Asia Cement elevate efficiency with AutoMine
Drilling automation from Sandvik boosts productivity, safety and cost control at South Korean cement operation
ASIA Cement Co. Ltd have become the first South Korean surface operation to utilize automated drilling technology from Sandvik. AutoMine delivers increased productivity, improved safety, and better cost control, while helping to digitalize processes and increase operational transparency.
‘The AutoMine system on the Pantera DP1100i drill has transformed our operations,’ said SH Kwon, mine production manager at Asia Cement. ‘Since implementing the automated drill rig, we’ve experienced improvements in efficiency and safety.
‘The system’s reliability and advanced capabilities have allowed us to unlock added value, optimizing our productivity while reducing operational risks. Furthermore, Sandvik’s support has been instrumental, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration on this transformative project.’
Asia Cement, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a leading cement, concrete, and chemical company. Established in 1957, the company specializes in the production of Remicon and Portland cement.
As one of the three largest cement manufacturers in South Korea, Asia Cement play a pivotal role in the country’s construction and infrastructure industries. The mine, which commissioned AutoMine Control Room on a Pantera DP1100i surface drill rig in December 2024, will utilize the system in production drilling to enhance safety and productivity.
The AutoMine Control Room solution enables full control of the Pantera DP1100i drill from a remote control room, eliminating operator exposure to hazardous environments, including noise, dust, and vibration. The automation system also enhances productivity by facilitating continuous drilling through shift changes and breaks, optimizing operational efficiency even in challenging conditions.
With its fleet display capabilities, operators can seamlessly switch control between multiple connected rigs, supported by high-definition camera views and audio feedback for precise drilling performance. The access control system further enhances safety, ensuring secure personnel access to the autonomous operating zone. To support reliable connectivity, the site leverages Public LTE with dynamic IP and VPN tunnelling.
‘This partnership demonstrates the potential of automation in advancing surface mining operations,’ said Jan-Douwe Wansink, business line manager - automation for the south-east Asia sales area at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. ‘We are excited to monitor the performance and production metrics of the automated Pantera DP1100i rig in the coming months and look forward to witnessing the productivity and efficiency gains it brings to Asia Cement’s operations.’
