OceanaGold expands remote mining technology at Didipio
The Philippine operator has completed a wireless blasting trial alongside the rollout of remotely controlled loaders and underground communications networks.
OceanaGold Philippines Inc. is introducing additional technology at its Didipio gold and copper mine in Nueva Vizcaya to make underground operations safer and more efficient, the company said. Its measures include remote equipment operation, improved communications and wireless blasting.
The operator has installed AutoMine, which lets workers control underground loaders from a station on the surface. The company said this allows staff to oversee machinery without entering active production areas, limiting their exposure to underground hazards.
Investments in underground fibre and Wi-Fi networks support communication between surface teams and workers below ground. Drones, ground sensors and satellite monitoring are also being used to track operating conditions and ground conditions.
OceanaGold has also finished testing Orica’s WebGen wireless blasting technology at Didipio. The system removes the need for physical connections between explosives, which the company said helps keep workers out of higher-risk locations and provides greater operational flexibility. It could also raise throughput, cut delays associated with blasting and make some underground tasks simpler, the company said.
The technology programme covers automation, connectivity, monitoring and optimisation. The company said the tools have been incorporated progressively into established mining processes, with worker training and operational performance assessments accompanying each rollout. Didipio Mine asset president James Isles said protecting workers while sustaining safe, productive operations remained the priority as mining moves deeper underground.
