A Success Story: Transforming Underground Drilling with the Epiroc Simba E60 S
Boliden Somincor, a leading underground mining operation in Portugal, has always pushed for operational excellence. While production remained steady, the company saw a clear opportunity to modernize its drilling approach aiming for higher efficiency, enhanced safety, and future-ready automation
The Challenge
Existing drilling operations relied heavily on manual work, with operators exposed to underground conditions and limited ability to scale productivity. Although performance was consistent, the setup couldn’t meet the evolving demands of modern mining where safety, precision, and flexibility are non-negotiable.
The Solution
Boliden Somincor chose the Epiroc Simba E60 S, an advanced, fully automated drill rig designed for tele-remote operation. Powered by the Rig Control System (RCS), the Simba operates 100% from surface, eliminating the need for underground operator presence and ensuring high levels of safety and precision.
Equipped with the COP3060MUX rock drill, the Simba is capable of both upward and downward fan drilling with exceptional precision. Performance is optimized by automated drill plan handling, angle adjustment, and real-time adaptation during drilling.
One of the key advantages: complete data transparency across operations. The system logs and shares detailed drilling parameters across departments, supporting continuous improvement in geology, blasting and planning. Features like Measure While Drilling and Drill Plan Adaptation ensure each round is smarter than the last, turning drilling into a fully connected process.
A fixed-cost maintenance agreement, with a highly qualified team on site, secures long-term reliability and predictable OPEX.
The Impact
From the moment it was deployed, the Simba E60 S delivered exceptional results:
- Safety First: Operators work in a secure, comfortable environment, dramatically reducing exposure to underground risks.
- Efficiency: In its first 60 days, the rig drilled over 11,000 meters, averaging 60 meters/hour.
- Record Performance: Achieved a weekly high of 2,400 meters, with a daily peak of 524 meters.
- Seamless Integration: Fully compatible with existing drill plans and production schedules.
- Continuous Operation: Able to drill around blasting schedules, unlocking new levels of uptime.
The Takeaway
The Simba E60 S didn’t just enhance operations at Boliden Somincor—it redefined them. By embracing automation and remote operation, Boliden Somincor improved worker well-being, boosted productivity, and unlocked the full potential of their drilling process.
"The Simba E60 S has been a game changer. We’ve seen immediate improvements in performance, safety, and team motivation. It’s more than just a machine—it represents a shift in how we approach modern mining"