This equipment is unique in that, among other mining companies in the CIS, such a digital drilling rig is currently used only at Kumtor mine.

The new rig takes underground drilling operations to a completely new level of precision. The equipment operates using electronic drilling protocols and, thanks to a built-in navigation system, virtually eliminates deviations from the specified drill hole trajectory. This directly impacts the quality of blasting operations and allows for the precise geometry of mine workings to be maintained.

Another important feature is the rig’s ability to identify areas of rock mass with lower strength.

This data is taken into account during blasting operations, with less powerful charges used in weaker zones. This approach helps improve the safety and accuracy of underground operations. The system also automatically records all drilling parameters: depth, direction, volume of work performed, and deviations from set values.

Training and subsequent use of the Sandvik self-propelled drilling rig is an important part of Kumtor Gold Company’s underground production, where special attention is paid to safety, the use of digital technologies, precision, and mining efficiency.

Specialist training will continue until June 2.

The underground gold mining project, launched in August 2025, is designed for 17 years, and geological reserves of 147 tons of gold have already been recorded on the state balance.