Over the years, Comacchio has built a strong foundation of theoretical and practical expertise in the mineral exploration sector, backed by proven, hands-on field experience. This is demonstrated by the sale of more than 500 exploration rigs over 20 years across more than 40 countries worldwide, confirming international recognition and reliable know-how.

Innovation, one of the fundamental pillars of Comacchio, has driven the company to look beyond traditional boundaries and take on new challenges, identifying mining as the ideal sector to bring this vision to life.

Mining is a dynamic, complex, and constantly evolving sector, characterised by a growing demand for increasingly high-performing and safe machines, and this in turn requires specialised expertise and the ability to anticipate future developments. Thus, the Italian manufacturer has decided to invest in a dedicated ‘Mining Exploration Division' to provide focused expertise, tailored solutions, and long-term partnerships to its clients.

Customer support

"Throughout this journey, the importance of supporting customers with dedicated, highly specialised expertise in response to the distinctive technical, operational and safety-driven demands of the exploration drilling market has made it clear that a focused organisational structure is essential," Emanuele Comacchio, technical and sales manager of the newly established Division, said.

"The Comacchio Mining Exploration Division (Comacchio X) brings together dedicated commercial and technical specialists focused exclusively on the mineral exploration sector, including engineers, service assistants, geologists, and experienced industry consultants."

This structure enables Comacchio X to provide comprehensive specialist consultancy. Customers are supported at every stage, from the selection of the machine to its commissioning on site, with dedicated assistance also available when it comes to choosing the most suitable drilling equipment based on specific operational and geological conditions.

This structure also enables rapid activation of after-sales service, ensuring operational continuity and reducing machine downtime.

Finally, strong attention is paid from the earliest design stage to the highest safety standards, in compliance with the regulations of the mine where the machine will operate.

The new identity

The choice of the name "Comacchio X" stems from the need to clearly and immediately represent the values that guide the company. As stated by Andrea Maida, division manager: "The direct reference to Comacchio S.p.A. reaffirms continuity with the same high engineering standards and manufacturing quality that have always defined its identity. The ‘X', on the other hand, does not simply refer to exploration in the mining sector; it becomes the symbol of a broader vision: the determination to go beyond known boundaries, explore new technological frontiers, and develop innovative solutions to address the future challenges of the industry.

"To further strengthen this identity, the new division has also adopted a distinct colour scheme characterised by orange, a common colour in mining environments and often linked to the oxidation processes of certain minerals."

The machines of Comacchio X: CX line

To provide a concrete and comprehensive response to customers' needs, the CX line of exploration drill rigs has been developed to offer maximum versatility and operational adaptability. The range covers a wide range of pullback capacities, from 10 to 50t, and is available in both truck-mounted and crawler-mounted configurations, depending on different site conditions and logistical requirements.

In addition, the machines are designed to operate with dedicated drilling technologies such as diamond drilling, reverse circulation, and grade control, but they can also be configured as multipurpose solutions. This means the capability to integrate multiple drilling technologies into the same machine and quickly adapt to different operational needs.

Finally, as noted by Emanuele Comacchio, "Thanks to constant dialogue with our customers and careful attention to their needs, we are also able to develop tailor-made machines and guarantee ‘mining-ready' solutions complete with the documentation required by the mine, to ensure rapid and efficient commissioning immediately after delivery."

First thing: safety

"For us at Comacchio X, innovation stems first and foremost from the responsibility to protect those who work on our machines every day," Maida emphasised.

Operator protection is, therefore, the guiding principle behind all technical development and design choices, from the construction phase through to on-site operation. Every solution adopted integrates advanced technologies designed to ensure safety levels that comply with, and often exceed, the most stringent international requirements.

With this in mind, Comacchio X machines are equipped with automated rod handling systems, also available with an onboard integrated magazine, minimising manual intervention. Remote control via radio transmitters allows operators to fully manage the machine while maintaining a safe distance during the most critical or demanding phases.

These features are complemented by reinforced safety cages designed to prevent contact with moving components, and work platforms fitted with certified guardrails to ensure stability, safe access, and secure operations at height.

The system also includes dust suppression technologies capable of significantly reducing dust dispersion directly at the source, improving the overall health conditions of the working environment. A symbol of this approach is the new CX 20A, a fully automated machine equipped with a certified cabin, designed to provide the highest level of operator protection and comfort.

Future prospects: digitalisation and interconnectivity

"As part of our ongoing commitment to continuously improving our services, Comacchio X will offer, starting next year, new solutions dedicated to remote operational support, designed to ensure service continuity and increased efficiency," Maida concluded.

The system is based on the next-generation modems that will be installed on the rigs. These modems will be able to connect to the internet via SIM cards, satellite communication devices, and local WiFi networks. This will allow customers to benefit from a flexible and stable connection to their machines, enhancing operational control and management.

These solutions will be complemented by the new COMMAC portal, developed to enable customers to remotely monitor their machines via onboard sensors. The system will provide a centralised view of the entire fleet through an intuitive dashboard, allowing real-time monitoring of operational status.

In addition, the portal will enable the Comacchio service team to promptly identify critical issues and plan interventions quickly and efficiently.

Finally, customers will have the option to configure their own APIs and make them available to their partners, facilitating seamless data and information sharing.