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Alternative diamond drilling technologies

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Alternative diamond drilling technologies – THE SMART DRILL

Challenge

Underground diamond drilling in the mining industry faces several challenges that impact efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

  • Low drilling rates reduce productivity and slow down mining operations.
  • Shortage of skilled drill operators affects accuracy, drill bit wear, and overall performance.
  • Limited real-time geological data delays decision-making and increases operational risks.
  • High costs result from inefficiencies in drilling, resource management, and maintenance.
  • Safety risks arise due to unpredictable geological conditions and human exposure to hazardous environments.

The Smart Drill aims to address these challenges by integrating automation, AI, and real-time data analysis to improve drilling efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

Research and development

The Smart Drill is being developed under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, to enhance underground diamond drilling through automation and AI-driven optimisation. 

  • Feasibility studies confirmed that real-time sensor data can classify rock types and improve drilling efficiency.
  • Field trials with a sensor-equipped (Lesedi as the OEM Partner) drill rig validated AI’s potential in optimising drilling performance and geological interpretation
  • AI models are being developed to analyse drilling data in real time, reducing reliance on skilled operators
  • Ongoing testing focuses on selecting the most effective AI model for improving accuracy and efficiency.
  • Future development aims to transition from AI-supported drilling to Autonomous Drilling, integrating digital communication for real-time data processing.

The next phase involves further field trials, refinement of AI models, and advancing towards full automation.

Findings

Research and testing of the Smart Drill under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme have confirmed key improvements in underground diamond drilling efficiency. 

  • Real-time sensor data can classify rock types, enhancing drilling accuracy and efficiency.
  • AI integration can optimise drilling parameters, reducing reliance on skilled operators.
  • Field trials demonstrated that AI-driven data analysis improves geological interpretation.
  • Smart Drill technology can lower operational costs by improving precision and reducing equipment wear.
  • Automating drilling operations enhances safety by reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.

Further development will focus on refining AI models, conducting additional field trials, and advancing towards Autonomous Drilling.

Status

The Smart Drill project is advancing through research and testing under the Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme.  

Completed work includes Feasibility Studies, Field Trials, and a partnership with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for sensor-equipped drill testing.  

Currently, AI models are being developed and tested to optimise drilling performance and geological data analysis.  

Next steps involve selecting the best AI model, further field trials, and progressing towards Autonomous Drilling integration.

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