Tribe Technology PLC, a disruptive technology-first developer and manufacturer of world-class autonomous mining equipment, has announced the shipment of its first autonomous reverse circulation TTDS GC 700 drill rig from the manufacturing site in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

This is a major milestone for the company and is the culmination of significant engineering hours over the last four years, pioneering design and innovation along with extensive collaboration with its first customer, McKay Drilling, a subsidiary of Major Drilling Group International Inc.

This first drill rig has been manufactured and sold to industry leading drilling contractor, Major Drilling, for use at a Tier 1 iron ore mining asset in Australia. Delivery to Australia is on target for the end of September 2024 as stated in the company’s previous operational update.

Following arrival in Australia, the company will undertake validation of the drill rig in the field in conjunction with the customer during the fourth quarter of 2024. Charlie King, Chief Executive Officer at Tribe Tech, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have accomplished this major milestone of shipment from our factory in Northern Ireland of the first autonomous RC Drill Rig to Major Drilling’s subsidiary McKay Drilling in Australia. We look forward to the demonstration of the operation of the Drill Rig in the field and this will be a tremendous platform for expanding our customer partnerships. I would like to thank McKay Drilling for the significant support in the development phase of this product and belief in the Company to deliver this first innovative Drill Rig.”