Tag Archives: Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

Sandvik builds on rotary blasthole drill foundations with new xSeries

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

Sandvik has launched the xSeries family of rotary and DTH drills, as it looks to offer a “migration path” to its iSeries of drill rigs.

The xSeries is built upon the proven design and reliability of Sandvik’s diesel-powered rotary blasthole drills and features added intelligence and improved operator ergonomics, according to the company. “This provides operators with the right balance of reliability and technology to drill the perfect hole safely,” Sandvik said.

Highlights of the xSeries, according to Sandvik, include:

  • Touch screen GUI interface featuring the Sandvik Automation Module (SAM) offering the following options:
    • Health monitoring system – replaces old style shutdown switches and enables continuous, real-time measurement, allowing the operator to take the necessary actions in advance of any alarm situation;
    • Same hardware and software components as the iSeries machine including a 7 inch (17.8 cm) mobile-grade rugged touch screen and latest generation PLC;
    • Improved user experience – enhanced control system features (as found with the iSeries machines) reduce troubleshooting time and increase availability. Familiar Sandvik “look and feel” graphical user interface reduces the learning curve.
  • Compressor Management System (CMS) Lite electronic controlled compressor system;
  • Oversize driller’s window offers a “superb view” of the drill table during operation and improved visibility during tramming;
  • Bolt-on mast locks eliminate cutting and welding, making mast change-outs easy;
  • Swivel-enabled operators seat with integrated electrohydraulic controls simplifies operation and offers improved visibility of operating environment.

Jacques Britz, Vice President, Surface Pedestal Drills, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said: “For decades, customers have counted on Sandvik to develop the most durable products in the market – rigs that will be able to work at a mine site for decades.

“In developing the xSeries, we’ve taken our customers’ feedback into our research and development efforts and are proud of the newest addition to our product line.”

Sandvik says the xSeries offers a migration path to the iSeries “should the customers’ business needs dictate”.

iSeries drill rigs are equipped with Sandvik Intelligent Control System Architecture, which provide a wide range of functions for maximising performance and precision in drilling, and have features for fully-automated face drilling, optimised penetration, boom control systems and comprehensive tools for drill planning, reporting and analysis, the company said.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s Lars Engström to leave in 2019

Mining equipment, Mining people, Mining services, Mining software, , , ,

Sandvik has announced that Lars Engström, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, will leave the company this year after the appointment of a successor.

The news came on the same day the company announced the acquisition of battery-electric underground machine specialist Artisan Vehicles.

Engström has been a member of the executive management of Sandvik since 2016, heading up the Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology business. He has, during this time, successfully improved the performance of the business area and its divisions in accordance with Sandvik’s strategy to ensure stability, profitability and growth, the company said.

“During Lars Engström’s leadership, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s has grown from about SEK30 billion ($3.33 billion) to SEK44 billion in revenues and the operating margin has improved from 10% in the beginning of 2016 to 19% in the fourth (December) quarter of 2018,” Sandvik said.

Björn Rosengren, Sandvik’s President and CEO, said he was very grateful for Engström’s contributions to the group.

“He has built a successful decentralised organisation and significantly strengthened the results of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s divisions. However, we have now together reached the conclusion that it’s time for a new leadership.

“We have a lot of good talent in Sandvik so I feel confident that we will have several interested and motivated candidates for the job. At the same time, I’m pleased that Lars will stay on-board to ensure a successful transition before leaving.”

The recruitment process for a new president of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology will now be initiated, Sandvik noted.

Sandvik and SUEK sign major mechanical cutting machine contract

Coal technology, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is to supply SUEK (Sibirskaja Ugolnaja Energetitscheskaja Kompanija) with 12 mechanical cutting machines for various coal mines in Siberia, Russia, the mining OEM has confirmed.

SUEK is one of the world’s leading coal producers, the largest coal producer, supplier and exporter in Russia, as well as a leading heat and electricity producer in Siberia.

The recently signed order includes the delivery of 10 Sandvik MB670-1 Bolter Miners (pictured) and two Sandvik MH621 Roadheaders – with an option for another two Sandvik MH621 Roadheaders. The new machines will provide improved reliability and operating performance for the mines as well as provide a wide range of productivity features, Sandvik said.

Delivery of all machines is scheduled for the second half of 2019.

The Sandvik MB670-1 Bolter Miner is purpose-built for longwall coal mining. These wide-head continuous miners combine special design features for cutting, loading, ground support and face ventilation in a balanced machine with superior productivity and strong environmental, health and safety performance, according to Sandvik.

Meanwhile, the Sandvik MH621 Roadheaders are equipped with powerful, geometrically optimised cutter heads, designed to continuously excavate roadways, tunnels and other underground caverns without using explosives. These electro-hydraulic machines cause no harmful vibrations and are ideal for mining coal and other soft rock minerals, according to Sandvik.

Roman Tonyshev, Business Line Manager, Mechanical Cutting Division, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said: “Sandvik was awarded the contract having delivered a good technical proposal to the customer, showing the ability to provide excellent technical solutions based on Sandvik’s vast experience in designing bolter miners and roadheaders in the area of mechanical cutting equipment.”

Orders, revenue and profit increase for Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

Automation, Base metals, Equipment maintenance, Industrial minerals, IoT, Mineral project development, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, , ,

Sandvik’s Mining and Rock Technology business reported a solid set of financial results for the September quarter, supported by high demand from both the aftermarket and equipment businesses.

Order intake improved 8% year-on-year to SEK10.47 billion ($1.17 billion) as a result of strong development in most product areas, the company noted.

Revenues increased 14% to SEK10.84 billion, supported by strong order intake in recent quarters and favourable demand in the aftermarket business, while operating profit increased 34% to SEK1.97 billion.

On key items impacting order intake and revenues compared with the year-earlier period, Sandvik said there was a “high level of demand in both the aftermarket and equipment businesses”.

Demand for equipment was mainly driven by replacement or upgrades of existing machines and fleets, with additional support from expansion activities in existing mines, the company said.

Meanwhile, Sandvik said underlying customer activity remained favourable for mining equipment throughout the period although the impact from the timing of sizeable orders hampered the company’s growth rates.

There was strong demand in the aftermarket business for both parts and service, and consumables, according to the company. This aligned with the aftermarket business accounting for 62% of revenues during the quarter, compared with 38% for the equipment business.