Dynamitage TCG Orders Four SmartROC D65s from Epiroc to Deploy in Quebec, Canada
An Interview with Mikael Côté, Director at Dynamitage TCG
In recent years, the Quebec region has emerged as an especially important area for the mining and construction industry and this growth potential has spurred on competition for suppliers aiming to support operations in the area.
Dynamitage TCG, a drilling contractor for heavy construction projects, has deep roots in Quebec and has become a trusted resource for operations looking to increase their productivity. During their time in the industry, Dynamitage TCG has earned a reputation for reliability and has the experience to help construction projects hit their targets consistently.
As such, Epiroc Canada has developed an ongoing relationship with Dynamitage TCG – Epiroc supplies the drilling equipment and in turn, the Dynamitage team operates the machinery on site for customers. Epiroc also offers field support and training on any new technology as needed. Both organizations have a shared goal of supporting customer operations so they can hit production targets safely and their shared expertise has become a valuable asset to customers.
In their latest deal, Epiroc supplied Dynamitage TCG with four SmartROC D65 drill rigs – the machines are equipped with intelligent features that improve fuel consumption and boost productivity while being durable enough to handle challenging conditions & terrain.
After the deal was finalized, Epiroc Canada took the opportunity to sit down with Mikael Côté, Director at Dynamitage TCG, to discuss the SmartROC D65 order.
Q: What influenced your decision to choose the SmartROC D65 drill rig for your operation?
MC: “We participated in a RFQ (Request for Quote) for a new mining client in the Abitibi region of Quebec and during the site visit, they had big concerns about the precision of the drilling and the quality of the blast.”
Q: Have you used this drill rig in the past? What was your experience?
MC: “We bought three D65s in 2021, but it was the FlexiROC, not the SmartROC model. We’ve been impressed by the efficiency and the reliability of the rig, even in cold weather.”
Q: What features on the SmartROC D65 make it a good fit for Dynamitage TCG?
MC: “The positioning and the automatic drilling functions significantly reduce the risk of mistakes and make drilling operations more efficient.”
Q: How have the operators reacted to this machine?
MC: “Some of our old timers were not sure at the beginning, but they quickly realize the capabilities of the SmartROC D65. Now, every driller on this site wants to stay in their drills!”
Q: How is your relationship with the Epiroc team in the region?
MC: “The relationship is really good. We get great field support and the Epiroc team knows what they’re doing. We feel we are in good hands with Tony D’Amico, our Account Manager.”
Q: Does Epiroc provide support to ease the transition?
“The transition goes very well, most have already worked on the FlexiROC before, so Epiroc only has to introduce the features of the SmartROC. We’ve also received good coaching on site from Epiroc.”
Q: What challenges do you hope to solve with the addition of new SmartROC D65s?
MC: “One of the biggest problems for our client was the quality of the blast and decking. The reason why they’ve decided to give us the chance to work for them is because we have been able to solve most of their problems with the help of the SmartROC D65.”
Q: How does the SmartROC D65 contribute to your safety & productivity goals?
MC: “The SmartROC D65 is a dependable drill rig, and it proves it with the productivity and the reliability it gives. Every feature on the equipment has been thought of in order to provide the safety and productivity clients deserve.”
As Dynamitage TCG and Epiroc continue to work together to tackle projects in the region, the support network each company offers allow customers to feel confident in their decisions and keep their production moving forward. Drill rigs like the SmartROC D65 have updated features and new innovations, but the network of skilled technicians provided by Epiroc make sure customers are equipped with the knowledge & tools to get the job done properly on site.
