Australia-based mining technology company Minnovare’s drill rig alignment tool, the Azimuth Alinger, is delivering “unprecedented” efficiency to the underground drilling process by substantially reducing rig set-up time, the company claims.

Launched in March 2012, the Azimuth Aligner enables a drill rig operator to achieve correct orientation up to 90% faster, compared with traditional labour-intensive manual-alignment methods, which typically include a string line, plum bob and surveyor.

In addition to providing productivity gains, the tool is a critical enabling technology for the introduction of autonomous, semi-autonomous and remotely operated rigs.

It is an autonomous driller-operated alignment system, providing enhancements to productivity and safety in underground mining and civil drill rig alignment. It also allows for drilling to be completed more cheaply and more accurately.

The tool can be used in underground mining and surface drilling operations, as well as civil drilling processes. The Azimuth Aligner uses military-grade, north-seeking gyro technology to precisely and accurately align drill rigs. Data can be saved to the device’s database and exported to link with drill plods and planning software or emailed directly to ensure 100% auditability and quality control of all rig set-ups.

By eliminating several manual and labour-intensive steps in the rig alignment process, the tool reduces rig alignment process time and improves overall drilling productivity. Two process steps are eliminated, typically saving one hour on each setup and reducing the need for input by skilled personnel. The physical rig alignment takes only five minutes.

Minnovare cofounder Callum McCracken notes that there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the Azimuth Aligner in a short period, but there is now a much larger market to address. “Our ultimate aim is to be the partner of choice for mining companies and drilling contractors that are looking to increase accuracy and efficiency and reduce downtime. We see great opportunity in Australia, but we certainly also now have our eyes firmly on overseas markets.” Meanwhile, Minnovare has secured significant investment from two highly regarded private-equity firms that will help propel the company into the international market.
Earlier this month, the company announced that it had secured funding from

Jolimont Global Mining Systems – a private-equity group that invests in high-growth mining equipment, technology and services com-panies – and Viburnum Funds – an Australasian-focused midmarket private-equity investment manager with extensive experience in mining and oilfield services investment.

McCracken and another Minnovare cofounder, Mick Beilby, say the investment will principally be used to expand the company’s reach internationally. The partnership will help Minnovare expand more aggressively into the global mining and civil markets, make the Azimuth Aligner available to many more customers.