Mining company Sandfire Matsa has announced a "new technological milestone" at its Sotiel Mine, located in Calañas, by carrying out the first blast controlled entirely remotely from the surface. This achievement is considered a "key" advancement in smart mining for the province of Huelva.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with companies Insersa and Maxam, and initiated at the Migollas mass, one of the most significant mineralized bodies within the Sotiel deposit. To access this area, a new strategic ramp is being developed, which will facilitate access to new reserves and serve as infrastructure for the technification of the underground operation.
This remote control blast requires great technical precision and a robust communication infrastructure. Sandfire Matsa and its collaborators have spent months planning, preparing, and implementing Wi-Fi access points at strategic locations. This enables data network connection and communication between the underground mine and the surface, ensuring real-time safety and optimizing production efficiency.
This advancement is added to Sandfire Matsa's progress in smart mining, which already operates three types of machinery (mineral loaders, simbas for long-hole drilling, and jumbos for face drilling) from two remote control rooms at its Aguas Teñidas and Magdalena mines, thanks to over 80 kilometers of Wi-Fi network.
The company concludes that this milestone not only optimizes mining processes but also reinforces its commitment to modern mining, prioritizing safety and driving technological advancements for more innovative and sustainable operations.
