Mariana Minerals has resumed mining operations at the Copper One project in south-eastern Utah, marking the first global site to use autonomous tools across mining, refining and project execution managed by a single operating system. Mariana acquired the 10,000-acre site in late 2025 after purchasing Lisbon Valley Mining Company. Mining had been suspended in late 2024 due to rising costs and worker recruitment challenges, though refinery operations continued. The restart employs MarianaOS, integrating autonomous systems including Pronto's camera-based autonomous haul trucks, Sandvik's remote-controlled drilling, and Boston Dynamics' Spot robots for site patrols. PlantOS optimises refining using real-time data and machine learning. Mariana aims to increase production to 50,000 tonnes per annum of high-purity copper cathode by 2030.

Sandvik supplies autonomous drill rig head to Mariana Minerals' Copper One mine. Sandvik Mining has secured an order to supply a DR410i rotary drill rig, equipped for autonomous operation, to Mariana Minerals' Copper One mine in Utah, USA. The order was booked in 1Q26 and has been delivered to site, with commissioning of AutoMine(R) Surface Drilling ongoing. The project marks the beginning of a collaboration between Sandvik and Mariana Minerals to explore and advance autonomous surface drilling in a next-generation mining environment. In 1Q26, Mariana Minerals also purchased Deswik Mine Planning software for its Copper One mine, expanding its investment with Sandvik to include digital assets. Mariana Minerals is a vertically integrated, software-led mining company focused on the production of critical minerals. At its Copper One site, the company is developing an 'autonomy-first' operation, where equipment and processes are designed to be integrated into MarianaOS, Mariana's internally developed autonomous orchestration platform. As part of this approach, the Sandvik DR410i will be deployed as an autonomous-ready drill, with the rig integrated into MarianaOS using the high-resolution operational and subsurface data to optimise downstream decisions across the mine and processing plan. The Sandvik DR410i is a compact and high-performance rotary blasthole drill rig for surface mining, capable of drilling 152 - 251 mm holes. It features Sandvik's iSeries architecture and DRi system. The latter enables real-time data capture and supporting drill planning, execution, and analysis. With AutoMine(R) Surface Drilling, Sandvik currently offers fully autonomous surface drilling, allowing multiple rigs to operate autonomously from a remote control room. This solution enhances safety by removing personnel from the drill site, while improving consistency, utilisation, and overall productivity. Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining, said: "This project reflects a shared ambition to advance the role of automation in surface mining. By working closely with Mariana Minerals, we have the opportunity to further develop our autonomous drilling capabilities while supporting a new approach to mine design and operation." Turner Caldwell, CEO of Mariana Minerals, added: "Our vision is to build mining operations where autonomy is embedded from day one. Integrating Sandvik's drill platform into our broader system architecture is an important step towards creating a more connected and adaptive operation at Copper One." Beyond the initial equipment delivery, both companies are working towards continued collaboration as the Copper One project develops and as Mariana Minerals progresses additional projects in North America. Embed article link: (copy the HTML code below):

Mariana and Sandvik to launch autonomous drilling in Utah. The collaboration integrates Sandvik's AutoMine Surface Drilling platform directly into MarianaOS. 24th Apr 2026 Mariana Minerals and Sandvik have entered into a partnership to implement autonomous drilling technology at Mariana's Copper One mine in south-eastern Utah, US. The collaboration integrates Sandvik's AutoMine Surface Drilling platform directly into MarianaOS, Mariana's proprietary software. Functioning as part of a unified system rather than independently, AutoMine links drilling activities with the overall mining operation. Continuous streams of drill activity, machine telemetry and geological data feed into MarianaOS, aiding decision-making across the site. The integration supports Mariana's goal of creating a fully autonomous, technology-focused mining operation in the US. Mariana Minerals CEO Turner Caldwell said: "The drill is where the mine begins. When you integrate it into your operating system, it doesn't just execute a plan - it informs and improves everything that follows. "That is the shift from automation to autonomy. Sandvik gives us the platform, and MarianaOS turns it into a system that learns. That is what we are building at Copper One." AutoMine performs essential tasks such as full-power drilling and pipe handling, while MarianaOS leverages detailed operational and subsurface data to improve downstream decision-making. Information on drill performance and geological signals feeds into models refining blast design, material routing, maintenance and production planning, creating a system where drilling outcomes consistently enhance subsequent actions. The move towards autonomous drilling alters on-site practices. Operators shift from manually handling machines to managing coordinated, software-led fleets. This transition introduces new technical roles to enhance system performance, ensure data quality and optimise operations, allowing teams to concentrate on strategic decisions while retaining oversight. With the US importing around 50% of refined copper and domestic demand expected to double by 2035 due to technological advancements, Mariana and Sandvik aim to fast-track domestic operations. Sandvik Mining president Mats Eriksson said: "Sandvik AutoMine transforms the mining process, delivering safer, more productive and insightful drilling operations. "Pairing AutoMine with MarianaOS will unlock new levels of efficiency and safety for the Copper One mine, and we are delighted to support Mariana Minerals as they develop this important site." Earlier this month, Sandvik launched the DD423i, a next-generation automated development drill rig, marking a significant advancement in underground mining technology. Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.