In an interview with Proactive's Thomas Warner, Charlie King, chief executive of Tribe Technology: explains the company's innovative journey and groundbreaking autonomous drill rigs that he believes are set to transform the mining industry.
The group's core activities are the development, in-house manufacturing, and sale of its autonomous RC Drill Rigs incorporating its core proprietary intellectual property, the Tribe Technology Drilling System ("TTDS").
Tribe Technology was founded in late 2019 in Western Australia and has since established a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland.
Inception and Vision
King says Tribe’s core vision was to create autonomous drill rigs tailored for the mining sector.
The rising global demand for critical minerals, driven by the green energy transition, underscored the need for more efficient and productive drilling.
The idea was to replace the labour-intensive, hazardous, and often unproductive manual drilling processes with autonomous technology.
Tribe aimed to make the drilling process safer, more productive, and environmentally friendly.
Autonomous Drill Rigs: A Game-Changer
King says that the core innovation of Tribe revolves around autonomous reverse circulation (RC) drill rigs.
These rigs operate without human personnel, addressing safety concerns and boosting productivity.
The conventional drilling process involves three to five operators and poses significant safety risks.
Tribe's autonomous drill rigs prioritise both safety and productivity, providing a 100% increase in productivity while eliminating the hazards associated with manual drilling.
For tier-one mining companies drilling millions of meters annually, Tribe estimates its technology promises a return on investment within four to six months.
Hands-On Experience and Expertise
King says that he started his career as a rigger, gaining hands-on experience in the industry.
This practical knowledge has proven invaluable in developing solutions that address real-world problems, while his background allows him to appreciate the nuances and challenges of the mining industry.
Future Growth and Ambitions
Newly listed on AIM, Tribe Technology has set its sights on competing with major industry players.
Its focus extends beyond dominating the RC drilling sector, aiming to expand into segments that are often overlooked by tier-one Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Tribe’s reputation is growing says King, with it becoming the trusted brand to turn to when facing mining industry challenges.
Its mission statement is dedicated to automating the most challenging tasks that others might consider too difficult, he adds.