This goal is bolstered by their recent agreement to purchase five autonomous Pit Viper rigs from Epiroc to work at the open pit, which will help keep operators out of any potential danger zones while drilling.
First fully autonomous fleet of Pit Viper rigs on Canadian soil.
For Epiroc, the agreement marks the first fully autonomous fleet of Pit Viper rigs on Canadian soil. The powerful blasthole drill rigs are also equipped with Mobius for drills, a digitalization tool that imports drill plans and collects key data for mining personnel all while enabling multi-machine control. The solution also introduces 3D-P, engaging Epiroc’s wireless networking capabilities into the agreement which enables integration and connectivity with the project’s existing networks.
As mining methods continue to modernize, sustainability and safety remain top priorities for operations as they embrace new technologies to improve overall productivity. For Iamgold’s Côté Gold Project, located 175 kilometers northwest of Sudbury, Ontario, their willingness to leverage this evolving technology aligns with their vision to achieve zero losses in all operations and activities conducted by the organization.
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This goal is further reinforced by the recent agreement to purchase five automated Pit Viper drill rigs from Epiroc for surface operations, which will help operators stay away from potentially hazardous areas while drilling.
For Epiroc, the agreement marks the first fully autonomous fleet of Pit Viper rigs in Canada. The powerful blasthole drill is also equipped with Mobius for Drills, a digital tool that imports drill plans and collects key data for miners, while allowing control of multiple machines. The solution also introduces 3D-P and incorporates Epiroc’s wireless networking capabilities into the protocol, enabling integration and connectivity with the project’s existing network.
With the introduction of new technologies in automation and digitalization, the Côté Gold project uses innovative technologies to ensure operator safety, extend machine life and improve the performance of surface drilling operations.
“The Epiroc Pit Viper fleet is a critical step in Côté Gold’s journey to become Canada’s first fully autonomous transportation and drilling mine,” said Francis Letarte-Lavoie, Côté Project Operations Manager. “The four existing Pit Viper rigs are moving towards fully autonomous mode. We expect the fifth rig to be delivered in April 2024 to successfully complete the entire fleet.”
“This is an important milestone for Epiroc Canada. We look forward to working with Iamgold to further drive innovation in the mining industry,” said Charlie Ekberg, General Manager of Epiroc Canada.
