What synergies have you observed in 2022 since being acquired by Epiroc?

We were acquired by Epiroc in mid-2021, but are still running much as a separate entity. The partnership is still expanding to a degree. For drilling autonomy and remote controls, Epiroc and its customers need solid networks. We’re helping deploy those networks, and where networks already exist, they are leveraging us to audit those networks, verifying they can support the autonomy or remote-control requirements. We then give recommendations on how the network may be tweaked to support those applications.

How important are the Arizona and Nevada markets for 3D-P?

These are huge to us. Arizona is 3D-P’s original home, and we still have a strong presence there. Freeport McMoRan is one of our strongest customers globally.

One of our key value propositions is around the wireless network and the connectivity to the fleet. Today the wireless network is often referred to as the “fourth utility”. It’s critical in the success of many of our customer's primary objects such as productivity and safety enhancements. We offer several levels of engagement. At the lowest level is the network audit we have been providing to many of our Epiroc customers. And we go all the way up to full network design and deployment, similar to our engagement with Freeport, where we are engaged with helping choose the right technology solutions, and then designing, deploying, and supporting their fourth utility.

How is the focus put on ESG initiatives affecting your activities?

We recently announced our Refurbished Parts program. In the event a customer is replacing their older Intelligent Endpoints, 3D-P will buy them back, to reuse any recyclable components that may still have a usable lifecycle. A key part of this program is then based around offering our customers e200 IEP devices where we have utilized those refurbished components. In the event we can offer those devices not only do we pass the component savings on to the customer, but we are extending our standard warranty by a full year, letting the customer share in our confidence in those refurbished components.

How does 3D-P answer the challenge posed by the harshness and remoteness of mine in the southwest?

Our Endpoints may seem expensive because they are custom-built specifically to be capable of handling the extreme temperatures, vibration, and harshness of mining. But looking at the true costs of downtime on equipment, quality technology is a good investment, and our cost gets way down. The industrial and even “ruggedized” devices we find off the shelf today are not built for mining fleets in harsh environments. We will not compromise on quality; we build products that are right for the mining industry.

What are the benefits of implementing wireless networks at mining sites?

Whether open pit or underground, the mine must think about it right from the beginning, even while they figure out how they are going to run the power at the mine. Applications for productivity, efficiency, safety, and sustainability increase all require a strong network. Scalability is critical for the network to be able to support new applications. We’ve certainly seen that a lot of Tier 1 and 2 mines have upped their game and have staff with connectivity expertise. Particularly in Nevada, many customers have in-house knowledge and don’t have to outsource that expertise.

What will drive growth for 3D-P in 2023?

The reach and trust that Epiroc brings are exciting to 3D-P. Customers can be certain that 3D-P is here to stay and help them be successful in the long run. We introduced a new product offering last year, Network-as-a-Service. For those customers who do not have the expertise to build and support their fourth utility, 3D-P can provide it as a service, allowing them to realize the advantages without the major capital outlay, uplift in admin, etc. Our NaaS offering can deliver the full network with remote support, or even embedded resources to manage and support the network as required. I also see the demand for our Hybrid LTE/InstaMesh Osprey products increase in 2023 as we consider autonomy and begin to realize the advantages a Hybrid network can bring.