Safety, consistency, reliability and the capacity to support future automation are focus areas for producers and their service partners.
Recognising these evolving requirements, our resources team invested in a project to modernise our dual rotary drilling fleet, through advanced remote-control technology upgrades.
Working in partnership with our customer, the team set out to develop and deliver a solution that not only met existing safety and customer operational needs, but that also aligned our fleet with the future needs around productivity and technological capability.
"We started with the operational challenge, not the equipment,” said Steve McCarthy Operations Manager across Ventia’s minerals operations.
The conversation wasn't about replacing components. It was about understanding how the fleet needed to perform not just today, but over the next decade.
“Safety, reliability and future readiness were all part of that equation."
This customer first approach ultimately led to the Dual Rotary Remote Control System Upgrade, delivered in partnership with engineering specialist Comet Tech.
The project involves upgrading three dual rotary rigs from traditional hydraulic controls to advanced electrical remote-control systems.
The most immediate benefit is safety. Remote operation enables personnel to control drilling equipment from outside high-risk areas, reducing exposure to hazards associated with proximity to active drilling operations.
For an industry increasingly focused on eliminating risk through engineering controls, remote operation represents a practical step forward.
"One of the most effective ways to improve safety is to remove people from exposure to hazards altogether,” Steve said
Remote-control capability allows operators to perform critical functions from a safer location while maintaining operational control and productivity.
Beyond safety, standardisation was a key focus of the project.
By implementing a common control system, operators can move between rigs more easily while maintaining a consistent user experience. The resulting gains are often less visible than production metrics but equally important.
"When operators can move between rigs using the same interface and maintenance teams are supporting common systems, you reduce complexity across the entire operation,” said Steve.
“This translates into things like improved utilisation, streamlined training and more efficient deployment of personnel.”
The move to electrical control technology also improves system visibility, simplifies troubleshooting and streamlines maintenance activities. The outcome is reduced downtime, simpler maintenance and greater equipment reliability.
The upgrade was also designed with long-term asset performance in mind, ensuring the fleet remains fit for purpose as operational requirements continue to evolve.
As mining operations evolve, equipment must be capable of integrating with future technologies.
The upgraded control platform will support remote operations, automation and enhanced performance optimisation, positioning the fleet to align with the future needs of mining customers.
"When undertaking projects like this, future capability must come into the design, whilst also delivering immediate operational benefits,” said Steve.
Success in drilling is increasingly measured by how effectively contractors help customers improve safety, reliability, workforce utilisation and operational efficiency.
Whilst the project creates a template for future enhancements across the fleet, our resources team maintains that successful solutions must remain grounded in operational realities.
“Not every geology, bore design or drilling program requires the same approach,” said Steve.
The most important thing is understanding the customer challenge, this includes everything from geology, bore design through to operational objectives and then applying the right solution to those challenges.