Wedoany.com Report-Dec.19, First Quantum Minerals has deployed advanced automated drilling technology at its Sentinel mine in Kalumbila, Zambia, marking the first implementation of this system in the country.
The initiative supports Zambia's goal of achieving annual copper production of three million tonnes. It also enhances operational safety and elevates the skill requirements for existing positions.
Three automated drill machines underwent successful testing at the Sentinel site, operated by First Quantum's subsidiary Trident Mining in collaboration with equipment provider Flanders.
Encouraged by the outcomes, Flanders has pledged to establish a local office in Zambia to facilitate the broader adoption of the technology and develop national expertise.
First Quantum emphasizes that the automation will not result in job losses. Rather, personnel are receiving training for more advanced roles, such as monitoring operations from a centralized control room and acting as mobile field supervisors for the automated equipment.
The company reports notable performance gains from the new system. Precision in drill hole positioning has improved substantially through the use of laser sensors and GPS guidance, leading to better blasting results and ore fragmentation.
Drilling capacity has risen by more than one-third, while safety standards have advanced as operators now control the machinery remotely from protected locations.
Similar automated drilling systems are already operational in mining facilities across South Africa, Botswana, Australia, South America, and the United States.
With testing concluded and regulatory clearance obtained, First Quantum is now authorized to expand the use of automated drilling throughout its Zambian operations.
"Innovation is central to how we operate at First Quantum. We are proud to introduce this state-of-the-art drilling system and to show once again that Zambia is at the forefront of modern copper production. This investment helps us improve productivity while keeping workers safe and protecting jobs," First Quantum Zambia country director Anthony Mukutuma comments.
The deployment reflects ongoing efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into copper mining, contributing to higher efficiency and sustained employment in the sector.
