birnie advances that it should be a partnership between the supplier and the client, and Epiroc believes in creating long-term partnerships with clients, while adding value to their operations.

Further, the operational environment of mines is different and they face different challenges, with some possibly requiring more time to adapt. Epiroc offers customised automation solutions on every level and for any condition, Birnie enthuses. Mines can start by collecting data, automating part of its fleet or opting for full autonomous operation.

Automation holds “massive potential” for Epiroc to grow in the opencast mining market in South Africa, he says. Moreover, the company can provide the necessary client and equipment support through the establishment of its Regional Application Centre (RAC) in Johannesburg, which is one of five centres based in key cities globally. “The RAC will strengthen our position in the market and our ability to offer world-class service on automation and technology.”

Epiroc is continuously considering new products that will enhance mines’ capabilities for maximum performance, reliability and output. The company has new products, mostly aimed at automation capability, in the pipeline, that will be tested and launched soon.

Birnie notes that there are several obstacles to overcome regarding technology as there are mines in the Southern Africa region that are interested in embracing the company’s technologies, but they are not quite prepared to do so yet.

“Epiroc will walk the walk with these clients and assist them in reaching the goal of moving to technology and to full automation,” he concludes.

Edited by Zandile Mavuso
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

Comments

Showroom

Alco-Safe
Alco-Safe

An unmanned breathalyser that is made to be tough and simple to use. Can be used in any environment for operator-free breathalyser testing.

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Booyco Electronics
Booyco Electronics

Booyco Electronics, South African pioneer of Proximity Detection Systems, offers safety solutions for underground and surface mining, quarrying,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Hyphen, Eva mine, ferrochrome price make headlines
Hyphen, Eva mine, ferrochrome price make headlines
27th March 2024
Resources Watch
Resources Watch
27th March 2024

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.061 0.101s - 95pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now