As the mining industry undergoes a profound transformation driven by automation, digitalisation, and sustainability imperatives, the ability to integrate equipment into a unified digital ecosystem has become a cornerstone of operational excellence. In surface mining, rotary drilling operations are among the most data-intensive and operationally critical processes. They serve as the starting point for the entire value chain – from ore extraction to processing and logistics. Consequently, the interoperability of drill rigs with mine planning, monitoring, and reporting systems is essential for achieving real-time visibility, process optimisation, and data-driven decision-making.
To address this need, Sandvik has developed the iLink Data Interface, a standards-based, vendor-neutral communication layer that enables secure and efficient interaction between Sandvik iSeries surface drill rigs and third-party mining systems. Built on REST web services and HTTP protocols, iLink Data Interface provides a robust and scalable foundation for integrating drilling operations into broader mine automation strategies.
The digital transformation of surface drilling
Historically, rotary drill rigs operated as standalone mechanical systems, with limited connectivity and minimal integration with mine-wide IT infrastructure. Operators manually uploaded drill plans, recorded performance data on paper or local storage, and relied on radio communication for coordination. This siloed approach limited the ability to optimise drilling performance, respond to changing geological conditions, or ensure alignment with dynamic mine plans. Today, rotary drill rigs are increasingly equipped with advanced onboard control systems, GNSS-based positioning, real-time telemetry, and onboard/remote automation features (such as auto-drill and auto-levelling). These capabilities generate vast volumes of operational data, including penetration rates, torque, and measurement while drilling (MWD) parameters. At the same time, rigs require continuous input from centralised systems – such as updated drill plans, configuration files, and safety protocols. The challenge lies in enabling seamless, secure, and standardised communication between these systems. This is where the iLink Data Interface plays a pivotal role.
This is a preview of an article that was originally published in the November/December 2025 issue of Global Mining Review. Subscribe to Global Mining Review for free to read this article in full and many more here.