The impact unskilled operators have on operating results can make the difference between profit and loss, says Atlas Copco. Its Master Driller program “gives operators the knowledge and skill they need.” The scheme trains new and experienced operators, to help them perform at 100% of their ability. The results are:
- Higher productivity
- Reduced costs of damaged equipment
- Increased safety
- Documentation of workforce skills.
The program combines theory and practical training in three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The bronze level is e-learning training for operators, in five steps. The silver level provides hands-on simulator training, where operators must perform specific tasks. At the gold level, an Atlas Copco product specialist comes to the customer’s site and conducts one-on-one training with each operator in the program. Completion of all three levels qualifies the operator as a Master Driller. The program was launched in March, 2010.
Well maintained equipment is, of course, also very important. For this, one of Atlas Copco’s offerings is COP Care, aimed to help operations “drill more metres per day.
Serving all Atlas Copco COP rock drills, the COP Care agreement comprises five key components:
- Scheduled service
- Optimised rig performance
- Overhaul protocols
- Extended warranty
- Remote monitoring.
Together, these components answer the particular needs of small to medium-sized mines and contractors.
Productivity increases with greater rock drill availability. The customer always has a rock drill ready for operation because COP Care incorporates both scheduled maintenance and a replacement rock drill, to enable drilling operations to continue during service. Preventive maintenance by qualified technicians using original Atlas Copco parts ensures rock drill availability when needed. Rig parameters are also checked and optimised to ensure their best operation.
Atlas Copco takes full responsibility for the scheduled maintenance. The COP Care agreement means less administration and less worry because of the fixed service cost related to actual rig use. The extended warranty is a further security. Ultimately, the inspection protocols comprise a documented service record that improves the rock drill’s re-sale value.
Remote satellite supervision transmits rig and rock drill performance data to a web server. Access to the server is available to the owner and Atlas Copco on a daily basis so that service can be scheduled when it is optimal for the operation. The data sent also gives the contractor an accurate base for pricing and job planning calculations with details of engine hours, percussion hours, rig position and, for some rigs, also metres drilled.