Monthly Archives: September 2020

Client Focus

OXFORD PARKS PHASE 2 – ANOTHER CONCOR BUILDINGS SUCCESS STORY

Oxford Parks is an architectural focal point along Oxford Road in Rosebank. On completion, this site will house five buildings on a master basement structure. Oxford Parks Phase 2 is a testimony to meticulous coordination on the part of Concor Buildings to ensure the concurrent construction of three different buildings would run smoothly.

This phase includes the simultaneous construction of 203 Oxford Road – Life Healthcare’s new

10 000 m2 head office, 8 Parks Boulevard – a 4 000 m2 multi-tenanted building housing inter alia Metier Private Equity and G+D Currency Technology, and 6 Parks Boulevard – 3 400 m2 offices for Arup, Sony Music  and Sony Publishing.

The buildings, together with Phase 1, 199 Oxford Road, were designed to complement each other, and their respective footprints fit together in a jigsaw puzzle configuration, proportionately occupying the site to optimise the usage of this prime pedestrian precinct with its generous public environment.

Through bold yet sensitive design of the buildings, together with the hard and soft landscaping of the outdoor piazza area, a natural environment was created ensuring a harmonious blend of business, life and leisure for the end user. Accommodating all parking in basements has shaped a precinct that is pedestrian friendly and offers a safe retail experience.

Martin Muller, Concor Buildings’ contracts manager, explains that all the buildings are constructed to be compliant with Green Star design requirements. 199 Oxford Road in Phase 1 achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating. All specifications on the project are in line with Green Star requirements and the buildings in Phase 2 are also designed to achieve 5-Star Green Star ratings.

A comprehensive Environmental Management Plan was adopted that amongst many criteria, specified the installation of waste management systems to maximise recycling from waste generated on the project. Another environmental intervention was the installation of state-of-the-art HVAC systems in all the buildings presenting energy saving, efficiency and sustainability features including air-cooled systems to eliminate water usage.

To optimise energy usage during occupation, different striking façades provide the respective buildings with both aesthetic interest and added energy benefits.

Muller emphasises Concor Buildings’ commitment to health and safety on site. “Creating a strong safety culture is always a challenge on bigger projects with a large number of subcontractors but Concor’s pledge to its Stop.Think.Act initiative has seen active involvement becoming a trend on site.”

“Visible Felt Leadership from the entire production and safety team ensures that contractors, subcontractors and tenant contractors execute work safely at all times. This is vital as on average there are 350 workers from 22 different contractors on site and this will increase as tenants start with their fit-out activities,” he says.

The COVID lockdown added a new level of challenges and anxiety to the construction industry. According to Muller, through early preparation and policy implementation, Concor Buildings ensured it was ready to start again on site once the lockdown restriction relaxation allowed construction to commence on 1 June 2020. Implemented daily scanning points, wash stations, social distancing measures, signage and continual communication led to construction activities being back on track from day one after the restrictions were removed.

Risk management became a particularly important part of this project considering that the lockdown delayed construction by more than two months. Concor Buildings has clearly demonstrated its agility value by completing the buildings in, or close to, the originally contracted completion dates.

During this period, Concor Buildings ring-fenced long-lead manufacturing items and key focus points with the client, subcontractors and suppliers. These pro-active interventions ensured all materials were delivered on time allowing subcontractors to finish off when the client required the areas for tenants to take occupation. These measures also ensured the contractor could mitigate most of the additional costs due to the COVID lockdown period, ensuring practical completion (PC) dates are achieved as per the contract.

Sony Music, Sony Publishing and Arup have taken occupation of 6 Parks Boulevard, which was completed on time. The first and second tenants in 8 Parks Boulevard took official occupation on 1 September 2020, a week earlier than the extended practical completion date of 9 September 2020. Again, testimony to Concor’s agility and commitment to meeting project targets.

The Life Healthcare tenant installation in 203 Oxford Road started ground and first floor handover on 10 August 2020 with all other floor level handovers on track with overall building practical completion on 2 November 2020. This date, which was extended due to lockdown delays, will be achieved through client and professional team assistance, identifying risks and dealing with these before they occur, dedicated resources and time management on the buildings.

Muller adds: “As is the case on all the projects we undertake, quality plays a major part in the execution of this project. Progressive snagging is implemented to ensure that works are checked and signed off as completed by each trade. This practice results in a minimised snag list of items to attend to once the buildings are complete, ensuring that the end user experience is not spoiled by contractors fixing incomplete works once tenants have taken occupation.”

This was a particularly challenging period, but through Concor Buildings’ commitment to its values, one of which is care, the contractor is still producing an upmarket and modern product while demonstrating care towards all parties on site and careful attention to the various features of this complex project.

Client Focus

OXFORD PARKS PHASE 2 TAKES BUILDING CONTRACTOR WIN AT BEST PROJECTS

Meticulous coordination by Concor on the Oxford Parks Phase 2 project facilitated the smooth and simultaneous construction of the different buildings and was one of the reasons Concor won the Building Contractor category at Construction World’s Best Projects 2020. The project was also acknowledged with a Highly Commended Award in the AfriSam Innovation Award in Sustainable Construction.

Oxford Parks is a focal point along Oxford Road in Rosebank and on completion will house five buildings on a master basement structure. The buildings are designed to complement each other, fitting together in a jigsaw puzzle configuration to optimise usage of this prime precinct.

The project includes Building 2 – Life Healthcare’s new 10 000 m2 head office, Building 3 – a 4 000 m2 multi-tenanted building housing inter alia Metier Private Equity and G+D Currency Technology and Building 5 – 3 400 m2 offices for Arup and Sony Music.

Construction work of Building 5 started in February 2020. Initially designed as a three-storey structure, these plans were modified to meet requirements of the tenants, Arup and Sony. An additional slab was added to accommodate a private entertainment area, as well as recording studios on the fourth level.

A number of energy-saving and sustainability features were incorporated on this project. A waste management system maximises recycling, while the buildings feature elements such as air-cooled systems to eliminate water usage, primary variable flow pumping, distributed digital control for central comfort monitoring, load control under standby conditions and linear diffusion to isolate the solar loads. Unique external façades provide aesthetic interest to the individual buildings and optimise energy usage.

The COVID lockdown added new challenges, but through Concor’s commitment to its values, one of which is care, the contractor is still producing an upmarket and modern product while demonstrating care towards all parties on site.

Concor has clearly confirmed its agility value by ensuring practical completion (PC) dates were achieved as per the contract despite construction delays, mitigating additional costs.

Both Sony and Arup engineers have taken occupation of Building 5 which was completed on time. Tenants in Buildings 3 took official occupation on 1 September 2020, a week earlier than the extended practical completion date. Tenant installation in Building 2 started on 10 August 2020 with all other floor level handovers on track with practical completion on 2 November 2020.

Progressive snagging ensured that works were signed off as completed by each trade thus minimising the snag list once the buildings are complete.

Oxford Parks Phase 2 is another project to be added to Concor Building’s impressive portfolio of successful projects.

Client Focus

DATA TRACKING SHOWS MINES WHERE TO IMPROVE

Centralising information from its proximity detection system (PDS) hardware and monitoring devices, Booyco Electronics offers mines a rare opportunity to become both safer and more productive.

According to Anton Lourens, CEO of proximity detection solutions leader Booyco Electronics, a single source of information on the mine’s assets is the key to enhancing operations by identifying patterns of unsafe behaviour.

“Our Booyco Electronics Asset Management System (BEAMS) is essentially a central information hub for the mine’s PDS assets,” says Lourens. “The software suite is a web-based application used on a robust database, linking the PDS hardware products and the monitoring devices.”

This provides a single source of data that can be leveraged for greater insight into relevant aspects of the mining operation – raising the level of safety and productivity in the workplace.

“The real achievement of BEAMS is that it allows the data from our Booyco CWS, Booyco PDS or Booyco CXS to be analysed for patterns which indicate unsafe behaviour,” he says. “Customers can then design an appropriate intervention to prevent any further occurrences.”

He emphasises that this allows a mine to paint a picture of the complete working environment, shedding new light on operational issues which were previously not visible. Measuring the working environment and interactions in this way then means that risks and bottlenecks can be actively reduced and managed – boosting productivity as a result. This helps to give mines an in-depth view of the operation and the performance of their related assets.

“We have engineered BEAMS for easy implementation,” Lourens says. “It can be used on web browser platforms, and is designed to be adaptable to the information and infrastructure environment.”

BEAMS can also integrate with the lamp room management systems in underground mines, ensuring legal compliance with lamp room requirements. It helps mines locate its safety equipment such as lamps, self-contained self-rescuers and gas instrumentation.

“BEAMS can be set up to suit the needs of each user,” says Lourens. “It can generate a standard set of reports, or be customised to specific requirements.”

Client Focus

SA’S WIND ENERGY MARKET OPENS UP FOR ZEST WEG

Zest WEG has entered South Africa’s wind energy industry, combining exciting turbine technology with its established footprint in the local economy.

The development of a direct drive, gearless wind turbine by its parent company WEG is a key factor in Zest WEG’s plan to grow a client base among wind farm developers, says Alastair Gerrard, integrated solutions executive at Zest WEG.

“With WEG’s latest 4,2 MW wind turbine solution – which augments its initial offering of a 2,1 MW unit – we see considerable scope for broadening our technology offering locally and into the rest of Africa,” he says.

With four decades as a local supplier, manufacturer and service provider in South Africa, he says Zest WEG has extensive market presence and knowledge upon which to build. In particular, the company is well-placed to meet the local content requirements for participating in the wind energy segment.

“We have prepared the ground for developing local skills and supply chains in our contribution to wind energy projects,” Gerrard says. “Given our experience in South Africa, our products and solutions also meet the necessary regulations and standards, including grid code compliance, which is vital for projects that will feed power to the national utility.”

The positive take-up of the WEG wind turbine – mainly in South America – is reflected by the 647 MW of capacity that has contributed to the market in recent years; another 181 MW is in the pipeline. He highlights that having no gearbox in the turbine offered a number of benefits.

“There is increased efficiency, less noise and weight, and one less component means less maintenance,” he says. “The whole design is focused on efficiency and reliability, for maximum output and uptime.”

The WEG turbine also includes the transformer in the nacelle, rather than at the tower base. This transformer steps up the 925 volts generated by the alternator to 33 kV, reducing losses through  more efficient energy transmission. There is also then no need for a separate transformer and its associated infrastructure at ground level. “We are looking forward to leveraging WEG’s tried-and-tested turbine technology from Brazil, from our established foundation as a well-recognised local player,” Gerrard concludes.

Client Focus

ZEST WEG BUILDS AFRICA BASE WITH LOCAL PARTNERS

“The key to sustainable growth in Africa is partnering with locally owned companies who have proven track records, are technically sound, have a strong market knowledge and business culture aligned with our own”,  Taylor Milan, Africa business development executive at Zest WEG.

The company, a fully owned subsidiary of WEG, currently has 28 appointed partners in 22 sub-Saharan African countries outside of South Africa, and is expanding its footprint into new sectors across the regions. With extensive manufacturing and assembly facilities in South Africa, Zest WEG is driving its African growth strategy through local partnerships with carefully selected Value-Added Resellers (VARs).

“The local content mandate is playing an increasingly important role in the supply of equipment and services into the formal business sector across the African continent,” says Milan. “It brings services closer to the customer, while empowering local business and building local economies.”

He highlights that the company’s VARs are also chosen for their technical and operational capability and capacity to offer customers more of Zest WEG’s portfolio of products and services.

“While our early offerings focused primarily on electric motors, the company now promotes a comprehensive portfolio of electrical products and solutions ,” he says. “These include geared motors, low and medium voltage drives and  automation, panels, MCCs, E-houses, power and distribution transformers, mini-substations, a selection of traditional and renewable and hybrid power generation solutions as well as electrical infrastructure and mobile solutions.”

Milan notes that the business is also diversifying beyond mining into other sectors, notably oil and gas. On a global level, WEG has been active in this industry for many years and has built a strong industry specific product portfolio and knowledge base. Other sectors where gains are being made in sub-Saharan Africa are agriculture, general industry, water, cement and utilities.

The company’s on-the-ground presence has been strengthened recently with the appointment of established local company Panaco as its VAR in the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Magare Company Limited in Tanzania, and Repelectric in Kenya with a number of other appointments currently being finalised across sub-Saharan Africa.

“Zest WEG’s Africa network is also increasing the number of local repair facilities that meet OEM standards,” Milan says.

“It is of considerable benefit for customers to have localised WEG-accredited repair facilities in-country,” he says. “This increases local support, while ensuring that equipment repairs are carried out in accordance with WEG specifications to deliver the performance and longevity that customers and OEMs expect from WEG products.”

Client Focus

AFRISAM AND THE ENVIRONMENT – AN ONGOING PARTNERSHIP

AfriSam is synonymous with environmentally conscious manufacturing processes, honouring their values of ‘People, Planet and Performance’. As a leading supplier of construction materials, AfriSam has over many years pioneered and sustained numerous initiatives towards a greener planet across all its business units, for the benefit of all stakeholders and at all touchpoints.

As one of the top ten CO2 emitters globally when measured per capita, the cement manufacturing industry is often singled out as the culprit in the greenhouse gas debate and comes under fire regularly to reduce its carbon footprint.

“AfriSam was at the forefront to introduce proactive measures in the southern African cement manufacturing sector,” according to Nivashni Govender, environmental specialist at AfriSam. “To put actions to our concerns, we established our own environmental department as early as 1992 and developed an environmental policy just two years later.”

“Continuous investment in research and development has enabled AfriSam to improve processes, technology and products with the ultimate goal of energy optimisation and emission reduction encompassing the complete range of our products: aggregate, cement and concrete,” says Govender.

“It is in our cement manufacturing business where the most notable impact on the lowering of carbon emissions is achieved. Our ongoing focus on alternative fuels and resources (AFRs) has allowed us to steadily reduce the amount of coal burnt in our cement kilns, which in turn contributes to lower CO2 emissions,” Govender says. “One example is at our Dudfield plant where we developed and implemented process modifications to allow us to co-process scrap tyres – a strategy that also contributes significantly to addressing the environmental hazards posed by tyres when they are disposed of in a landfill.”

Govender continues: “Cement kiln emission improvement has been the AfriSam way for a long time, setting the benchmark for others.”

“The introduction of our green cement product range in 2000 added to our goal of becoming one of the lowest CO2 generators per ton of cement in Africa,” she expands. “The use of extenders in our cement has resulted in a substantial reduction in our clinker factor without compromising the quality of our products.”

Energy and water conservation are ongoing programmes, featuring high on AfriSam’s environmental agenda, according to Govender. Energy efficient lighting has been installed across the company’s cement, readymix and aggregate quarry facilities, and water conservation has become a priority in all its operations.

“Our programmes focus on reducing the amount of water per ton of cement and aggregate produced, or per ton of readymix prepared,” she says. “Our readymix plants, for instance, have strict re-use and recycling processes, and must recycle at least 50% of their grey water generated, on-site.”

Dust suppression remains another critical environmental priority for all AfriSam readymix plants. Where deemed necessary as an additional measure, automatic dust suppression systems using fine recycled water mist have been installed around the perimeter of identified plants with additional systems where the readymix trucks are loaded.

“When it comes to aggregate production, rehabilitation and biodiversity at our quarry sites is a priority. As early as 1986 AfriSam formed the first trust of its kind specifically to cater for rehabilitation costs on closure – even before this was a legislated requirement for mines,” she says. “Our current strategy of concurrent rehabilitation – in which we rehabilitate as we mine – has proved very effective both from an environmental and ecological perspective, as well as a cost perspective.”

AfriSam’s attention to protect and foster biodiversity, especially where species are protected by law or are endangered, involves detailed and ongoing research to measure the environmental impact of operations on species of flora and fauna. As a commitment to protecting biodiversity, specific biodiversity plans have been developed across all cement and aggregate sites.

“Environmental protection also has implications when it comes to cultural heritage,” says Govender. “When an area of underground caves were discovered at one of our then active quarries near Sterkfontein in Gauteng – part of a World Heritage Site – we decided that the value of this contribution to our country’s cultural heritage and scientific knowledge far outweighed any income the quarry could generate for the company. Working with the University of the Witwatersrand, we donated this valuable national treasure over for scientific and public use, while continuing to support its maintenance.”

The environmental focus extends to the management of waste generated at all operations, where oil, conveyor belts and pallets are reused or recycled wherever possible, and waste is separated on site to allow for more environmentally friendly disposal. Disposal to landfill is the last option.

In addition to taking responsibility for their own actions, AfriSam plays a leading role in creating awareness and establishing open debate about sustainability within the broader context of the industry. One such platform is the “AfriSam-SAIA Awards for Sustainable Architecture + Innovation”, launched in 2009.

The awarded projects and programmes make a positive contribution to communities and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as the reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation and the use of sustainable or renewable construction materials.

“AfriSam’s reputation of caring for the planet, people and the environment is evident in the way we manufacture our vast product offering and how we conduct our business,” Govender concludes. “This philosophy is underpinned by the Centre of Product Excellence and applies to all business units to actively measure and manage their impact on the environment, whilst continuing to produce high performance products with low carbon footprints”.

Client Focus

WORK RESUMES COVID-STYLE ON CAPE TOWN HIGH-RISE

The highest residential block in Cape Town’s city centre – 16 On Bree – has resumed construction, but under demanding new Covid-19 conditions. The project is being developed by FWJK Developments.

This makes Concor Western Cape, the contractor on the project, a pioneer in the application of Covid-19 health protocols in a building of this height and complexity, says senior contracts manager Collin Morilly.

“With the large number of people on a site where space is severely restricted, we have introduced a range of new health and safety measures aligned with post lockdown Covid-19 regulations,” Morilly says. “These are in addition to Concor’s standard stringent health, safety policies and environmental procedures that have been fine-tuned over decades of experience.”

At the project’s peak, about 800 staff, labourers and subcontractors were active on site. The carefully phased on-boarding process in lockdown Level 3 will see 300 of the overall workforce allowed back in the initial intake, in compliance with regulations.

“The rolling out of construction activities will demand close adherence to our rules, and extensive training and monitoring will be introduced,” Morilly says. “We have revised our method statements to allow work to continue safely, as managing social distancing under these space-constrained conditions is a major challenge.”

He notes that the new health and safety specifications will require Concor Western Cape to take on additional staff who are specially trained and tasked with applying Covid-19 regulations. New processes will include screening and close monitoring of all workers by monitoring staff. Office space for construction management has been reconfigured, and rooms set up for screening, isolation and induction.

The project began in May 2018 and had progressed well until South Africa’s national Level 5 lockdown in March 2020. Construction is ramping up again in June 2020 under the Level 3 State of Disaster regulations.

“The main structure topped out in early March this year, just days before the Covid-19 lockdown,” Morilly says. “The apartments on levels 12 to 19 are complete, with only snagging work underway. The fitting out of levels 20 to 27 is returning to full swing including electricals, water infrastructure, fireproofing and air conditioning systems.”

The 120-metre high, mixed-use development has two floors of retail at ground level, followed by nine parking levels. The living area comprises 25 storeys of apartments with 380 units in all. There are also two floors for plant and equipment.

He says that work is underway to waterproof the final levels from 33 to 37. At these levels curtain walling will comprise a glass façade including installation of structural steel canopies that will be bolted to the main structure.

Despite a high demand for specialised building-related skills in Cape Town over the construction period to date, work has proceeded well with our chosen selected subcontractors, says Morilly.

“We split a number of the work packages to manage the risk effectively,” he says. “There were two drywalling contractors, for instance, each working on alternate floors then leapfrogging each other to keep an optimal workflow.”

The packages for the built-in cupboards, balustrading and tiling were also split. Close monitoring of work to maintain quality and schedules is achieved by deploying at least four foremen on each level.

Located on a busy city block, the project has had to deal with a restricted laydown area, demanding out-of-the-box thinking. Morilly says this has required upgraded safety plans including safety fans around the building, and required additional flagmen and banksmen to ensure compliance.

The early phase of construction was complicated by a 100-year-old front façade of significant heritage value. This 16-metre wall required a specially designed structural steel brace, which supported it while it was cut free from the rest of the building. It now provides an eye-catching feature affirming the city’s rich history.

Despite the challenges posed by lockdown and complying with Covid-19 requirements, the project is on track for completion later this year.

Client Focus

GOOD PROGRESS ON PALABORA VENT SHAFT

The sinking of the 1,200-metre deep ventilation shaft at Palabora Copper is proceeding apace, notwithstanding the Covid-19 shutdown and restrictions.

Work began on the 8,5 metre diameter shaft early in 2019; pre-sinking has reached a depth of 50 metres and the changeover from pre-sink to main sink is almost complete, according to Murray & Roberts Cementation project executive mine development Graham Chamberlain.

As part of the development of Palabora Copper’s new LIFT II underground block cave mining area, the shaft will be developed to a final blind sink depth of 1,190 metres, with a drop raise to its final depth. Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2022.

“We were required by the client and national lockdown regulations to pause our work schedule, but operations resumed as planned when restrictions were relaxed,” says Chamberlain. “The priority is to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained, and the Covid-19 infections are avoided.”

The project is using automated machinery at the shaft bottom, removing employees from high risk contact areas. Modern, high-penetration rate hydraulic drills are deployed on robotic arms nested on the shaft-sinking stage. This allows operators to conduct drilling at any position in the shaft without physically being in contact with the drills.

“We shorten our cycle times with the use of explosive delivery pods containing sensitised emulsion,” he says. “Electronic systems deliver real-time data on blast holes numbers, volumes and pressures, improving blasting efficiency and quality.”

To reduce potential disruption from the intersection of poor ground conditions, Murray & Roberts Cementation takes the shaft lining to the bottom of the shaft during sinking. In the past, industry practice tended to carry this lining to about 20 metres from the bottom.

“Our lining approach is applied with the use of a modified version of the traditional shuttering, and our specialised concrete mixes which we design for this specific purpose,” he says. “The mixes are prepared and delivered by our on-site batch plant.”

Chamberlain highlighted that the company’s focus on Zero Harm and a rigorous safety regime continues to deliver a high level of safety on the project.

Client Focus

MINES REDUCE FIRE HAZARD WITH DRY-TYPE TRANSFORMERS

Underground mines in southern, central, and west Africa have been seeing the safety benefits of dry-type transformers from Johannesburg-based Trafo Power Solutions.

According to Trafo Power Solutions managing director David Claassen, this clientele even includes collieries, where the strictest safety regulations apply with regard to fire hazards.

“The high risk of fire in underground coal mining environments has led to a high demand for dry-type transformers,” says Claassen. “Among the fire risks that coal mines face are transformer short-circuits as well as fires reaching the transformer.”

He notes that dry-type transformer technology is rated Class F1 in terms of fire protection, ensuring that transformers supplied by Trafo Power Solutions are flame-retardant.

“Oil-cooled transformers, on the other hand, are a fire risk due to the oil they contain to cool the windings,” he says. “The risk is heightened by the harsh operating conditions in which many transformers must function on mines.”

These transformers also require regular attention and maintenance. Oil samples must be taken at prescribed intervals, and these must be tested at a laboratory with the appropriate accreditation. Testing must be conducted to ensure that oil purity is within bounds, and to check for gas levels and pressure build-up in the oil tank.

“This maintenance can present challenges and added costs if the equipment is located on a remote mine far from a source of expertise and the right equipment,” says Claassen. “With dry-type transformers, it is really only the temperature that requires monitoring. The equipment comprises limited componentry, so generally requires servicing only twice a year.”

He highlights that these regular inspections are brief and simple, taking just a couple of hours. Key aspects to be checked are the physical termination connections – which must be tightened to the right torque – and any dust that has gathered around the core and windings must be cleaned away.

Trafo Power Solutions has in recent years supplied dry-type transformers – along with ancillary power equipment such as low and medium voltage switchgear – to mines in South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana and Sierra Leone. In addition to coal, there are gold and base metal producers included in this clientele.

Client Focus

AUTOMATED BOOM DRILLS ENHANCE SAFETY, PRODUCTION

Surface operations can now be operated with higher levels of safety and productivity, with the recent launch of Sandvik’s automation system, AutoMine® Surface Drilling for Boom Drills.

One operator can now control multiple drill rigs simultaneously. They can work from a comfortable location within line-of-site of the rig, or from a control room in a remote location. This means less exposure to noise, dust and vibration – and removes the hazard of working close to highwalls.

Automated onboard functions allow the rig to work autonomously. The operator monitors at fleet level and takes control only when required. The onboard automation functions of Sandvik’s iSeries surface boom drill rigs form the basis for the remote operation, minimising the risk of human error. The fleet view shows all the connected rigs and allows the operator to easily switch control between machines on the large touch screen.

This complete view of the drilling operation is made possible through multiple cameras, mounted on critical positions on the rig. The drilling main camera can be controlled remotely by using ‘shortcuts’ or with a dedicated joystick. There is even a high-quality audio feed to improve drilling performance.

The AutoMine® system helps the operator to use the drill rig’s full design potential, ensuring accurate and efficient drilling operations. The essential information on each rig is made available to see at a glance.

Designed for ease of use, the system also facilitates fast start-up under any conditions. It comes standard with a simple and reliable stand-alone network or can be integrated to a mine’s existing network solution. Network communication is established automatically creating a user friendly, reliable and ergonomic operating environment.

With operator safety being central to all mining operations, AutoMine® includes a safety system designed in accordance with international functional safety standards.

The AutoMine® Surface Drilling automation system can be employed on Sandvik’s Pantera™ DP1100i and DP1500i top hammer drill rigs, as well as the Leopard™ DI650i down-the-hole drill rig. The company also have a similar offering for its range of rotary drills.

Intelligent Sandvik drill rigs equipped with AutoMine® come with a range of onboard automation features and options to ensure optimal drill performance and minimise the possibility of errors. Among these features are feed auto-aligning and positioning, which ensures quick and accurate alignment and positioning according to the drill plan.

It also boasts an intelligent collaring sequence to make sure the hole start is perfect. The iTorque drilling control system ensures optimum drilling parameters for different rock conditions. Pipes are added and removed efficiently by the automatic pipe handling system.