Miner & Tochka
Tochka
I heard there's a new AI‑driven drilling system that could slash our downtime by half—could we talk numbers?
Miner
Sure, let’s cut the fluff. How many hours a month do we actually lose to downtime right now? And what’s the price tag for this AI rig? If the math adds up, we’ll consider it. If not, it’s another fancy gadget to put in the bin.
Tochka
About 200 hours a month, roughly 5‑6 % of our peak capacity. The AI rig runs on a $2.3 million capex plus $300 k a year in maintenance. If that math fits the ROI, we move forward—otherwise it’s a toy.
Miner
Let’s crunch the numbers. 200 hours a month saved—so 2,400 hours a year. We need the revenue per hour to see if a $2.3 million upfront and $300 k a year maintenance pays off in, say, 2–3 years. If each hour nets us $15 k, that’s $36 million a year saved, and we’re good. If it’s $5 k an hour, that’s only $12 million, and the payback stretches past the budget. Drop the per‑hour revenue and the capex, and we’ll see if the ROI fits the plan. Otherwise, keep the old rig and save the cash for a new shovel.
Tochka
200 hours a month equals 2,400 a year. At $15 k per hour that’s $36 million saved annually. Subtract the $2.3 million upfront and $0.3 million yearly upkeep, and you break even in just under a year—fast, clean ROI. If the real figure is $5 k, you only save $12 million a year, so the payback jumps to about 2.5 years, which is still marginal but still inside the 3‑year window. If the numbers don’t line up, we stick with the old rig and reallocate the cash to something that moves the needle.
Miner
Looks solid. If the $15 k figure holds, the break‑even in under a year is more than enough to justify it. If we’re only getting $5 k, a 2½‑year payoff is still acceptable but tight. Either way, if the numbers line up, we get the upgrade; if not, we keep the current system and put the money toward something that really moves the needle.
Tochka
Sounds like we’re on the right track. Let’s lock in the $15k assumption, secure the deal, and move the procurement team to finalize the contract. If the figures shift, we’ll reassess and redirect the budget to the next high‑impact project. Let's get it done.