ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, one of the largest iron ore producers, has selected Sandvik Mining to supply four Sandvik DR412i rotary blasthole drills for its Québec operations, the OEM says.
The first two Sandvik DR412i drills have been delivered, with the remaining two scheduled for delivery by the end of September 2025. Sandvik will also provide commissioning and onsite training support.
The intelligent drills are set to enhance productivity and sustainability at ArcelorMittal’s Mont-Wright mining complex, which produces approximately 26 Mt of iron ore concentrate annually, representing more than 40% of the ArcelorMittal Group’s global iron ore supply. Sandvik is also set to open a new support facility in regional hub Labrador West to supply aftermarket parts, drilling tools and technical support.
“With the addition of four Sandvik DR412i drills, we’re taking a significant step toward modernising our equipment fleet and enhancing operational efficiency,” Graeme Weeks, Chief Operating Officer at ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, said. “These drills’ advanced real-time operator feedback, robust design, cutting-edge technology and environmental features are a natural fit for our sustainability goals and our focus on operational excellence.”
The Sandvik DR412i is engineered for precision and efficiency, offering both rotary and down-the-hole drilling capabilities. It can achieve drilling depths of up to 75.5 m with the standard mast configuration and up to 32.9 m with the extended mast configuration, enhancing productivity while reducing operational costs, the OEM claims. The drills also feature a centralised service centre, designed to streamline maintenance, reduce fluid spills and enhance environmental safety. Equipped with Sandvik’s Intelligent Control System Architecture (SICA), operators receive real-time diagnostics and performance feedback, optimising availability and productivity. Additional safety measures, including hands-free pipe handling and ISO-compliant design standards, ensure the highest levels of operator protection.
Remote Monitoring Service (RMS) solutions are included in a 12-month agreement, under which Sandvik specialists will monitor drill productivity and health data while also upskilling the workforce at the Mont-Wright mine. This service is designed to predict and prevent equipment failures, providing significant opportunities for cost savings, improved efficiency and a reduction in material waste.
“We are thrilled to partner with ArcelorMittal in integrating our intelligent rotary blasthole drills into their operations,” Kevin McEachern, Business Line Manager for Surface Drilling at Sandvik Mining, said. “[The] Sandvik DR412i embodies the innovation and dependability needed to meet the demands of modern mining. Its features not only enhance productivity but also contribute to creating safer and more sustainable mining environments, aligning with the values of both Sandvik and ArcelorMittal.”
The investment is part of ArcelorMittal’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as one of the five largest iron ore producers in the world while embracing sustainability.
“With reserves extending over 30 years, our operations are critical to both our community and the global steel market,” Weeks said. “These state-of-the-art drills are another step in ensuring we meet the world’s growing demand for high-quality iron ore while minimizing our environmental footprint.”