Leading with innovation turns out to be a rock-solid approach for Luck Stone.
March 5, 2024
Blasting Manager George Feild checks under the exterior panel of the Epiroc SmartROC D60 drill rig, equipped with the GPS-enabled Hole Navigation System (HNS), before starting the day.
"We love technology. We try to be smart about it – how we’re going to deploy it, what we’re going to use it on – and think it through; but we love what technology can do."
The GPS guided Hole Navigation System (HNS) provides drill accuracy to within +/– 50 millimeters, ensuring higher precision and increased safety.
"The system makes the job easier by giving the blaster quite a bit of confidence."
Joe Palmer, Senior Blasting Technician, Luck Stone.
Luck Stone
- Founded: 1923; celebrating its 100th year as a family-owned/operated business
- Operates 30 plants/yards/corporate offices across four states: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia
- 900 associates
- 20 million short tons of aggregateproduced annually
At the Spotsylvania Quarry, the Epiroc SmartROC D60 drills high-quality blast holes via an advanced Rig Control System on a touch screen in the cabin.
Compared to manual methods, Joe Palmer, Senior Blasting Technician, with 17 years of service at Luck Stone, says the rig provides more accurate measurements on the face, in designing shots, and while drilling to hit the precise azimuth needed. Between the use of drones, digital photos, computer-planning and GPS guided drilling, the whole process has been transformed to fit on a thumb drive. George Feild, Blasting Manager, with 24 years of service, says the system “makes the job easier by giving the blaster quite a bit of confidence” thanks to the precision in lining up the shot. David Harper, Pit Lead, also with 24 years of service, adds that the HNS helps execute accurate burdens on the face. Roger Stewart, Drill Operator with Northern Virginia Drilling, puts it simply: “Other rigs just don’t compare.” The Epiroc SmartROC D60 has a trickle-down effect for the entire operation. Griffin Lober, Pit Loader Operator, reports that he has seen significantly more consistent diggability, less oversize material, reduced cycle times, better truck flow, higher production, smoother treatment on equipment, and an easier and more productive day overall.
As the market marches toward more automated, autonomous and smart equipment, Scott and Shawn Miller, brothers and co-owners of Northern Virginia Drilling, double down on the need for technology, not just in quarries and mines, but across public and private construction. Thanks to the Spotsylvania results, the Epiroc SmartROC drills with HNS are now capturing valuable measure-while-drilling (MWD) data that will enable Luck Stone to do further analysis and continuously improve their drilling and blasting processes. In fact, Luck Stone is already making plans for taking Epiroc-powered machines into more hazardous high-wall conditions and difficult blast zones thanks to the MWD data, which includes multiple readings in every drilled hole, capturing the penetration rate of the drill bit, feed pressure, rotation pressure, flushing air pressure, and calculated rock hardness. When 4 p.m. arrives, the hum of the drill slows and then stops. Stewart powers off the Rig Control System, performs his safety checks and climbs out of the climate-controlled cab (one of his favorite features, he added laughingly). The magic winds down, ready to rest and start again the next day.
Spotsylvania Plant
- Serves City of Fredericksburg and counties of Spotsylvania and Louisa
- 29 employees
- 1.7 million short tons of aggregate produced annually
- Rock: Igneous and metamorphic. Locally referred to as granite, gneiss and schist
Chris Branham, Pit Foreman, Luck Stone.
Five keys to success
1. Technology
It’s where the market already is. If you want to grow your operations and keep up with the future and not get left behind, it’s time to embrace technology that will create a safer and more productive operation.
2. Innovation
Daring to think new in operations can feel challenging, but with topdown leadership and support from Epiroc, supporting your associates and upgrading equipment and technology will be easier than you think.
3. Partnerships
The synergy between Epiroc, James River Equipment, Luck Stone, and Northern Virginia Drilling is ideal because everyone works as one team to increase safety accuracy, and production. This alignment is where magic happens.
4. Equipment
Know your challenges, what you need to overcome, and invest in the equipment that is proven. Luck Stone and Northern Virginia Drilling have said “yes” to Epiroc equipment and have seen results even in challenging geology.
5. People
Invest in your people. It may be an additional cost up front, but it will produce cost savings in the long run. They will benefit from training and job opportunities as technology that increases retention is introduced.
