Automated Rod Handling Supports Safer Underground Drilling

Agnico Eagle and Machines Roger International are collaborating to deploy automated drilling technology at LaRonde Mine in Quebec, supporting safer and more efficient underground drilling operations.  www.epiroc.com Located west of Val-d’Or, Quebec, Agnico Eagle’s LaRonde Mine has become the first underground mine to deploy Epiroc’s Diamec Automated Rod Magazine (ARM). The system was introduced and commissioned underground through cooperation between the mine operator, drilling contractor Machines Roger International and Epiroc. The technology is intended for underground diamond drilling, where rod handling requires operators to work near drilling equipment and repeatedly perform manual handling tasks. Automating these operations can reduce direct operator exposure to risk zones while maintaining the drilling process. Automated rod handling system The Diamec ARM automates the handling and positioning of drilling rods, swivel rods and inner tubes. By transferring these handling functions from manual operation to an automated mechanism, the system reduces the amount of repetitive physical intervention required from drilling crews. The approach supports industrial automation within the drilling process by separating operators from some of the equipment-handling activities carried out around the drill. This can contribute to safer working conditions while also providing a more consistent method for rod handling. Roles of the project partners Agnico Eagle’s LaRonde geology and operations teams worked with Machines Roger International’s underground drilling crews, which operate the equipment at the mine. Epiroc’s technical and automation teams supported the commissioning of the automated rod-handling system. The cooperation combines the mine operator’s knowledge of underground drilling requirements, the contractor’s experience in operating drilling equipment and the equipment supplier’s engineering and automation capabilities. This division of responsibilities enabled the system to be introduced and tested within an operating underground mining environment. Application and operational impact The deployment is focused on diamond drilling activities at LaRonde, where automated rod handling can reduce manual intervention during drilling operations. The technical objective is to improve the separation between operators and potential risk zones without removing the drilling activity from the production environment. Epiroc Business Line Manager Ore Body Solutions Michelle White said: “We’re excited to partner with Machines Roger International on this project. This collaboration showcases the benefits of utilizing new technology to safely enhance the drilling experience underground.” Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI. www.epiroc.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing