en.Wedoany.com Reported - Swedish equipment manufacturer Epiroc has delivered its first automated drilling rig, the Simba E70 S, to Volcan Compañía Minera's Romina project. This marks the first automated drilling rig received by the Romina project and signals a new milestone in the automation of underground mines in Latin America.
The arrival of the Simba E70 S is a key step in Volcan's advancement of its Romina 4.0 strategy, which aims to integrate automation, equipment connectivity, and intelligent data management into operations from the initial stages of mine construction. Epiroc stated that this project also serves as a showcase for implementing automation solutions in the region, helping to raise industry standards in safety, productivity, and sustainability.
On the day of delivery, Epiroc arranged a live technical demonstration in which the equipment was remotely operated from a central control room at the company's office in Lima. Attendees witnessed the Simba E70 S performing drilling operations with high precision while operators worked remotely throughout, significantly reducing exposure time in high-risk areas.
Alfredo Bertrand, General Manager of Epiroc Andina Caribe, stated, "Automation is far more than introducing technology. It is about transforming the way we work, developing new capabilities, and creating safer and more productive work environments. The introduction of the Simba E70 S reflects our shared vision with Volcan to drive modern, connected, and sustainable mining."
Miguel Sánchez, Deputy General Manager of Volcan Compañía Minera, noted that this project is part of its comprehensive transformation. "Romina has been designed as a mine that integrates automation, connectivity, and data-driven management from the initial stages. The introduction of the Simba E70 S enhances the safety of our employees, improves the precision of our processes, and enables us to develop the capabilities needed to operate a mine aligned with the principles of Mining 4.0. We value Epiroc as a strategic partner, providing the technology, knowledge, and support to make this vision a reality."
In conjunction with this delivery, the two companies also implemented a training program for operators and technicians. The training utilizes latest-generation simulators and includes courses on automation systems. The program also promotes the participation of women in operating these equipment, strengthening their involvement in highly technical professional roles.
The Simba E70 S is specifically designed for deep-hole drilling, integrating automation and remote operation capabilities to execute drilling patterns with high precision and remotely control the equipment, thereby improving ore recovery rates, optimizing operational time, and reducing personnel exposure to high-risk areas. Volcan estimates that this technology could increase productivity at the Romina project by 15% to 20%, based on maximizing effective drilling time without requiring larger investments in machinery.
With this delivery, the alliance between Epiroc and Volcan in innovation, knowledge transfer, and long-term collaboration has been further deepened, jointly driving Peru's mining industry toward a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable future.
