dero even more once it is fitted with the Rig Control System (RCS) tech- nology; this will give the mine a series of highly automated options, includ- ing: Autolevelling, Autodrilling, GPS Hole Navigation, Desktop Viewer and
Communication, Wireless Remote Tramming, Measure While Drilling and Teleremote Operation. Autolevelling increases quality in set up of the drill. Depending on the ground conditions levelling can be done in less than 35 seconds with an accuracy in pitch and roll to 0.2 degrees. Autodrilling allows the system to react to the different rock conditions within one blasthole and adjust the drilling as necessary. This feature provides the consistency of drilling to the correct hole depth, and a consistent water flow to maintain the hole so it does not collapse. GPS Hole Navigation ensures the blast- hole is positioned where it has been designed in the blast pattern and it is drilled to the correct depth. RRA and Communication connects the drill rig to a standard computer network on a work site and allows access informa- tion on the drill rig from any authorised point in a network. Wireless Remote Tramming gives the operator flex- ibility to tram the machine from the bench within a 60-metre distance. Mea- sure While Drilling logs several drill parameters during operation; this data
PV-271 operator Victor Astudillo says that due to the variable quality of the rock, drilling a production blasthole can take anywhere from 18 minutes to one hour.
can be used for prediction of geological and geochemical variations within drill patterns on a bench. Teleremote opera- tion uses the mine’s wireless network and allows an operator to utilize the machine functions mentioned before from a remote location. “We’re going for the full set of RCS functions and are looking forward to using this technol- ogy at Veladero,” says Cavanillas.
Upgrading the rig entails replacing the cabin with a new one. “During this time the machine won’t be able to oper- ate, but the changes will be well worth it,” says Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions Technician Osvaldo Gil, adding that when the modification is finished, an Atlas Copco factory specialist will be there for 10 days to train the operators and mechanics and to make sure every- thing works well. “They’re not used to operating with joy sticks; this will be
something new for them,” says Arjona, explaining that they want to use this opportunity as an incentive for the drill rig operators: “We want them to learn and then to ‘earn’ the right to operate the machine.”
This training will be put to another good use for a second PV-271 now on order for delivery to the mine. Effectively, the managers at Veladero are so pleased with the performance of the drilling rig that they have decided to acquire a second unit and this time it will feature RCS technology from the start. “The idea is that both machines will have the same configurations, avoiding the need for different spare parts and operations,” says Gil.
With both machines, the one being upgraded and the new one, featur- ing full versions of the RCS system, Veladero will be able to take its drilling
to the next level. “The technology from Atlas Copco is another factor that keeps us motivated,” says Cavanillas, adding: “Eventually, our idea is to work with the Pit Viper remotely from a fixed distant point. We want to be at the fore- front when it comes to mining technol- ogy.” Using the latest high technology in drilling automation will certainly help Veladero achieve this goal. “And if everything continues to go well, our vision is to eventually replace all our DM machines with Pit Vipers.”
And to ensure that everything will go well, Atlas Copco has a Technical Assistance Contract with Veladero, which was put in place in April 2011. The contract, which has just been renewed for another six months, speci- fies one specialist drilling technician from Atlas Copco available to Veladero per shift. Currently that means two people, each working seven hours shifts. “We’re here to help with any drilling issues that might come up. We spend time with the rig operators and the drilling supervisors, giving tech- nical support to all the Atlas Copco fleet, not just the PV-271 but also the ROC F9 and the four DM-M2 units,” says Miguel Sernaqué, one of the Atlas Copco drilling specialists. Once the new PV-271 arrives, the plan is to have two technicians per shift, effectively four people, available to Veladero.
Servicing Veladero will go even fur- ther now that Atlas Copco Argentina has just expanded its operations and presence in the region with a new branch and workshop located about 2 km south of Barrick’s offices in San Juan. Gil explains that the new branch offers all types of after-sale services as well as evaluation, failure analysis, repair of equipment and major compo- nents, field equipment set-up and the stocking of key spare parts. He says: “We’re here to see to Veladero and Barrick’s needs; that’s our priority and commitment.”
acknowledgements
Articles and photographs by Adriana Potts. With thanks to Veladero mine and Atlas Copco Argentina.
Atlas Copco and Veladero staff together (from left to right): Miguel Sernaqué, Atlas Copco Drilling Specialist; Carlos Cavanillas, Drilling & Blasting General Supervisor; Victor Astudillo, Drilling Operator; Ramón Arjona, Drilling & Blasting Senior Supervisor and ADS Technician Osvaldo Gil from Atlas Copco Argentina.