In recent years, the mining industry has embraced innovations focused on its number one priority - underground safety. With this as a guiding principle, new technologies are helping remove workers from danger zones while still maintaining high productivity standards.
What many operations are learning, and what Agnico Eagle's LaRonde Mine together with drilling contractor Machines Roger International (MRI) have put into practice, is that safety and productivity can be achieved simultaneously. Epiroc's new diamond drilling technology is emerging as a viable option for mines as they strive to hit their targets in both areas.
Located west of Val-d'Or, Quebec, LaRonde became the first underground mine in the world to utilize Epiroc's new Diamec Automated Rod Magazine (ARM), first showcased at PDAC in Toronto earlier this year.
Introduced and operated in the underground environment by MRI crews, the ARM is an automated rod handling system designed to position operators further away from risk zones while improving operational efficiency. The system automates rod handling functions, including rods, swivel rods, and inner tube handling, while reducing manual intervention and operator exposure to repetitive and potentially hazardous tasks.
The project was carried out through close collaboration between Agnico Eagle's LaRonde geology and operations teams, MRI's underground drilling crews operating the equipment on site, and Epiroc's technical and automation teams who completed this world-first commissioning.
“We're excited to partner with Machines Roger International on this project," says Michelle White, Business Line Manager Ore Body Solutions at Epiroc.
“This collaboration showcases the benefits of utilizing new technology to safely enhance the drilling experience underground."​