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Sandvik to supply electric rotary drills for Mongolia’s Tsagaan Suvarga project

Posted on 18 Apr 2024

Mongolyn Alt MAK LLC has selected Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions to supply five electric DR410iE rotary drill rigs for the Tsagaan Suvarga project in Mongolia.

This significant partnership underscores Sandvik’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to enhance mining operations worldwide.

The Tsagaan Suvarga project, implemented by Mongolyn Alt MAK LLC, is a significant undertaking led by a 100% national company of great importance in the Mongolian mining industry, Sandvik says. As a result of extensive detailed exploration spanning from 2001 to 2008, a total of 1.6 million tons of copper and 66,000 tons of molybdenum reserves were determined and registered in the state reserve fund.

The Tsagaan Suvarga project, will create over 1,300 permanent jobs and 5,000-7,500 more through subcontractors. It’s estimated to contribute around $150 million annually to national and local budgets, totaling $4 billion in tax revenue for Mongolia. Furthermore, it is an important project for the country’s economy, capable of generating approximately 60% of its benefits through tax revenues, payments, and fees without reliance on government investment.

As part of this landmark project, Sandvik will deliver five electric DR410iE drills to enhance drilling operations at the Tsagaan Suvarga site. These advanced rotary drills represent the pinnacle of mining technology, designed to optimise efficiency, productivity and safety in challenging mining environments.

Daniel Kopecky, Business Line Manager – Surface Drills Sales Area South East Asia at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said: “We are honoured to be selected as the supplier of choice for the Tsagaan Suvarga project. Our cutting-edge rotary drills will play a crucial role in supporting Mongolyn Alt MAK LLC’s mission to unlock the full potential of the Tsagaan Suvarga deposit. We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that empower our customers to achieve their goals safely and sustainably.”

Erdenes Tsagaan Suvarga LLC’s Mine Manager, Mungunjoloo B, said: “We are thrilled to be the first users of Sandvik’s latest DR410iE smart electric-powered rotary drill rigs. We are confident these drills will significantly enhance the efficiency of our drilling and blasting operations. Furthermore, the electric, intelligent, and remote-operation capabilities of these rigs lay the groundwork for a modern, data-driven mining operation that prioritises operator well-being, safety and productivity. This acquisition represents a major leap forward for our company, and even for the mining industry within the country.”

Deliveries of the five  are scheduled to commence in the June quarter and conclude by the December quarter of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Tsagaan Suvarga project.