‘Transformation’ in underground mining autonomy

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has announced a partnership with Exyn Technologies to increase autonomy in underground mining.

Sweden-based Sandvik - ranked number eleven in the Yellow Table - has been implementing digital mining solutions for more than two decades. The company says that the partnership with Exyn, specialists in autonomous aerial robot systems, will lead to a ‘transformation’ in the use of autonomous equipment in underground mining.

Sandvik’s OptiMine, combined with data collected by Exyn’s aerial robots, will create progressive visualisation and information of a mine’s actual environment to increase overall transparency of the mining process.

The collaboration between Sandvik and Exyn will entail research on how to apply and generate 3D views and perceptions of underground spaces autonomously, while leveraging the full potential of Sandvik’s AutoMine system.

“We are committed to empowering a transformation to autonomy in underground mining,” said Patrick Murphy, President of Rock Drills & Technologies, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology.

“This partnership will open up unique benefits, build on our industry leading automation offering and drive faster decision-making in mining processes to seize new opportunities for improving production performance.”

Nader Elm, CEO and co-founder of Exyn Technologies, added, “For the first time, customers will be able to map the entirety of their underground operations, even in dangerous GPS denied environments, while making mining safer and improving productivity. Through this partnership, we hope to empower efficient decision-making for customers and drive towards the vision of fully autonomous mining operations.”

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