Tag Archives: Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

Sandvik to show off newest battery-electric loader next week

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is set to announce details of its new battery-electric LHD at its Innovation in Mining Virtual Event next week, Brian Huff, has confirmed.

Speaking on ‘The Next Generation of Battery-Electric Vehicles’ event on Tuesday, Huff, Vice President of Technology at Artisan Vehicle Systems, a Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology Business Unit, said a new machine would be announced on September 29 at the virtual event. He later confirmed the loader in question would be on show.

Not too many details were given away about this new BEV, but Huff confirmed it would be “another machine to fill out our weight class” and host, Martina Lundgren, said the loader represented the first joint project between Artisan and Sandvik since Sandvik acquired Artisan in 2019.

In addition to announcing this news, Huff also confirmed that “there will be a larger class…haul truck intended mainly for the Australian market” coming from the company in later years.

As it stands, the company’s largest payload battery-electric haul truck is the Z50 50 t machine (pictured), which has been trialled at the Barrick Gold-owned Turquoise Ridge gold mine, in Nevada, USA.

Sandvik buys up remaining stake in Allied Construction Products

Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has signed an agreement to acquire Allied Construction Products, a US distributor of hydraulic hammers to the construction and mining industries and manufacturer of compactor plates and mounting brackets.

Sandvik, which already owned 21% of the company, has had a strategic partnership in place with Allied since 2003 whereby Allied distributed Rammer products to the US market. According to Sandvik, its products generate about 80% of Allied’s revenues.

The acquisition of Allied establishes an enhanced sales, service and support platform for the growing North American customer base, Sandvik said.

“It also enables Sandvik to expand the existing dealer network into new regions and to penetrate new customer segments with a broader product offering,” the company added. “Allied will obtain additional strength and access to cutting-edge technology.”

In 2019, Allied generated revenues of around $29 million with 38 employees, Sandvik said.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price and the transaction is expected to close during the September quarter.

Sandvik to add rock bolter to battery-powered mining line up

Automation, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology plans to launch its first and one of the the mining industry’s first battery-powered rock bolters next year, as it continues to roll out new solutions to electrify the underground mining space.

The Sandvik DS412iE extends the zero emissions concept to the underground rock bolter class and opens a wide range of possibilities for mines driven to boost their productivity and safety with data-based analytics, according to the company.

In its core mission of delivering productive, secure and versatile rock support solutions, Sandvik rock bolters have a clear track record, according to the company.

“Still, these tools’ automation and data acquisition capabilities have not been as advanced as their production and development drill rig counterparts,” the company said. “Scheduled for launch during 2021, the new Sandvik DS412iE rock bolter will complement the intelligent family of next-generation battery-powered underground drill rigs.”

Anssi Kouhia, Product Manager, Rock Support Drills, said the DS412iE is basically an upgrade on its existing Sandvik DS411.

“We have received positive feedback about that model,” Kouhia said. “We made an accomplished model even better with more advanced automation capabilities, improved data acquisition and upgraded ergonomics.”

Like the battery-powered DD422iE  jumbo drill, the rig trams on battery and carries out drilling and bolting when connected to the mains power.

Along with its direct predecessor, the new intelligent bolter also has much in common with the larger Sandvik DS512i in the 5 x 5 m drift size. One example is their similar versatility in terms of bolting systems: Sandvik DS512i and Sandvik DS412iE can handle a wide range of bolt types and lengths, including a combination of automatic cement mixer and automatic resin injection on the same bolter.

The new Sandvik DS412iE will effectively complete Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s rock support drill range for the 4 x 4 m class, updating its entire product range to the latest i-standard of connectivity and automation capabilities, the company said. Additionally, the Sandvik DS412iE will be the supplier’s first battery-powered rock bolter.

“In other words, the zero underground emissions approach will now include all stages of the underground mining process: rock support drilling as well as development and production drilling and loading and hauling,” Sandvik said. “The ability to virtually eliminate underground particulate matter, NOx, CO2 and heat emissions is first and foremost a major health and safety benefit, but also offers cost savings by reducing mine ventilation power requirements.”

The new rig responds to major industry trends that customers have identified in feedback sessions, Sandvik said.

In addition to reducing underground emissions and improving working conditions, the safety and environmental improvements also make economic sense by reducing time lost to injuries and costs. The advanced automation capabilities will increase the speed and safety of the bolting cycles as well as open a range of possibilities for process optimisation, the OEM said. “This will translate into more reliable rock supporting and safer working environments.”

Like one-hole automation that has been a standard feature in Sandvik mining and tunnelling jumbos, the one-bolt automation feature of Sandvik DS412iE now extends this capability to rock bolters, Sandvik said.

“The rig can carry out a single bolting cycle unassisted, so that in optimal conditions the operator only needs to manually relocate the boom from one bolt location to another,” the company said.

The battery-powered unit will come with two automation levels: the standard Silver package from the outset and, in the near future, the optional extended Gold level. The main difference between the two packages is in the remote monitoring and operating capabilities and in the measurement-while-drilling functionality.

The automation packages seamlessly mesh with Sandvik iSure software, according to the company. Available as a standard tool for designing drift drilling plans and blasting plans, iSure now increasingly extends to bolting operations and comes in three levels: iSure Basic and iSure Plus for the standard Silver automation package, and iSure Premium for the optional Gold level automation. The advanced automation solutions can offer a significant productivity and quality boost, Sandvik said.

“With iSure, you can design a bolting pattern in the office, transfer it to the rig over Wi-Fi or on a USB flash drive, carry out the bolting according to the pattern, and, on top of that, you can retrieve a report that compares the plan and the realised bolting pattern,” Kouhia says.

iSure compatibility, in particular, enables more extensive data acquisition and reporting, Sandvik said.

In addition to the bolting pattern, the retrieved data will also include various parameters that characterise the quality of the bolting process, such as grouting concrete consumption and bolt tightening torques. This can serve to document the bolting process in much greater detail than it did previously, which enables more accurate quality control of the rock supporting measures.

The verifiable track record of the rock support measures taken provides systematic safety documentation and, should a failure still occur, the bolting process reports can help to determine the cause of it, down to the level of an individual bolt – when it was installed, how it was installed and whether it complied with set specifications.

Full compatibility with the My Sandvik fleet management portal and the OptiMine suite of digital mine automation and analytics solutions further enhances the connectivity of Sandvik DS412iE, providing all-round data-based control for rock support operations, the company said.

While the main areas of focus for Sandvik DS412iE surround automation, connectivity and data acquisition capabilities, productivity has not been neglected, Sandvik said.

The new boom control system, advanced boom manipulator mode and optimised bolting head movements help the operator to achieve a smooth and efficient process by keeping the bolting head automatically aligned with the correct bolt fan positions and angles, the company explained.

In terms of sheer mechanical power, much of the new bolter’s high productivity derives from the new control system of the Sandvik RD314 rock drill, which substantially increases the output and penetration rate. Overall, the productivity upgrade is roughly 25% from previous models, according to Sandvik.

The Sandvik DS412iE includes many safety and ergonomic features.

The bolter is designed to be compliant with the EN16228 standard for drilling and foundation equipment, which is harmonised with the requirements of the European Machinery Directive. One of the EN16228 requirements is an access detection system (ADS). In the Sandvik DS412iE, the ADS automatically scans the surroundings of the bolter and alerts the operator should a person enter the work area, which effectively reduces potential accidents. The safety improvements also include a fully covered steel strand reel.

The Sandvik DS412iE continues the bolter class’ legacy of secure and effective cabin design, Sandvik says, with a 55% percent improvement in visibility, better effective vibration control and significant noise reduction adding up to a safer and more comfortable workplace for the operator.

Future launches will also include a diesel-powered version, Sandvik DS412i, which will be compliant with the latest engine emission specifications, Sanvik said.

This is an edited version of a story that first appeared on Sandvik’s Solid Ground platform here.

Sandvik LS312 LHD makes its way to Sasol underground operation

Coal technology, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Less than a year after announcing the introduction of the flame-proof LS312 underground loader, Sandvik Mining and Rock technology has dispatched its first South African unit to Sasol’s Sigma underground coal mine, near Sasolburg in Free State Province.

Sandvik said earlier this month that the first LS312 unit was signed off and ready for delivery, with IM later discovering the machine was destined for Sigma.

Earlier this year, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technologies’ Product Support Manager, Richard Hickson, said the first active units would start rolling off the local production line in the June quarter.

“The LS312 loader is an enhanced 12 t high-capacity heavy-duty utility vehicle, building on the best features of our 10 t LS190 and 12 t LS190S models,” Hickson said. “This raises the bar once more in terms of better performance, reduced emissions and lower total cost of ownership.”

Powered by the C7.1 mechanical engine, the new generation LS312 complies with Tier II emission standards while ensuring quieter and more efficient operation, according to Sandvik. The integrated exhaust after-treatment systems also reduce personnel exposure to harmful diesel emissions.

“Customers’ productivity will benefit from increased engine performance, with 20% higher torque and 8% more power,” Hickson said at the time. “The lower rpm at which the machine can run also translates into less engine wear and lower emission levels.”

Hickson highlighted that the new design continues to include a focus on reliability and maintenance, with the drivetrain enhanced with a 12 t axle, and the structural integrity of the front frame strengthened.

Maintenance crews will have easier access to hydraulic test points, which are now located in a panel on the side of the machine, making for safer working practices, Sandvik says. In addition, the improved cooling system will further reduce maintenance time.

The product also offers an optional electronic shutdown system, providing easier fault diagnosis and reducing the mean time to repair.

With the industry-driven need for the collection of machine and operational information, the Sandvik LS312 LHD offers an on-board data monitoring capability allowing for transfer of information via the mine’s Wi-Fi network and management through the My Sandvik Cloud platform.

“Safety is paramount in all our designs, and a proximity detection interface is now provided as standard,” Hickson says. “The lower frame design – facilitating improved visibility for the operator –has been retained in the LS312.”

Sandvik gears up for battery-electric drilling revolution in southern Africa

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Southern African mines will soon begin the transition from diesel-driven to battery-powered drill jumbos, with the introduction of the world’s first highly-automated underground electric drill rig by Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology, according to the mining OEM.

Saltiel Pule, Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology’s Business Line Manager for Underground drilling in southern Africa, says the Sandvik DD422iE rig has already seen enthusiastic take-up in mining countries with strict anti-pollution regulations such as Canada, with the innovation having been in development for the past three years.

“The key benefits of the battery concept in underground drill rigs are zero emissions and much less heat, making for safer and healthier working conditions,” Pule said. “There are many other advantages to this technology, however, including increased drilling productivity, reduced operating costs and better energy efficiency.”

One of the first mines to have received the DD422iE was the all-electric Borden mine in Ontario, Canada. Since then, Barrick has trialled a unit at its Hemlo underground mine, also in Ontario.

The Sandvik DD422iE’s electric driveline, with an electric motor mechanically connected to axles for high torque and high efficiency, allows the rig to tram independently between working areas. The unit’s high-precision inverter delivers exact control of the tramming speed, according to Sandvik.

“The rig only needs to be connected to mains power during the actual drilling, at which point the electric motor is connected onto hydraulic pumps,” Pule says.

Improved drilling power of up to 20% is achieved by an active power compensation system which draws reserve power from batteries during peak loads, according to Sandvik. Battery charging is carried out during those phases of the drilling cycle when power intake is low, such as during boom movements. There is, therefore, no waiting time to charge up batteries.

In pursuit of zero-harm safety standards, the unit uses sodium nickel chloride technology – regarded as one of the safest battery systems for underground conditions.

Sandvik also offers a battery rental option to customers, taking responsibility for battery inspection and maintenance, as well as responsible disposal at the end of battery’s life, the company says.

“The battery therefore becomes an operational cost for the mine, rather than a capital expense,” Pule says. “This option also gives the customer the certainty of predictable operating costs while adopting a new technology.”

In addition to zero emissions and less heat generation, the electric drill rig produces less noise, making communication easier and working conditions less stressful, Sandvik added. There is a reduced risk of fire, as there are no fuels exposed to hot surfaces – as can happen with diesel engines.

“The range of indirect savings that customers achieve when they move from diesel to electric includes lower ventilation costs underground, no need for diesel storage and diesel pipelines, and more control over operating costs,” Pule says.

Sandvik AutoMine open-pit drilling automation offering surfaces

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Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is taking its underground automated drilling expertise to the surface with the release of AutoMine® Surface Drilling.

A leader in mining automation, Sandvik has for a number of years been helping mining companies across the world improve productivity and increase safety with the use of its intelligent AutoMine systems for trucks, LHDs and underground drill rigs.

Even so, the commercialisation of the AutoMine Surface Drilling system marks an important milestone for the company in surface mining automation, it said.

The system is designed to meet customer’s challenges and maximise productivity and safety while increasing drilling efficiency. It enables mines to operate multiple Sandvik iSeries drill rigs from a remote control room miles away.

AutoMine Surface Drilling is available for Pantera™ DP1100i, Pantera DP1500i and Leopard™ DI650i rigs as well as Sandvik DR412i and DR416i blasthole drill rigs. It will be available for the recently released DR410i in the December quarter, the company added.

“This game-changing technology is the most advanced commercialised autonomous fleet system in the world enabling customers to reap the benefits of an autonomous drilling cycle,” Riku Pulli, Vice President Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said.

Like the AutoMine Underground solution, AutoMine Surface Drilling dramatically improves the working conditions and immediate safety of the operator while keeping mine personnel out of hazardous areas, Sandvik said. This reduces the operator’s exposure to noise, dust, and vibration and the hazard of working close to high walls.

Automated on-board functions enable iSeries rigs to work autonomously while the operator monitors at fleet level. Automated drill operation, accurate rig control and positioning increase the drilling quality and the overall excavation efficiency, according to Sandvik, thus ensuring higher productivity for the mine.

“We look forward to working closely together with our customers to automate drilling operations and unlock the full potential of AutoMine Surface Drilling,” Pulli said.

Sandvik’s Parts and Services business helps miners achieve sustainability goals

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology says its Rebuild and Upgrade programs are helping customers achieve their ‘circularity’ goals.

Designed to extend the equipment’s life cycle by refurbishing the entire unit at optimal intervals, the program lowers a customer’s total cost of ownership, according to Erik Lundén, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology Parts and Services division.

Lundén’s division provides customers with products and solutions that drive their businesses towards a more sustainable model.

“One of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s sustainability targets for 2030 is to become more than 90% circular, halving waste from its production,” the company says. “One way the company helps its customers accomplish similar results is through its Rebuild and Upgrade programs, which extend the equipment’s life cycle by refurbishing the entire unit at optimal intervals.”

Lundén said: “We want our customers to be able to get the highest rate of usage out of their assets. Our Rebuild and Upgrade programs do this by helping them avoid unnecessary capital expenditure investments through an optimised maintenance strategy, which lowers the total cost of ownership. This has the benefit of minimising material and scrap rates as well as downtime, extending operational life and reducing running cost.”

During the refurbishment, customers can also opt to upgrade components to help the equipment operate more sustainably, from the latest engine emission technologies to increased safety features. These changes can drive sustainability efforts, such as reducing fuel use, emissions and ventilation power requirements, the company says.

On loading and hauling equipment, for example, a major intervention at the optimum rebuild interval between 12,000 and 16,000 engine hours can extend the reliable life of the equipment to longer than 30,000 hours – at a fraction of the price of a new unit, Sandvik says.

Similar to the Rebuild program, another option available to customers looking to improve their sustainability profile are the Sandvik Component Repair, Replace and Exchange solutions.

“Our component offerings, which break down into Component Exchange, Component Repair and Return, and Fixed Price Repair and Return, minimise environmental impact by reusing components,” Lundén says. “This regenerates the life of the component and avoids the creation of scrap. Additionally, repairs don’t have to be carried out on site, which limits the interactions of workers with high-risk load equipment scheduled for repairs.”

For Component Repair and Return, a Sandvik engineer inspects and repairs the original components; with Component Exchange, the component is remanufactured according to stringent standards and equipped using the latest product improvements, the company explains.

Digitalisation has shown to be a vital tool for mining and construction companies seeking to modernise their operations while driving towards a more sustainable model, according to Sandvik.

My Sandvik Digital Service solutions transfer data into easy-to-use knowledge about fleet performance, maximising productivity, operational efficiency and safety, it says. Connected machines offer close to real-time data all year round and insights into how to get the most out of the equipment, the company added.

“From a sustainability standpoint, digital services provide clear insights into fuel consumption and excessive idling time, which can drastically reduce emissions underground,” Lundén says. “Equipment alerts on speeding, brake violations and freewheeling in neutral, for example, can also improve safety for operators and other staff in the mine.”

According to the company, up to a 5% emission reduction can be achieved by applying My Sandvik Productivity, while an up to 10% emission reduction can be had with long-term remote monitoring services, as well as a substantial component life increase.

Another aftermarket offering that is a crucial component to safety management and comes with sustainability in mind is the Eclipse Sustain fire suppression system. Eclipse Sustain is the world’s first 100% fluorine-free fire suppression for mobile equipment, Sandvik says. Fluorine-based foams can persist as a hazardous substance in the ground for thousands of years after use. “With Eclipse Sustain, it can be simply rinsed off with no detrimental effect to the surrounding environment,” the company says.

Finally, the way parts are shipped to customers can have a significant effect on a company’s carbon footprint. Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology considers logistics as an influential way to make its processes more sustainable.

“If you ship a drill bit on a boat, it will generate around 100 times less CO2 than if you fly it to the customer on an airplane,” Henrik Ager, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, says. “That approach reduces our generated CO2 by 10,000 t, which in comparison with the total emissions for the division is significant.”

This is an edited extract of a Solid Ground article by Sandvik

Sandvik tackles drill hole deviation with Guide Adapter launch

Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , ,

Sandvik aims to help its bench drilling Top Hammer customers reduce drill hole deviation in challenging conditions by up to 50% and achieve considerable cost savings with its new Guide Adapter.

As the company says, significant hole deviation (>8%) can pose problems for many bench drilling companies that operate in challenging ground conditions such as bad and soft rock, as well as deep overburden.

This often results in reduced productivity, safety risks and increased tool wear, it says.

Fredrik Björk, Product Manager Top Hammer Surface Tools, Rock Tools Division, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said: “We are very happy to be able to offer the Guide Adapter to customers facing deviation problems in their day-to -day bench drilling operations.

“The Guide Adapter helps them to increase the service life of their drill string and also reduce the number of drilled holes, as well as the amount of blasting needed.”

Sandvik’s new Guide Adapter enables customers to achieve greater productivity, longer tool service life and improved safety, according to the company. Ultimately, this can also lead to lower total operational costs.

Björk added: “We have conducted in-depth testing with our customers around the world and the results really do speak for themselves. By using the Sandvik Guide Adapter, our customers achieved a hole deviation between 3% to 5% – a reduction by up to 50% – and also increased the service life of their rock tools by up to 40%.

“This truly has an effect on both productivity and, in turn, profitability.”

The Guide Adapter is now available for T51 and GT60 Top Hammer threads in different diameters.

Sandvik out to capture southern Africa market share with new Rhino 100 raiseborer

Mine shafts and equipment, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, , ,

Having helped Raising Australia slash slot-raise production times, improve productivity for its customers and significantly increase its own revenue, Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology’s highly mobile Rhino 100 ‘plug-and-drill’ raiseborer is ready to take southern Africa’s mining sector by storm, the mining OEM says.

The Rhino raiseborer, manufactured by TRB-Raise Borers in Finland but equipped with Sandvik tools and distributed by Sandvik, was developed in response to customer requests for a different approach to the raise drilling and blasting sequence, according to Sandvik, which says the Rhino 100 is a leap forward in mobility and drilling speed.

According to Saltiel Pule, Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology’s Business Line Manager for Underground Drilling in southern Africa, the key to the Rhino 100’s mobility is being self-sufficient.

“This unit carries all its own components, from rods and cables to hydraulics and the raiseboring head,” Pule said. “Pulled by a specially adapted double-axle John Deere tractor, no other transportation equipment is needed to move the rig.”

Together with fast set-up times and high drilling productivity, the Rhino 100 is an integrated solution that allows mines to meet ambitious drilling targets, according to the company.

“Outriggers stabilise the machine so there is no requirement for a concrete pad before setting up,” he said. “This means that the machine can be set up in as little as 10 minutes, compared with the few days it takes to cast and cure a concrete pad before use.”

He adds that no roof bolting is required either, as the Rhino 100 is equipped with an inclinometer that provides the operator with the necessary x and y coordinates, which the surveyor can confirm before drilling starts.

The Rhino 100’s productivity is further enhanced by its high drilling speed; with penetration rates of about 2 m/h, it can progress drilling at more than double the rate of conventional methods, Sandvik says.

“The rod-handling arm enhances health and safety underground, especially by preventing back and finger injuries,” Pule says. “By carefully manipulating and changing rods without them needing to be placed on the ground, the automated arm also avoids dust and rock chips getting into the threads. This helps maintain the workflow and keep the whole process running efficiently.”

The 52-t Rhino 100 – at 3.1 m wide and 3.4 m high – has been designed to fit comfortably into standard mine haulage, with easy mobility from one tunnel or stope to the next, the company said.

Judging by the number of enquiries from major mining players, Pule says the unit looks to have a promising future in southern Africa’s mining sector.

Sandvik launches LS312 flameproof LHD in South Africa

Coal technology, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technologies’ new LS312 underground loader has found favour with South Africa coal miners, with orders already placed for the flameproof LHD.

The company announced it would be adding the LS312 to its line of coal load and haul vehicles back in November last year.

The first active units will start rolling off the local production line in the June quarter, according to Richard Hickson, Product Support Manager at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technologies.

“The LS312 loader is an enhanced 12 t high-capacity heavy-duty utility vehicle, building on the best features of our 10 t LS190 and 12 t LS190S models,” Hickson says. “This raises the bar once more in terms of better performance, reduced emissions and lower total cost of ownership.”

Powered by the C7.1 mechanical engine, the new generation LS312 complies with Tier II emission standards while ensuring quieter and more efficient operation, according to Sandvik.

“Customers’ productivity will benefit from increased engine performance, with 20% higher torque and 8% more power,” he says. “The lower rpm at which the machine can run also translates into less engine wear and lower emission levels.”

Hickson highlights that the new design continues to include a focus on reliability and maintenance. The drivetrain has been enhanced with a 12 t axle, while the structural integrity of the front frame has been strengthened. Maintenance crews will have easier access to hydraulic test points, which are now located in a panel on the side of the machine, making for safer working practices, Sandvik says. In addition, the improved cooling system will further reduce maintenance time.

The product also offers an optional electronic shutdown system, providing easier fault diagnosis and reducing the mean time to repair.

With the industry-driven need for the collection of machine and operational information, the Sandvik LS312 LHD offers an on-board data monitoring capability allowing for transfer of information via the mine’s Wi-Fi network and management through the My Sandvik Cloud platform.

“Safety is paramount in all our designs, and a proximity detection interface is now provided as standard,” Hickson says. “The lower frame design – facilitating improved visibility for the operator – has been retained in the LS312.”

The local manufacture of this new model brings several benefits to customers and the economy, Stephan Greisiger, Production Manager at Sandvik’s manufacturing facility in Jet Park, South Africa, says.

“Local production of the LS312 units will significantly reduce the lead time to our market,” he said. “This makes it easier for customers to plan capital equipment purchases.”