Val-d’Or, Quebec – Agnico Eagle Mines’ LaRonde operation, situated west of Val-d’Or, Quebec, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world’s first underground mine to implement Epiroc’s innovative Diamec Automated Rod Magazine (ARM). This cutting-edge technology, initially unveiled at PDAC in Toronto earlier this year, represents a substantial leap forward in drilling safety and efficiency within the mining industry.
Enhancing Safety and Productivity Through Automation
The Diamec ARM is an advanced automated rod handling system designed to minimize operator exposure to hazardous environments and repetitive tasks. Deployed and operated by drilling contractor Machines Roger International (MRI) crews in the underground setting, the system automates critical rod handling functions, including the manipulation of rods, swivel rods, and inner tubes. This automation significantly reduces manual intervention, thereby mitigating risks associated with operator fatigue and potential injuries from physically demanding operations .
“This collaboration showcases the benefits of utilising new technology to safely enhance the drilling experience underground” .
Epiroc emphasizes that the ARM is a key component of their Live Work Elimination efforts, marking a new era in exploration core drilling. The system allows drill strings to be tripped out fully automatically to a pre-set position and tripped in with minimal operator input. This not only enhances safety by moving the operator station further away from the machine but also boosts productivity by freeing up valuable operator time for other tasks .
Key features and benefits of the Diamec ARM include:
- Increased Safety: Operators are positioned away from risk zones, and a camera system allows for remote monitoring of rod threading.
- Reduced Manual Intervention: Automation of rod, swivel rod, and inner tube handling.
- Improved Efficiency: A full magazine with 84 N-rods can facilitate drilling up to 252 meters without additional assistance, saving significant time, especially with heavier rods. The system can also handle water swivel rods and inner tubes, aiding daily drilling tasks .
- Automated Greasing: A dual grease brush and pump ensure automatic greasing of every pin thread during rod tripping, further keeping operators out of danger zones .
- User-Friendly Interface: Equipped with a touchscreen control panel for programming settings and monitoring rod levels, and joysticks for manual control when needed .
A Collaborative Achievement in Mining Innovation
The successful commissioning of the Diamec ARM at LaRonde is the result of a close collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. Agnico Eagle’s LaRonde geology and operations teams worked in conjunction with MRI’s underground drilling crews, who are responsible for operating the equipment on-site. Epiroc’s technical and automation teams provided the essential expertise to complete this world-first implementation.
Michelle White, Business Line Manager Ore Body Solutions at Epiroc, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration showcases the benefits of utilising new technology to safely enhance the drilling experience underground” . This project underscores the industry’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to create safer and more efficient mining operations.
