Tag Archives: Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

Steering the electric mine revolution

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mine ventilation, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, last year, made a clear statement to the underground mining equipment sector with the acquisition of Artisan Vehicle Systems: the future is electric.

With this acquisition having bedded in and International Mining Events’ The Electric Mine 2020 conference, in Stockholm, Sweden, just around the corner, IM caught up with Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology President, Henrik Ager, to get his views on current industry demand for electric solutions and what other elements could come into the OEM’s electrification offering in the future.

IM: In your keynote presentation title for the upcoming conference you have highlighted two benefits to electrification, namely ‘productivity’ and ‘sustainability’. Would you say these are the two most important criteria for companies adopting, or thinking about adopting, electrification solutions?

HA: Productivity, or rather mining economics, is still the primary driver for any technology change. If applying new technology allows you to lower your cost or get more tonnes out of the operation, it tends to make sense. If it doesn’t, it rarely makes sense.

For electrification, we are getting to the point where, when you compare a diesel machine with an electric machine, the economics are starting to be on a par. The electric machines tend to be more expensive from a capital expenditure (capex) point of view, but this upfront capital is coming down; we haven’t yet made that many machines but when we scale up production the price will likely fall further.

Within this, the batteries are, of course, a big capex item. To get around this, we will most likely end up selling the battery as a service to customers, so they pay per kilowatt hour as opposed to investing outright in batteries.

Some of the benefits of using electric machines include the maintenance costs being significantly lower than with diesel-powered equipment. You are also seeing you can get more productivity out of the machines – with any electric motor, you get a lot of torque. This latter point is of use in many applications. For example, when you are running an underground loader and loading your bucket, torque control is very important. Being able to precisely control this and get as much traction from the tyres as possible allows you to more accurately load the bucket. We should, therefore, see better fill factors on the bucket with these electric drivetrains; if you end up getting 10% more in your bucket every time, it makes a difference.

From an economic point of view, you also have the potential ventilation benefits of having an electric drivetrain. The electric drivetrain will put out some heat, but it is about one eighth of what a diesel drivetrain puts out. Obviously, there are no diesel particulates either, so you need to ventilate a lot less. If you start inputting that into your mine plan, then you end up saving a lot of capex on ventilation shafts. That can bring an orebody into being economically viable where it wasn’t before. While that is not the case for all mines and orebodies, it is relevant for many of them.

IM: Does that total cost of operations argument overcome upfront capex concerns in countries that are known to be more price sensitive?

HA: There are some geographies where price is more prominent and others where it is less prominent. But, to put this into perspective, we predominantly make expensive and productive machines. We don’t make low cost or low productivity machines. So, we have been fighting with this same issue for a long time. Yes, it is more difficult to overcome capex issues in some places, but there are still customers in these areas that look at the full productivity dynamic and realise the cost of the machine is only one piece of the puzzle.

In general, the more you separate operations from procurement, the more the discussion shifts to price per machine. The closer the relationship is between operations and procurement, the more chance you have of entering a full productivity discussion.

IM: How widespread would you say interest is for mine electrification? You’re currently speaking to me from Cape Town, South Africa (at Mining Indaba), would you say it is penetrating that continent, as well as North America, Australia and Europe?

HA: Yes, is the short answer. This topic has pretty much been on the agenda in every discussion we have had this week.

One important thing often left out of this conversation is that, in southern Africa, electric loaders have been operating in mines for a long time, but they are cable electric. This is the case across the globe too. We delivered our first cable-electric machine in 1981 and have put out more of these loaders than anyone else. We have delivered 600 electric machines – most of which are tethered or cable loaders.

We have now developed a battery and cable combination machine so when you are underground in the section doing repetitive work – loading and dumping the bucket – you are on a cable, but then when you need to go to the workshop or need to move the machine to another section of the mine, you can unhook and operate on battery. The machine can also carry out a few cycles on battery-only, but this might not be as productive in certain operations.

IM: Out of those three – North America (Canada, more specifically), Australia and Europe – which region would you say is leading when it comes to adopting electrification solutions in mining? What do you put this down to?

HA: It’s Canada for two reasons.

One is the data around diesel particulates is that much more advanced in Canada. There are strict regulations for how much ventilation you need in underground mines to dilute diesel particulates and exhaust gases.

The second – which is also linked to the first one – is that many mines in Canada are going deeper or further away from existing ventilation and cooling infrastructure. As well as the obvious health benefits, the cost of new ventilation shafts and refrigeration can be offset by using electric machines, since they produce zero exhaust emissions and much lower heat.

IM: In terms of your mine electrification offering, Sandvik recently completed the acquisition of battery-electric vehicle leader Artisan, adding to the company’s long history of delivering cabled machines powered by electricity. Do you currently see any other technologies on the market that you might acquire/build to further your status as a leader in mine electrification solutions?

HA: We are looking at a diesel-battery hybrid as an option. We need to, again, see that the economics stack up as these will be more expensive machines to manufacture. We need to answer the questions: Will that machine be more productive? Will it be faster up the ramp? And will it be more practical than using battery-electric only?

We need to see what the case is here and work with our customers.

A couple of the mining contractors are really pushing for the development of these machines. It’s good to work with the contractors on such projects as they are so heavily focused on economics and productivity. They may bid on, for example, developing a 2 km decline into the mine. The cheaper they can do that from a complete project cost point of view, the more competitive they will be and the more projects they will win. So, they really know their numbers and can clearly factor in new technology to these calculations.

As previously mentioned though, if the economics on that machine don’t make sense, it is hard to make things work.

IM: Do you think this speaks to the fact there will be a variety of solutions that help miners ‘go electric’ in the future?

HA: Absolutely. It is not going to be one-size fits all. Some mines are going to go with battery-electric haulage and loading, some will go for hybrid solutions, others cable and some are just going to go with the cleanest diesel machine they can find and, in turn, ventilate as that is the only thing that practically works with them.

IM: Anything else to add on this subject?

HA: For me, it is important to balance the view of how fast the pickup of this technology will be.

It will take some time like it has with every other new technology in mining – it will be different solutions in different places – but I think there is a very bright future for electrification in mining. We simply have to move in that direction.

Henrik Ager will present ‘Productivity and sustainability through electrification’ in the keynote slot at The Electric Mine 2020 conference, in Stockholm, Sweden, on March 19. His presentation will also be streamed on Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s LinkedIn page. For more information on the event, click here.

Sandvik partners with Arctic distribution expert Northern Networks Ltd

Automation, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has made Northern Networks Ltd its new distribution partner for equipment and aftermarket solutions in Nunavut, Canada.

Northern Networks Ltd is an Arviat, Nunavut-based, majority Inuit-owned distributor with operations in Rankin Inlet, and specialises in contracting, procurement, and strategic partnerships. The company is a part of the Eskimo Point Lumber Supply group of companies, which was named one of Canada’s 500 fastest growing companies in 2018.

Northern Networks has been operating and generating employment opportunities in its community since 1993 and obtained its official certification of Inuit firm status in 1995.

Peter Corcoran, Managing Director of Sandvik Canada Inc, started thinking about potential distribution channels in Canada’s north as soon as it became clear major miners like Agnico Eagle Mines (Meliadine and Amaruq mines) would not be deterred by challenges presented by a northern environment when developing their arctic mines.

“Our customers are our partners,” Corcoran says, “and they are building these new mines in the north.”

The northern environment brings unique challenges to providing support to customers like monitoring the springtime ice melt to schedule parts and equipment for barges, building ice roads and working with local communities’ resources, according to Sandvik.

In order to properly serve these customers Corcoran knew that, in the long run, Sandvik would need to leverage the expertise of an established and experienced local Inuit partner to efficiently bring Sandvik’s products to Nunavut’s mines.

“Sandvik believes for mining to prosper in Canada the communities that are impacted by these mining projects will need to be involved,” Corcoran explains, “and the mining companies need Indigenous groups in the region to be a part of their businesses long term. Recognising that, Sandvik has built this strategy to have a partner in these areas and we have been fortunate in finding Northern Networks Ltd in Nunavut.”

According to Derrick Webster, Chief Operating Officer of Eskimo Point Lumber Supply and Northern Networks Ltd, the company was built to serve Nunavut: “We are actually in the community, with local infrastructure, people, equipment, and when a mine needs something we are here.”

Becoming an authorised Sandvik distribution partner will allow Northern Networks Ltd to leverage its extensive knowledge of Canada’s north to support the growth of the mining industry and stimulate further economic development in their community, according to Sandvik.

For Ryan St John, President & Chief Executive Officer of Eskimo Point Lumber Supply and Northern Networks Ltd, it has always been about supporting his community and staying true to his values. The company is proud 60% of its 170 employees come from local Inuit communities.

“Sandvik is a really good fit for [Northern Networks Ltd] because our values align in terms of honesty and transparency,” St John says.

“We like aligning ourselves with companies that want to be the best, that is what we strive to do every day,” St John explains. “What appealed to us with Sandvik was that they are the best in their field in terms of technology, they are continually improving, advancing, creating that value for customers, and creating opportunities for the communities we serve.”

St John expects partnering with a technologically advanced company like Sandvik will have positive implications for Nunavut in the future, and that his community is ready to take advantage.

“As you automate [in mining] there is more opportunity for people in the community to be a part of that industry and gain employment thanks to new technology, a lot of younger people are so computer-savvy, and they are already working with their hands and equipment every day,” he said.

Corcoran is also excited to witness the changes mining – and Sandvik’s new distribution partnership – could bring to a community with such a large population of ambitious young people ready to enter the workforce.

“A company like Sandvik could bring opportunities to the community because of the reach we have with technology,” he explains. “We have to excite the young people! Technology excites them. People need to be aware that mining is an exciting industry and you can make a good living and get a good education.”

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s full suite of products including surface and underground drills, underground loaders and trucks, automation and digital solutions, rock tools, and parts is available through Northern Networks Ltd, effective November 1, 2019.

Sandvik updates HLX5 rock drill for underground drilling

Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has launched a new rock drill for underground rigs that, it says, offers improved energy efficiency and increased durability.

The RDX5 rock drill replaces the HLX5 rock drill model in Sandvik drilling equipment, which has a heritage and longstanding reputation for being the world’s most reliable rock drill, according to Sandvik.

The new RDX5 rock drill has a significantly increased minimum service interval than the previous HLX5 model, yet its design follows that of the HLX5, with a minimal number of moving parts and pressurised seams.

Innovations have been made to several components, Sandvik said. This includes the flushing head, gear housing and body cylinder; all of which delivers a new level of durability for internal items. The RDX5 also has a new percussion package and patented piston design to help improve energy efficiency.

“Designed for face and long hole drilling, as well as rock bolting, the new RDX5 rock drill is completely interchangeable with HLX5 rock drills in all applications where used,” the company said.

Sandvik ups the drilling ante with DT1132i jumbo

Equipment maintenance, Explosives and blasting, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has launched a new underground jumbo that, it says, is purpose-designed for fast and accurate drilling in tunnelling and cavern excavation.

The Sandvik DT1132i jumbo is the latest addition to Sandvik’s already extensive range of underground drill rigs. Together with the new high frequency rock drill Sandvik RD535 and rock tools designed for high speed drilling, it provides users with a heavy duty solution for their underground drilling needs, according to the company.

“All Sandvik DTi tunnelling jumbos have been developed with a special modular design that makes them highly flexible and versatile,” Sandvik says. “Suitable for fast face drilling or mechanised long-hole drilling and bolting, they are proving be highly productive, reliable and effective across the world.”

These rigs also use the latest developments in automated drilling solutions such as the iSURE® tunnel management software and SICA intelligent control system.

The new machine is a three-boom, electro-hydraulic jumbo. The computer-controlled rig can use both operator-controlled boom positioning and full-face automatic drilling functions, and also incorporates some of Sandvik’s latest developments in digital solutions. It comes equipped with Sandvik’s new high frequency RD535 rock drill, robust booms and advanced drill string guides, “making it a complete and new high-speed drilling solution”, Sandvik says.

New features

The RD535 rock drill automated drilling features and new rock tools mean that that the DT1132i delivers the results required, but with 40% less exhaust particles, up to 20% higher penetration rate and with 25% more side coverage (3 x SB160i 190m2 -19,400m x 12,200m), Sandvik says.

The premise behind the development of the new DT1132i is to provide users with increased drilling performance and accuracy, thanks to its fast and adaptive drilling control capabilities, able to account for changing rock conditions. The rig design also maximises operator safety and ergonomics, with improved fleet standardisation (high parts commonality) enabling extended rig usage across different work sites.

Among the new features on the new rig is a 3 m telescopic TB160i boom, optimised with a front wrist structure that provides 1 m additional side coverage as standard, and 4 m side coverage with telescopic adjustment. The new boom also uses a new fully proportional boom control for accurate and fast manual boom handling, with intelligent compensation models to give accuracy in all operating conditions, according to Sandvik.

The rig also comes with an ergonomic vibration-dampened cabin, providing the operator with excellent all-round visibility, low noise level inside the cab – thanks to its acoustic windows – a filtration system to minimise dust inside the cab (according to standard EU6/7) and an open and spacious operator environment.

To further boost the efficiency of the rig and the operator, diagnostics information is integrated into one display. These include drilling diagnostics for boom instrumentation, drilling control system and shank lubrication, together with carrier diagnostics for electric motors, pumps (hydraulics and water), transmission system, diesel engines, brake system, jacks and cable reels.

Power and efficiency

The new RD535 rock drill has maximised power transfer capabilities leading to a high drilling speed without compromising hole quality, Sandvik says. It has an efficient and powerful patented percussion mechanism, as well as a tool-saving, efficient and patented stabiliser structure for increased reliability. These features, together with improved flushing and efficient cooling, provide uninterrupted high-speed drilling.

The DT1132i possesses a powerful transmission system with a Cummins B6.7, 168 kW diesel engine (Stage V) which can be operated up to 5,000 m above sea level without any modifications. The new engine provides up to a 90% reduction in NOx emissions (compared with stage III engines), with more than 90% mass reduction for diesel particulate monitoring. The rig uses a new carrier that has more efficient hydraulic and water systems – including separate circuits for both drilling and tramming hydraulics, proportional flushing valves to adjust the flushing flow and inlet/outlet pressure monitoring.

The rig steers by hydraulic rear wheel steering and its electric current reducer unit provides electric reactive power element from an on-board capacitor, reducing electric current draw by up to 20%. The 3 x 90 kW IE3 electric motors require 2.5% less energy, with all working lights based on LED technology, automatically controlled based on tramming direction and with directional lights available where needed, Sandvik says.

A new feed – TF535i – also provides increased feed force for high power drilling, while a saving hose reel structure gives longer service life for the hoses which are of an increased size.

Automated drilling

The DT1132i is available with some of the latest developments in automation, including a SICA control system for intelligent torque control/feed percussion, with monitoring and fleet management for My Sandvik. To further improve the excavation process, remote access via WLAN can be chosen to allow web-based data transfer as well as online measurement while drilling.

As ‘Gold’ standard, the DT1132i comes with torque based semi-automated drilling, manual boom control and rod handling, all enabling drilling to a predefined depth with feed angle measurement and drill bit location measurement. Drill plan visualisation and rig navigation are also included. In addition to these standard features, the rig is also available as part of the ‘Platinum’ package with automatic long hole drilling and fully automatic face drilling.

New drilling tools

For face drilling, the DT1132i comes with the new Sandvik Alpha 360 drilling system for the RD535 rock drill. This has features such as an optimised rod diameter with increased flushing hole size, increased flushing and higher penetration rates, as well as a new Sandvik Alpha 360 connection. The latter possesses a new larger bit thread for increased drilling power and straighter holes which gives higher advance rate per blast. For grouting, the GT38 system provides 50% less deviation and increased service life.

Sandvik makes mechanised cutting, autonomous equipment sales in Q2

Automation, Coal technology, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining services, Mining software, , , , ,

The performance of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology continued to stand out in Sandvik Group’s June quarter results as orders for mechanised cutting and autonomous equipment helped revenues jump.

Order intake from Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology of SEK11.9 billon ($1.27 billion) represented a historically high level, slightly shading the SEK11.4 billion posted a year earlier. Revenues and operating profit, meanwhile, were 3% and 13% higher, year-on-year, at SEK11.8 billion and SEK2.1 billion, respectively.

This compared positively with lower year-on-year order intake from the Sandvik Machining Solutions and Sandvik Materials Technology divisions, which led to overall group order intake falling 5% and adjusted operating profit dropping 2% for the quarter.

While Sandvik noted the mining market remained stable during the quarter, it also said “somewhat protracted decision-making among customers” became apparent over the three months.

Orders for equipment remained at a high level, positively impacted primarily by the mechanical cutting and automation divisions, Sandvik said, while orders for underground mining equipment declined against high comparables from last year.

Aftermarket orders increased at a “mid-single-digit pace”, both for parts & service as well as for consumables, the company said, adding that the aftermarket business accounted for 62% of revenues with the equipment business accounting for 38%.

Sandvik ups single-pass capacity on newest DR416i rotary blasthole drill

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, , , ,

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.”

The ‘value add’ in mining equipment finance and leasing

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining maintenance, Mining services, , , , , ,

In the last decade or so, there has been a big change in the way mining companies source equipment for new and existing operations, with finance, leasing and rental now major parts of the system.

IM spoke with some of the major finance, leasing and rental companies around the globe as part of a feature (to be published in April) on the subject.

This is what Björn van den Berg, Director Customer Finance, Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology, had to say about demand for equipment finance and leasing solutions from the mining industry:

“If you have a look at the growth rate for customer finance, it has grown substantially,” he told IM.

“There are two underlying trends here. One is we see increased usage of contractors in mining, with contractors having a totally different cash position to producing mines. That’s one of the reasons why we see increased demand for different types of finance options – a trend we have seen occurring over a longer period of time,” he said.

“A more recent trend is what I would call the subscription-based economy, or ‘product as a service’. In the past, customers had an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that would supply them with the machine and maybe some after-market services and they would own and use the machine until it fell apart. We are shifting more and more towards where the customer is not necessarily looking for an OEM that can provide a piece of equipment or machine. They are looking for a partner that can provide a solution, preferably, for the duration the customer requires.”

“In terms of the subscription-based economy trend, that normally includes a form of financing on the OEM side. That’s an emerging trend that has led to increased demand for different types of financial products.”

On these different types of financial products, van den Berg said: “We offer a finance-lease, loan – always asset-backed – and trade finance solutions, but what we also see is an increased demand for operational leases, or short-term rental type of solutions including or excluding services.”

The way customers are being charged is also changing, as their own internal cost structure evolves, he added.

“They might look for cost per hour, cost per tonne, cost per metre, etc,” he said. “Whatever defines a customer’s cost structure is the way they want to be charged.”

When it comes to providing not just a financial product, but a solution, van den Berg provided an example of how Sandvik’s equipment finance arm differentiates itself.

“We get requests from mines operating outdated machines where production levels and, therefore, cash flow isn’t where it can be. Sandvik comes in with a multi-disciplinary team, analyses the situation, assesses what the best alternative is for the mine, applies what impact that alternative will have on the cash flow and then structures a financial product around it that will let them achieve that cash flow.”

“A bank or generic financial institution might just look at the current balance sheet and profit and loss and decide not to finance the same initiative as the customer’s credit score does not support it.

“That is where we can add value over the customer’s house bank or other financial institution,” he said.

This interview is part of a wider feature on equipment finance, rental and leasing to be published in the upcoming April issue of International Mining

Henrik Ager to lead Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining people, Mining services, Mining software, , , , ,

Sandvik has appointed Henrik Ager, currently President for the Rock Tools division, as President of the Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology business area and a member of the Sandvik Group Executive Management, effective April 1.

Ager has more than 16 years’ experience in the mining industry, of which an extensive period has been spent living in South Africa. Additionally, he has worked in Australia, South America, India and other important mining markets.

His previous experience at Sandvik includes being President for the Global Equipment division and Vice President for Strategy within Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. He also held leading positions at McKinsey, Ericsson and several high-tech start-ups prior to joining Sandvik in 2014.

Sandvik’s President and CEO, Björn Rosengren, said: “I’m convinced that Henrik Ager, with his experience, already proven leadership skills and excellent performance in Sandvik, has the right capabilities to lead Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology going forward.

“Henrik is committed to further strengthening Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s market position, reinforcing customer relations, driving aftermarket sales, leveraging further on a decentralised way of working and ensuring our forefront position within automation, electrification and sustainability.”

Ager succeeds Lars Engström who, as announced last month, will leave Sandvik.

Photo credit: Gefle Dagblad, GD

Sandvik focuses on exploration technology for PDAC crowd

Mineral exploration, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology will show off its exploration technology at the upcoming Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention on March 3-6, with the DE712 Core Drill Rig one of the highlights.

Experts will be on hand to discuss the rig at booth 1031 in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Sandvik said, explaining the DE712 is suitable for both directional drilling and geotechnical drilling

“This rig features a capacity of 1,126 m depth in N size and is available in both, truck- and crawler-based configurations making it easy to transport across the site. Its open and accessible design make service and maintenance tasks fast and simple,” Sandvik said.

The DE712 comes with a heavy-duty frame and a robust design, Sandvik said. It is also a space efficient drill rig featuring a drill mast supported by a strong main hoist with a failsafe brake mechanism designed for angles between vertical and 45°.

“Equipped with a powerful diesel engine, water pump and highly efficient hydraulic system, this drill is easy to learn and simple to operate while its robust and precisely engineered design has proved its durability even in the toughest working environments,” the company said.

The DE712 also features a standard automatic fire suppression system and rod spin guard, which protects the operator from the rotating rod string. The on-board Sandvik Safe-T-Spin tool provides consistent pre-torqued joint in the drill string, increasing drill rod thread life while reducing use of stillsons and other hand tools, Sandvik said.

The Sandvik booth will also feature:

  • “BSU core barrel system featuring interchangeable components and offers standard and pump-in applications in a single system. The BSU system offers greater flexibility, a more cost-efficient solution, greater safety and increased productivity. The system is user-friendly and designed for safer handling. There is no need for different coring tool systems as this multifunctional system is ideal for both surface and underground applications;
  • “A new series of impregnated diamond core bits which simplify the selection for each geological condition and deliver unsurpassed balance between best penetration rates and optimum bit life;
  • “The RE531 RC down the hole hammer (86-102 mm (3 ⅜ -4 in) designed to achieve high penetration rates in all rock conditions while providing large, uncontaminated sample return and offering increased longevity and lower cost per metre.”

Sandvik introduces new ‘intelligent’ LH621i underground LHD

Automation, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , ,

To expand its existing “intelligent” offering, Sandvik has introduced its second i-series loader, the Sandvik LH621i.

The LH621i is the loader of choice for rapid mine development and large-scale underground production, according to the company, and is a matching pair with the previously introduced 63-t payload Sandvik TH663i truck.

Sandvik said: “The Sandvik LH621i sets the industry standard in the 21-t underground loader range.”

It has been built on technology inherited from the Sandvik LH621, and now enters the market equipped with further improved features, according to the company.

“With superior hydraulic power for fast bucket filling and drivetrain power for high ramp speeds, the Sandvik LH621i is designed to quickly clear tunnel headings for rapid advance rates,” Sandvik said. “Engineered with operator and maintenance personnel safety in mind, the rugged loader offers long component lifetimes and low costs per tonne.”

The Sandvik LH621i features the latest Sandvik Intelligent Control System and My Sandvik Digital Services Knowledge Box™ on-board hardware as standard, providing product health monitoring and faster troubleshooting, according to the company.

The equipment has been designed automation ready, enabling the installation of Sandvik’s AutoMine® installation as a retrofit in just a few days. To improve comfort and productivity in manual operation, improvements have been made to the operator’s compartment, as the Sandvik LH621i features a more spacious and ergonomic cabin with increased visibility and 7 in (17.8 cm) touch-screen colour display.

“In the engine compartment, a fuel efficient 352 kW Stage II/Tier 2 engine deliveries powerful thrust for fast bucket filling and high-speed tramming for high productivity. A new, more powerful 375 kW Tier 4 Final/Stage IV low emission engine option is available with the use of ultra low sulphur diesel fuel,” the company said.

The diesel engine brake in the Stage IV/Tier 4 Final engine provides better control of vehicle speed downhill, minimising brake and transmission overheating and brake wear. Further, SHARK™ ground engaging tools are available on a wide range of bucket sizes, optimised for loader productivity and extended bucket service life.

Olli Karlsson, Product Line Manager, Large Loaders, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said: “The new Sandvik LH621i competes in a space of its own. This new 21-t capacity loader truly represents a new breed of productivity and emphasises Sandvik’s capability to develop robust and efficient underground load and haul equipment.”

Sandvik’s i-series loader and truck family now includes two loaders and three trucks – the Sandvik LH517i, Sandvik LH621i, Sandvik TH545i, Sandvik TH551i and Sandvik TH663i.