"Scope of work

Across its Pilbara Mining Operations, Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) operates over 60 production drill rigs, via several manufacturer-specific software platforms. The holes are drilled at varying diameters, using both hammer and rotary drilling methods. The precise and efficient operation of these rigs is critical for production. Mining operations rely on these blast holes to be loaded with explosives, which in turn fragment rocks, enabling mining operations.

RTIO is looking to implement an autonomous drill bit changing technology across this fleet. The intention of this Expression of Interest (EoI) is to understand what technologies exist or could be adapted to (i) support improvements to safety and (ii) the productivity outcomes this technology could deliver to our platform drill fleet.

We envisage viability of the technology will be based on the following criteria:

- Ability to change platform drill bits without requiring operator or maintainer interaction on an assets deck;

- Reliably and repeatably to complete a platform drill bit change;

- Adaptability in relation to drill types and drill bits sizes; and

- Ability to support integration with Rio Tinto’s Autonomous Drilling System (ADS) and staffed assets.

A detailed scope of work will be determined iteratively with the shortlisted supplier(s)."