A South Africa-based drilling, geotechnical, and grouting services provider is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, leveraging digitalisation, data analytics and automation to transform deep-level mineral exploration.

Rosond's evolution from a traditional drilling contractor to a technology-enabled mining services provider has been driven by a deliberate shift in focus following the increased use of autonomous and digitalised technology across the industry, says chief executive officer Glen McGavigan.

"Through digitisation and the application of process-control principles, we now manage operations at a far more granular level, focusing on the controllable drivers in the drilling process that deliver consistent quality and productivity," he says.

In 2025, the 75-year-old company achieved a 19% increase in productivity in its surface operations compared with the previous year, a clear indication of how data-led decision-making can unlock performance gains even in mature operational environments.

A cornerstone of Rosond's approach is the integration of telemetry, connected drill rigs and centralised data platforms, all of which enable greater monitoring of drilling activity and support rapid, informed in-field decision-making.

"Connected rigs and connected people are key to this transition. The more readily available the data, the faster we can respond, course-correct and keep the drilling process running with minimal interruptions," says McGavigan, who was appointed CEO in January 2025. "Client engagement has become far more data-driven, collaborative and forward-looking, enabling faster decision-making and allowing us to move from transactional discussions about cost per metre to strategic conversations about optimisation and long-term value creation."

While automation is often associated with fully autonomous systems, Rosond's experience highlights the importance of practical, incremental innovation, particularly in unpredictable geological settings. "Any technology we implement must answer two important questions: does it make our people safer, and does it improve productivity?" McGavigan says.

Operator assist 

To this end, the company has recently focused on ‘operator assist' technologies, including automated rod handling and remote-controlled drilling from solar-powered command cabins. These innovations reduce manual intervention at the rig, improving both safety and operational efficiency. At the same time, data analytics is being applied to optimise key drilling parameters such as penetration rate, torque, vibration and bit wear. By analysing large datasets across different geological conditions, models can recommend parameter ranges that balance productivity with equipment longevity.

One of the most significant operational gains has come from the adoption of predictive maintenance, enabled by real-time data collection from both engine and drilling systems. "From this data, anomalies in performance can be identified and flagged as early warning indicators for inspection or intervention," McGavigan explains.

This shift from time-based to condition-based maintenance allows Rosond to intervene before failures occur, reducing downtime and extending equipment life. "By implementing these predictive maintenance philosophies, we have increased planned maintenance activity by 30% to 40%, which has delivered a 41% reduction in breakdowns," says McGavigan.

The impact extends beyond cost savings. Improved equipment reliability enhances safety outcomes and contributes to more stable, predictable drilling programmes, a critical factor in large-scale exploration projects.

Digital transformation is not only reshaping equipment and processes, but also the workforce. Rosond has placed a strong emphasis on upskilling its teams to operate in a data-rich, technology-enabled environment. "We train crews not only on how to use new tools, but also why they are being implemented and what value they bring," says McGavigan, who holds a master's in mining engineering, a graduate diploma in rock engineering, a bachelor's degree in geoscience, and a certificate in rock engineering from the Minerals Council South Africa.

Since his appointment, the company has strengthened its internal capabilities by incorporating software and industrial engineering expertise to maximise the value of its data systems. Importantly, automation is also supporting greater inclusivity in drilling operations.

Female crews

Technologies such as automated rod handling and remote operation have reduced the physical demands of drilling roles, opening opportunities for a more diverse workforce. Currently, around 6% of Rosond's operational crews are women, a figure expected to grow as technology continues to reshape the sector.

Rosond's technology-driven approach is also contributing to environmental and sustainability objectives, particularly through improved efficiency and reduced resource consumption. "Technology and analytics are key components of our ESG progress," notes the CEO.

Higher drilling productivity reduces diesel consumption per metre, while improved accuracy minimises the need for re-drilling. This translates into lower emissions intensity and reduced material usage.

As global demand for critical minerals grows, the importance of reliable, efficient and safe exploration becomes increasingly evident. Rosond's integrated approach, combining digitalisation, automation and human expertise, is helping to build the foundation for more resilient mining infrastructure.

By delivering predictable performance, reducing operational risk and enabling data-driven decision-making, the company is contributing to a more robust and sustainable exploration ecosystem. In doing so, Rosond is not only advancing drilling technology, but also redefining the role of the modern drilling partner in a rapidly evolving global mining industry.