Epiroc, a developer of equipment for use in mining and production drilling, announced its Simba Automation package, featuring the new teleremote e-tramming function, for an even safer and more continuous drilling process.

“Our Simba drill rigs are globally recognized as the best in their class, and we continue to strive towards even smarter and faster solutions,” says Guilherme Paiva, global product manager of automation at Epiroc. “Teleremote e-tramming makes for an easier, safer and more continuous drilling process. Fewer disruptions mean greater productivity.”

The Simba Automation package includes various functionalities to monitor, plan and automate drilling operations from onboard the rig or from a remote location. The new teleremote e-tramming option enables the Simba rig to be operated remotely and work more productively in a continuous “ring-to-ring” fashion. After drilling a ring and retrieving the rods, the rig can be trammed via teleremote to the next ring, saving time and work effort – a process that not only makes things faster and simpler, but also provides a safer work environment, since the operator can control the machine out of harm’s way, even between rings.

Simba rigs that feature Epiroc’s Rig Control System (RCS) can be operated through a user-friendly control panel from onboard the rig or from a remote location where potentially hazardous work conditions can be avoided. With information provided by laser sensors and cameras mounted on the rig, the operator can navigate, position and stabilize the rig to ensure that drilling is executed according to plan. With the mission accomplished in one ring, the operator can then tram smoothly to the next steps in the process.

“We want to make the world’s best production drill just a bit better to optimize the entire drilling process, from positioning the rig to emptying the stope,” says Paiva. “Through automation and the ability to process more real-time information, we are taking huge steps towards greater safety and efficiency.”

Underground Rock Excavation is a division of Epiroc. It develops and manufactures tunneling and mining equipment, and offers digital support, for underground applications worldwide. Epiroc serves customers in the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries in more than 150 countries. It develops and produces drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and also offers services and consumables. For more information, visit www.epirocgroup.com.