Epiroc is taking a big step forward for underground automation by expanding its Deep Automation portfolio to also include solutions for underground drilling and bolting. The updated Deep Automation concept supports customers at every stage of their automation journey, from remote operations to higher levels of autonomy, while ensuring safe and predictable performance combined with consistent results.
“With Deep Automation, we are building an even stronger, more holistic automation offering and advancing our vision of a seamless ecosystem approach. This is of particular importance as many mining operations move to greater depths and face new challenges,” says Rickard Johansson, VP Marketing at Epiroc’s Underground division.
Deep Automation, Epiroc’s cutting‑edge suite of automation solutions for underground mining, is designed to unlock the full potential for forward-thinking mining operations, and now includes solutions for both drilling and material handling. By combining advanced technologies across key mining processes, it optimises applications throughout the mining cycle – enhancing safety, productivity, and operational efficiency.
“Deep Automation for drilling can significantly improve the bottom line for underground operations through greater precision and optimised processes, enabling up to 30% faster mine development rates and up to 70% shorter stoping cycles. This also helps reduce waste and improve fragmentation – leading to positive downstream effects in rock reinforcement and material handling such as increased machine utilisation and overall output,” says Guilherme Paiva, Global Automation Lead at Epiroc’s Underground division.
First introduced in 2023, Deep Automation has been Epiroc’s set of automation systems and applications, used to orchestrate loaders and trucks in underground mining operations. Deep Automation has also been successfully integrated with other mining systems, enabling interoperability across equipment from different OEMs.
Deep Automation has already helped mines unlock millions of tonnes of ore that would not have been possible to recover safely without automation. Examples from customers sites include increased mine output by more than 15% by enabling continuous feeding of underground crushers during blast clearance. In addition, autonomous haulage has boosted truck productivity by adding more than 3,000 tonnes per month per Minetruck by maintaining operations even during shift changes.
By evolving into a unified concept for both drilling and material handling automation, Epiroc says it “empowers mines to unlock new levels of performance, drive continuous improvement, and build operational excellence – today and in the years ahead.”
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