Rio Tinto and Atlas Copco have formed an alliance to work together to develop autonomous drilling solutions for surface mining. Rio Tinto has a substantial program in place to develop automated systems for its surface mining operations which create safer and more efficient operations (see International Mining, September issue).

Atlas Copco is of course a world leader in the manufacture and support of drills used in mining. The company has an extensive range of drills and has significant experience in automating drill functions; particularly on its underground drill product lines. This alliance of compatible interests will accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous drilling solutions for the surface mining industry. Benefits resulting from automating drills include improved operator safety, higher precision of the drilling process and improved equipment reliability resulting in superior performance.

Tom Albanese, chief executive of Rio Tinto said: “Rio Tinto is changing the face of mining. This partnership will help us to increase our lead on the rest of the mining industry and establish our position as the global leader in fully integrated, automated operations. Atlas Copco is a world leader in the manufacture and support of drills used in the mining and civil industries and is the perfect partner for Rio Tinto as we lead the charge to develop the next generation of mining technologies. This development will allow for more efficient operations, delivering more tonnes, faster, with reduced carbon emissions, low costs and a safer working environment.”

Gunnar Brock, chief executive of Atlas Copco, commented: “Atlas Copco has always been at the forefront of rock drilling technology, a position we have achieved by always working close to our customers, and there are numerous examples, including civil construction, rapid and precise tunnelling and production drilling for underground mines, with results now used through out the world. The surface and underground mining industries are moving faster towards automation and control technologies to increase safety and to deliver greater speed and productivity. Automation and its support is becoming an increasingly important aspect of Atlas Copco’s global business, and we look forward to a very productive cooperation with Rio Tinto for the benefit of both parties and the whole mining industry.”