Asia Cement elevates efficiency with AutoMine® drilling automation from Sandvik

Asia Cement Co., Ltd. is the first South Korean surface operation to utilize automated drilling technology from Sandvik. AutoMine® enables 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, Asia Cement Co., Ltd. “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 Co., Ltd., 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 Co., Ltd. plays 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. This automation system 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 (AOZ). To support reliable connectivity, the site leverages Public LTE with dynamic IP and VPN tunneling.

“This partnership demonstrates the potential of automation in advancing surface mining operations,” said Jan-Douwe Wansink, Business Line Manager Automation for Sales Area South East Asia 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.”

For more information, please contact:
Jan-Douwe Wansink
Business Line Manager Automation for Sales Area South East Asia
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Email: jan-douwe.wansink@sandvik.com

Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2023 the Group had approximately 41,000 employees and revenues of about 127 billion SEK in about 170 countries within continuing operations.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2023, sales were approximately 66 billion SEK with about 17,000 employees.