Building on the success of their semi-autonomous tractor system (SATS) technology, Wolff Mining (Wolff) have further strengthened their partnership with Hastings Deering in the forthcoming deployment of autonomous drills. Wolff, which is now part of the National Group, provides a range of automated and innovative solutions such as large scale semi-autonomous bulk dozer push and blast hole drilling, contract mining services, excavator pre strip fleets, civil earthworks, site clearing and rehabilitation works.

Wolff has an established partnership with Caterpillar and Hastings Deering through the deployment of Cat’s Command for Dozing module in a mining production environment. This deployment was additionally recognised by the wider mining community and resulted in winning multiple awards, including Contract Miner of the Year at the 2018 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

“Our range of Cat autonomous drills offer enhanced safety and cost effectiveness through high precision drilling. This can offer various benefits to the mining value chain such as improved accuracy, consistency and utilisation rates” suggested a representative from Hasting Deering. “High-precision satellite guidance capabilities ensures that every blast hole is drilled exactly to the designed coordinates and desired floor elevation. Automated drilling functions ensure consistent operation that maintains drill operation within ideal operating parameters, resulting in maximum bit life, reduced costs for consumables, longer machine life and lower maintenance costs. The machine never has an off day, performing at a level of consistency that promotes advanced logistics planning and improves sequencing of the drill operation in advance of digging and loading operations.”