Agnico Eagle Mines’ LaRonde operation becomes first to use Epiroc Diamec Automated Rod Magazine
Located west of Val-d’Or, Quebec, the LaRonde mine, owned by Agnico Eagle Mines, has become the first underground mine in the world to use Epiroc’s new Diamec Automated Rod Magazine (ARM), first showcased at PDAC in Toronto earlier this year.
Introduced and operated in the underground environment by drilling contractor Machines Roger International (MRI) crews, the ARM is an automated rod handling system designed to position operators further away from risk zones while improving operational efficiency. The system automates rod handling functions, including rods, swivel rods and inner tube handling, while reducing manual intervention and operator exposure to repetitive and potentially hazardous tasks, according to Epiroc.
The project was carried out through close collaboration between Agnico Eagle’s LaRonde geology and operations teams, MRI’s underground drilling crews operating the equipment on site, and Epiroc’s technical and automation teams who completed this world-first commissioning.
“We’re excited to partner with MRI on this project,” Michelle White, Business Line Manager Ore Body Solutions at Epiroc, says. “This collaboration showcases the benefits of utilising new technology to safely enhance the drilling experience underground.”
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