![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.hexagonmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Picture1-1-1024x768.jpg\")
Drill Assist helps bridge the talent gap between rookie operator and master driller.<\/p><\/div>\n
Building smarter drilling through experience<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe idea behind Drill Assist began with a simple question: how can mining technology make drilling smarter, more consistent, and more sustainable?<\/p>\n
Before joining Hexagon, Stacy co-founded Phoenix Drill Control in Arizona, where the team focused on developing automation that could capture and replicate the instincts of experienced drill operators. Rather than creating a closed system tied to a single manufacturer, the goal was to build an open, flexible platform that could integrate across mixed fleets and existing mine infrastructure.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.hexagonmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Picture2-1.jpg\")
Drill Assist is being integrated into a broader ecosystem that connects drilling, blasting, fragmentation analysis, and downstream processes.<\/p><\/div>\n
The challenge was significant. Experienced drillers often make split-second adjustments based on machine feedback, changing ground conditions, and years of intuition developed in the field. Translating that expertise into a digital system required years of testing, refinement, and collaboration with operators.<\/p>\n
The first prototype took roughly a year to train. Early results quickly demonstrated the technology\u2019s potential, with Drill Assist consistently replicating high-performing drilling techniques across shifts and operators.<\/p>\n
Turning automation into a practical mining solution<\/strong><\/h2>\nInnovation alone does not drive adoption in mining. Technology must prove itself in real-world conditions and fit naturally into operational workflows.<\/p>\n
Following several years of testing and development, Phoenix Drill Control began collaborating with Hexagon in 2022. The partnership combined Drill Assist\u2019s automation capabilities with Hexagon\u2019s broader vision for connected, autonomous mining operations.<\/p>\n
Early deployments delivered measurable operational improvements, including:<\/p>\n
\n- Approximately 42% more holes drilled per shift<\/li>\n
- Reduced cost per foot drilled<\/li>\n
- Higher consistency across operators and shifts<\/li>\n
- Strong operator adoption, with voluntary utilisation rates reaching the 90% range at some sites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These results reinforced an important point: when designed thoughtfully, automation can support operators rather than replace them.<\/p>\n
Addressing mining\u2019s growing skills gap<\/strong><\/h2>\nOne of the mining industry\u2019s biggest challenges is workforce capability and retention. Developing highly skilled drill operators traditionally takes years of hands-on experience, yet many operations are struggling to attract and retain experienced personnel.<\/p>\n
Drill Assist helps bridge this gap by simplifying operation and reducing the learning curve for less experienced workers.<\/p>\n
The system was intentionally designed with usability in mind. Operators interact with a straightforward interface that minimises complexity while allowing the automation to manage drilling optimisation in real time.<\/p>\n
In some cases, mines have rapidly trained workers with little prior drilling experience to achieve strong results in a short period of time. This ability to standardise performance and reduce dependency on highly specialised expertise has become increasingly valuable for operations facing labour constraints.<\/p>\n
Importantly, the technology also helps experienced operators maintain consistency during long shifts and changing conditions, improving overall fleet performance.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.hexagonmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Picture3-1.jpg\")
“The best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d says Curtis Stacy.<\/p><\/div>\n
Connecting drilling to the digital mine<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe future of mining automation extends beyond individual machines. Increasingly, mining companies are focused on creating connected workflows where operational data flows seamlessly across the value chain.<\/p>\n
At Hexagon, Drill Assist is being integrated into a broader ecosystem that connects drilling, blasting, fragmentation analysis, and downstream processes.<\/p>\n
As drilling occurs, the system can assess ground hardness and generate data that feeds directly into blast design and optimisation workflows. Combined with Hexagon\u2019s fragmentation analysis technologies, this creates a closed-loop process that continuously improves blasting outcomes and downstream efficiency.<\/p>\n
The benefits extend well beyond drilling productivity alone, including:<\/p>\n
\n- Improved blast consistency<\/li>\n
- Reduced energy consumption<\/li>\n
- Better downstream fragmentation<\/li>\n
- More efficient material movement and processing<\/li>\n
- Greater operational visibility through connected data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This integrated approach supports the broader goals of the digital mine, where automation, analytics, and operational intelligence work together to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Building trust in mining automation<\/strong><\/h2>\nSuccessful mining technology adoption ultimately depends on trust. Operators and site teams need to see measurable value, understand how systems support their work, and feel confident using new tools in demanding environments.<\/p>\n
For Stacy, that human element remains central to Drill Assist\u2019s success. \u201cThe best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
By focusing on simplicity, operator empowerment, and measurable operational improvements, Drill Assist is helping reshape perceptions around mining automation. Rather than viewing automation as a replacement for human expertise, many operations are beginning to see it as a way to scale knowledge, improve consistency, and create safer, more efficient workflows.<\/p>\n
As mining companies continue their digital transformation journeys, technologies like Drill Assist demonstrate how intelligent automation can deliver practical value while keeping people at the centre of innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just automating drills. We\u2019re helping shape the future of mining, one smart hole at a time,\u201d says Stacy.<\/p>\n
To read Curtis Stacy\u2019s first-person perspective on how intelligent automation is helping reshape drilling performance, workforce capability, and operational efficiency in mining, <\/em>subscribe to Shift<\/em><\/a> for exclusive thought leadership from across Hexagon and its customer community.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Neville Judd Mining companies face mounting pressure to improve productivity, address workforce shortages, and operate more sustainably, all while maintaining safety and controlling costs. Drilling sits at the centre of many of these challenges, where variability in operator experience, changing ground conditions, and equipment performance can directly affect downstream results. For Hexagon\u2019s Curtis Stacy,<\/p>\n
Drill Assist is being integrated into a broader ecosystem that connects drilling, blasting, fragmentation analysis, and downstream processes.<\/p><\/div>\n
The challenge was significant. Experienced drillers often make split-second adjustments based on machine feedback, changing ground conditions, and years of intuition developed in the field. Translating that expertise into a digital system required years of testing, refinement, and collaboration with operators.<\/p>\n
The first prototype took roughly a year to train. Early results quickly demonstrated the technology\u2019s potential, with Drill Assist consistently replicating high-performing drilling techniques across shifts and operators.<\/p>\n
Turning automation into a practical mining solution<\/strong><\/h2>\nInnovation alone does not drive adoption in mining. Technology must prove itself in real-world conditions and fit naturally into operational workflows.<\/p>\n
Following several years of testing and development, Phoenix Drill Control began collaborating with Hexagon in 2022. The partnership combined Drill Assist\u2019s automation capabilities with Hexagon\u2019s broader vision for connected, autonomous mining operations.<\/p>\n
Early deployments delivered measurable operational improvements, including:<\/p>\n
\n- Approximately 42% more holes drilled per shift<\/li>\n
- Reduced cost per foot drilled<\/li>\n
- Higher consistency across operators and shifts<\/li>\n
- Strong operator adoption, with voluntary utilisation rates reaching the 90% range at some sites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These results reinforced an important point: when designed thoughtfully, automation can support operators rather than replace them.<\/p>\n
Addressing mining\u2019s growing skills gap<\/strong><\/h2>\nOne of the mining industry\u2019s biggest challenges is workforce capability and retention. Developing highly skilled drill operators traditionally takes years of hands-on experience, yet many operations are struggling to attract and retain experienced personnel.<\/p>\n
Drill Assist helps bridge this gap by simplifying operation and reducing the learning curve for less experienced workers.<\/p>\n
The system was intentionally designed with usability in mind. Operators interact with a straightforward interface that minimises complexity while allowing the automation to manage drilling optimisation in real time.<\/p>\n
In some cases, mines have rapidly trained workers with little prior drilling experience to achieve strong results in a short period of time. This ability to standardise performance and reduce dependency on highly specialised expertise has become increasingly valuable for operations facing labour constraints.<\/p>\n
Importantly, the technology also helps experienced operators maintain consistency during long shifts and changing conditions, improving overall fleet performance.<\/p>\n
“The best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d says Curtis Stacy.<\/p><\/div>\n
Connecting drilling to the digital mine<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe future of mining automation extends beyond individual machines. Increasingly, mining companies are focused on creating connected workflows where operational data flows seamlessly across the value chain.<\/p>\n
At Hexagon, Drill Assist is being integrated into a broader ecosystem that connects drilling, blasting, fragmentation analysis, and downstream processes.<\/p>\n
As drilling occurs, the system can assess ground hardness and generate data that feeds directly into blast design and optimisation workflows. Combined with Hexagon\u2019s fragmentation analysis technologies, this creates a closed-loop process that continuously improves blasting outcomes and downstream efficiency.<\/p>\n
The benefits extend well beyond drilling productivity alone, including:<\/p>\n
\n- Improved blast consistency<\/li>\n
- Reduced energy consumption<\/li>\n
- Better downstream fragmentation<\/li>\n
- More efficient material movement and processing<\/li>\n
- Greater operational visibility through connected data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This integrated approach supports the broader goals of the digital mine, where automation, analytics, and operational intelligence work together to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Building trust in mining automation<\/strong><\/h2>\nSuccessful mining technology adoption ultimately depends on trust. Operators and site teams need to see measurable value, understand how systems support their work, and feel confident using new tools in demanding environments.<\/p>\n
For Stacy, that human element remains central to Drill Assist\u2019s success. \u201cThe best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
By focusing on simplicity, operator empowerment, and measurable operational improvements, Drill Assist is helping reshape perceptions around mining automation. Rather than viewing automation as a replacement for human expertise, many operations are beginning to see it as a way to scale knowledge, improve consistency, and create safer, more efficient workflows.<\/p>\n
As mining companies continue their digital transformation journeys, technologies like Drill Assist demonstrate how intelligent automation can deliver practical value while keeping people at the centre of innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just automating drills. We\u2019re helping shape the future of mining, one smart hole at a time,\u201d says Stacy.<\/p>\n
To read Curtis Stacy\u2019s first-person perspective on how intelligent automation is helping reshape drilling performance, workforce capability, and operational efficiency in mining, <\/em>subscribe to Shift<\/em><\/a> for exclusive thought leadership from across Hexagon and its customer community.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Neville Judd Mining companies face mounting pressure to improve productivity, address workforce shortages, and operate more sustainably, all while maintaining safety and controlling costs. Drilling sits at the centre of many of these challenges, where variability in operator experience, changing ground conditions, and equipment performance can directly affect downstream results. For Hexagon\u2019s Curtis Stacy,<\/p>\n
These results reinforced an important point: when designed thoughtfully, automation can support operators rather than replace them.<\/p>\n
Addressing mining\u2019s growing skills gap<\/strong><\/h2>\nOne of the mining industry\u2019s biggest challenges is workforce capability and retention. Developing highly skilled drill operators traditionally takes years of hands-on experience, yet many operations are struggling to attract and retain experienced personnel.<\/p>\n
Drill Assist helps bridge this gap by simplifying operation and reducing the learning curve for less experienced workers.<\/p>\n
The system was intentionally designed with usability in mind. Operators interact with a straightforward interface that minimises complexity while allowing the automation to manage drilling optimisation in real time.<\/p>\n
In some cases, mines have rapidly trained workers with little prior drilling experience to achieve strong results in a short period of time. This ability to standardise performance and reduce dependency on highly specialised expertise has become increasingly valuable for operations facing labour constraints.<\/p>\n
Importantly, the technology also helps experienced operators maintain consistency during long shifts and changing conditions, improving overall fleet performance.<\/p>\n
“The best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d says Curtis Stacy.<\/p><\/div>\n
Connecting drilling to the digital mine<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe future of mining automation extends beyond individual machines. Increasingly, mining companies are focused on creating connected workflows where operational data flows seamlessly across the value chain.<\/p>\n
At Hexagon, Drill Assist is being integrated into a broader ecosystem that connects drilling, blasting, fragmentation analysis, and downstream processes.<\/p>\n
As drilling occurs, the system can assess ground hardness and generate data that feeds directly into blast design and optimisation workflows. Combined with Hexagon\u2019s fragmentation analysis technologies, this creates a closed-loop process that continuously improves blasting outcomes and downstream efficiency.<\/p>\n
The benefits extend well beyond drilling productivity alone, including:<\/p>\n
\n- Improved blast consistency<\/li>\n
- Reduced energy consumption<\/li>\n
- Better downstream fragmentation<\/li>\n
- More efficient material movement and processing<\/li>\n
- Greater operational visibility through connected data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This integrated approach supports the broader goals of the digital mine, where automation, analytics, and operational intelligence work together to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Building trust in mining automation<\/strong><\/h2>\nSuccessful mining technology adoption ultimately depends on trust. Operators and site teams need to see measurable value, understand how systems support their work, and feel confident using new tools in demanding environments.<\/p>\n
For Stacy, that human element remains central to Drill Assist\u2019s success. \u201cThe best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
By focusing on simplicity, operator empowerment, and measurable operational improvements, Drill Assist is helping reshape perceptions around mining automation. Rather than viewing automation as a replacement for human expertise, many operations are beginning to see it as a way to scale knowledge, improve consistency, and create safer, more efficient workflows.<\/p>\n
As mining companies continue their digital transformation journeys, technologies like Drill Assist demonstrate how intelligent automation can deliver practical value while keeping people at the centre of innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just automating drills. We\u2019re helping shape the future of mining, one smart hole at a time,\u201d says Stacy.<\/p>\n
To read Curtis Stacy\u2019s first-person perspective on how intelligent automation is helping reshape drilling performance, workforce capability, and operational efficiency in mining, <\/em>subscribe to Shift<\/em><\/a> for exclusive thought leadership from across Hexagon and its customer community.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Neville Judd Mining companies face mounting pressure to improve productivity, address workforce shortages, and operate more sustainably, all while maintaining safety and controlling costs. Drilling sits at the centre of many of these challenges, where variability in operator experience, changing ground conditions, and equipment performance can directly affect downstream results. For Hexagon\u2019s Curtis Stacy,<\/p>\n
“The best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d says Curtis Stacy.<\/p><\/div>\n
Connecting drilling to the digital mine<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe future of mining automation extends beyond individual machines. Increasingly, mining companies are focused on creating connected workflows where operational data flows seamlessly across the value chain.<\/p>\n
At Hexagon, Drill Assist is being integrated into a broader ecosystem that connects drilling, blasting, fragmentation analysis, and downstream processes.<\/p>\n
As drilling occurs, the system can assess ground hardness and generate data that feeds directly into blast design and optimisation workflows. Combined with Hexagon\u2019s fragmentation analysis technologies, this creates a closed-loop process that continuously improves blasting outcomes and downstream efficiency.<\/p>\n
The benefits extend well beyond drilling productivity alone, including:<\/p>\n
\n- Improved blast consistency<\/li>\n
- Reduced energy consumption<\/li>\n
- Better downstream fragmentation<\/li>\n
- More efficient material movement and processing<\/li>\n
- Greater operational visibility through connected data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This integrated approach supports the broader goals of the digital mine, where automation, analytics, and operational intelligence work together to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Building trust in mining automation<\/strong><\/h2>\nSuccessful mining technology adoption ultimately depends on trust. Operators and site teams need to see measurable value, understand how systems support their work, and feel confident using new tools in demanding environments.<\/p>\n
For Stacy, that human element remains central to Drill Assist\u2019s success. \u201cThe best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
By focusing on simplicity, operator empowerment, and measurable operational improvements, Drill Assist is helping reshape perceptions around mining automation. Rather than viewing automation as a replacement for human expertise, many operations are beginning to see it as a way to scale knowledge, improve consistency, and create safer, more efficient workflows.<\/p>\n
As mining companies continue their digital transformation journeys, technologies like Drill Assist demonstrate how intelligent automation can deliver practical value while keeping people at the centre of innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just automating drills. We\u2019re helping shape the future of mining, one smart hole at a time,\u201d says Stacy.<\/p>\n
To read Curtis Stacy\u2019s first-person perspective on how intelligent automation is helping reshape drilling performance, workforce capability, and operational efficiency in mining, <\/em>subscribe to Shift<\/em><\/a> for exclusive thought leadership from across Hexagon and its customer community.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Neville Judd Mining companies face mounting pressure to improve productivity, address workforce shortages, and operate more sustainably, all while maintaining safety and controlling costs. Drilling sits at the centre of many of these challenges, where variability in operator experience, changing ground conditions, and equipment performance can directly affect downstream results. For Hexagon\u2019s Curtis Stacy,<\/p>\n
This integrated approach supports the broader goals of the digital mine, where automation, analytics, and operational intelligence work together to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Building trust in mining automation<\/strong><\/h2>\nSuccessful mining technology adoption ultimately depends on trust. Operators and site teams need to see measurable value, understand how systems support their work, and feel confident using new tools in demanding environments.<\/p>\n
For Stacy, that human element remains central to Drill Assist\u2019s success. \u201cThe best technology feels natural; it works for people, not against them,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
By focusing on simplicity, operator empowerment, and measurable operational improvements, Drill Assist is helping reshape perceptions around mining automation. Rather than viewing automation as a replacement for human expertise, many operations are beginning to see it as a way to scale knowledge, improve consistency, and create safer, more efficient workflows.<\/p>\n
As mining companies continue their digital transformation journeys, technologies like Drill Assist demonstrate how intelligent automation can deliver practical value while keeping people at the centre of innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just automating drills. We\u2019re helping shape the future of mining, one smart hole at a time,\u201d says Stacy.<\/p>\n
To read Curtis Stacy\u2019s first-person perspective on how intelligent automation is helping reshape drilling performance, workforce capability, and operational efficiency in mining, <\/em>subscribe to Shift<\/em><\/a> for exclusive thought leadership from across Hexagon and its customer community.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Neville Judd Mining companies face mounting pressure to improve productivity, address workforce shortages, and operate more sustainably, all while maintaining safety and controlling costs. Drilling sits at the centre of many of these challenges, where variability in operator experience, changing ground conditions, and equipment performance can directly affect downstream results. For Hexagon\u2019s Curtis Stacy,<\/p>\n
By Neville Judd Mining companies face mounting pressure to improve productivity, address workforce shortages, and operate more sustainably, all while maintaining safety and controlling costs. Drilling sits at the centre of many of these challenges, where variability in operator experience, changing ground conditions, and equipment performance can directly affect downstream results. For Hexagon\u2019s Curtis Stacy,<\/p>\n