Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology says it is continuing its tradition of developing innovative technology to help customers enhance safety, improve productivity and reduce cost with the introduction of its Sandvik DR416i rotary blasthole drill.

Designed to improve efficiency and deliver dependable penetration in the world’s harshest mining conditions, the Sandvik DR416i delivers a single-pass capacity of 21 m (69 ft), the longest single-pass mast in its class, according to the company.

The drill rig is constructed for large diameter (406 mm/16 in) rotary drilling, is automation-ready, scalable, and “supplies the highest rotational torques and pull-down forces at the lowest possible operating cost”, Sandvik said. It’s also equipped with the company’s patented Compressor Management System (CMS), designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve productivity.

The three key principles that led the innovative design efforts of the Sandvik DR416i are safety, productivity and value, Sandvik said.

The blueprint for the Sandvik DR416i is focused on space, accessibility, visibility and automation to ensure operator safety, including the following features:

• Easy-access 360° walkways;
• Four egress points;
• Easy access to mast components, and;
• Non-rust, fiberglass-reinforced grating.

“Designed with a mix of durability and innovation, the Sandvik DR416i achieves optimal availability and productivity,” Sandvik said. It does this through features such as:

• Dual feed speeds for greater drilling control and faster retract;
• Auto-setup, auto mast raise/lower, auto-levelling and auto-drill;
• ‘Live Tower’ design, lower/raise mast with rotary head and pipe at top of mast, and;
• Traveling centraliser for straighter holes and reduced drill pipe wear.

The Sandvik DR416i is equipped with several features that improve the efficiency of customers’ operations while also cutting costs, according to the company. The CMS saves up to 30% on fuel consumption, while independent cooling offers quick core replacement. Sandvik also claims that the rig’s increased service intervals increase availability and reduces interaction, while there is advanced troubleshooting available via the controls system to help identify problems before picking up a wrench.

Dave Shellhammer, President, Rotary Drilling Division, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said: “In developing the latest addition to our iSeries family, we looked at our customers’ greatest challenges in the large-diameter drill space and developed a cost-effective, highly-efficient solution to solve those challenges.”