World-class peruvian mining: quality as the core of productivity and safety
By: Santiago Valdez, Country Director, Boart Longyear Peru
Peruvian mining is undergoing a stage of transformation defined by efficiency, sustainability, and technology. Within this process, drilling —one of the most decisive stages of any mining operation— has become a true benchmark of quality and innovation.
From Boart Longyear’s perspective, every meter drilled represents not only technical progress but also an opportunity to demonstrate that Peruvian mining can operate under world-class standards.
Quality is not an abstract concept; it is the tangible outcome of engineering excellence, safety, and the trust placed in every tool and operator. When low-quality equipment or consumables are used, productivity indicators are directly affected. Unplanned downtime, premature replacements, and workplace accidents become invisible costs that can compromise a project’s profitability. Conversely, investing in high-resistance products and advanced safety systems ensures continuous and predictable operations —two essential elements in an environment as demanding as Peru’s.
In recent years, technology has revolutionized drilling. Today, equipment can reach depths of up to 3,000 meters on the surface and over 1,000 meters underground, achieving mechanical availability levels exceeding 90%. Yet behind every number lies something even more valuable: trust. Trust from the operator that the equipment will perform, from the client that deadlines will be met, and from the entire industry that the work can be done without compromising safety.
Automation has marked a turning point. A few years ago, removing a drill rod could take several minutes and required the strength of two people. Today, thanks to Boart Longyear’s 100% hands-free systems, this process is faster, cleaner, and —above all— safer. The company has eliminated one of the tasks with the highest rates of handling injuries, protecting those on the front lines. At Boart Longyear, safety is non-negotiable, and every innovation implemented aims to uphold that commitment.
However, technology alone is not enough. The true difference lies in people. Every time a rig is delivered, operators are trained to understand its operation, select the appropriate bit for the terrain, and optimize performance without compromising durability. Quality does not end at the factory; it is maintained in the field, in every shift, and in every decision.
Peruvian mining demands endurance, precision, and long-term vision. Boart Longyear’s equipment has proven its durability even under extreme conditions —at altitudes above 4,000 meters, with variable temperatures, humidity, dust, and highly abrasive ground. It is no coincidence that some units have been operating in Peru for over 15 years. That longevity reflects a constant commitment to excellence, innovation, and safety —the three pillars that continue to guide the company’s work toward the future.
Boart Longyear is convinced that Peruvian mining will continue to strengthen its position as one of the most competitive in the world. Achieving this goal requires an unwavering commitment to quality at every stage of the process. At Boart Longyear, that commitment is part of its DNA: quality drives productivity, protects lives, and ensures that Peruvian mining moves forward with strength, precision, and purpose.