Transfield Services subsidiary Easternwell Minerals and Ox Engineering have formed a partnership to develop an automated rod and casing loader.

The loader features a remote controlled operating system that considerably reduces the risk related to lifting drill pipe and drill casing with a telehandler.

The OXDRL1000 automated rod and casing loader has been nominated for the Categroy 2 2014 Worksafe Awards.

It reduces drilling time by turning what was a binary process – first presenting the rod then the casing to the drill head – to a singular process where both are presented in conjunction.

Easternwell general manager Sheldon Burt said the OXDRL1000 would be added to the minerals dual rotary fleet that serviced the dewatering needs of iron ore producers.

He said the dual rotary drilling world had been “changed forever and for the better”

“This system eliminates many of personnel hazards typically associated with drilling and also increases efficiency.”

Burt said Ox Engineering had been a key part of the development.

“Their understanding of industry requirements, coupled with our expertise, has resulted in a successful collaboration and a superior technology,” he said.