First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQM) has partnered with FLANDERS Electric, a leader in blasthole drill fleet autonomy, to implement autonomous drilling solutions across FQM’s mining sites. The rollout will debut with FLANDERS’s ARDVARC® system at FQM’s Zambian operations.
The ARDVARC system, an OEM-agnostic retrofit, brings autonomous capabilities to both electric and diesel blasthole drills, featuring full pattern autonomy with integrated cable reeler automation. The initial deployment is set for FQM’s Sentinel mine, where FLANDERS’s autonomy technology will be introduced and optimized. The plan includes equipping the entire Sentinel drill fleet and extending autonomy to new drill fleets within the S3 expansion project at FQM’s Kansanshi mine, covering 20 drills across FQM’s Zambian operations.
Clayton Sanders, FQM’s Lead – Group Mine Technology, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “Our collaboration with FLANDERS aligns with our commitment to innovation and operational excellence. By leading autonomous drill technology at Sentinel, we enhance mining efficiency through precise blasthole drilling, reducing inaccuracies and waste. We look forward to the upskilling opportunities for our employees, placing them at the forefront of modern mining and improving their safety and productivity.”
John Oliver, FLANDERS Executive Chairman, added: “As the only provider of an aftermarket retrofit for multi-brand drill autonomy, FLANDERS is excited to support FQM’s automation strategy. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to reliable, scalable autonomous solutions for the evolving mining industry.”
The first phase of autonomous operations at Sentinel is set to go live in Q1 2025, with full fleet automation progressing over subsequent months.
