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Sandvik completes acquisition of Polymathian, strengthens Deswik mine planning offering

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Sandvik has completed the previously announced acquisition of Polymathian Industrial Mathematics, in the process becoming a part of its Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Business Unit Deswik.

Polymathian’s solutions for automated decision making and optimisation complements Deswik’s suite of mine planning software and consulting services while remaining OEM agnostic, the OEM said. Deswik, a leading mine planning software company, was previously acquired by Sandvik in April 2022.

Matt Chilcott, CEO of Deswik, said: “We are very excited to welcome Polymathian to the Deswik family. Our employees have been the driving force behind our success. Introducing the talent, experience, and innovative technologies of the Polymathian team will position us to deliver even higher value to mining operations globally.”

The addition of Polymathian to Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions broadens the offering and is another step towards enhancing the productivity of the mining customers’ value chain, it said. Combined with Deswik’s software solutions, the acquisition creates a “unique digital portfolio” that will help customers optimise their data driven operations.

Polymathian’s co-Founders, Dr Ben Hollis, Jonathon White and Steven Donaldson, will join Deswik’s senior management team and continue to lead the development of Polymathian’s software suite and technology platform.

Hollis said: “We are thrilled to be joining the Sandvik Group and believe that our combined expertise will lead to great advances in the field of data analytics for the mining industry. We look forward to leveraging Sandvik’s global reach and resources to bring our software solutions to even more customers around the world.”

Sandvik Leopard DI650i drill rigs make first appearance in Namibia mining industry

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Namibia-based KODO Drilling has taken delivery of the country’s first Sandvik Mining and Rock Solution’s Leopard™ DI650i surface drill rigs, which are set to go to work at an open-pit gold mine.

The rigs will be used as part of KODO Drilling’s down-the-hole (DTH) production drilling remit at the mine. The units arrived at the mine site in early November 2022.

According to Andries van Wyngaard, Territory Manager and Acting Managing Director at Sandvik Namibia, the contract is an important step in the company’s expansion strategy. Over the past year, its field service department has grown to seven trained full-service technicians in-country.

“As Sandvik Namibia gears up to support more equipment sales into the local market, we are grateful to KODO Drilling for their confidence in our innovative products and committed service,” van Wyngaard says. “With the values of KODO Drilling and Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions so closely aligned – including safety and service excellence – this is a perfect fit.”

The DI650i, a diesel powered crawler mounted intelligent DTH rig, is designed for demanding production drilling applications in surface mining, according to van Wyngaard. The self-contained unit is equipped with an ergonomic iCAB operator’s cabin, fixed boom, dry dust collector and drill pipe changer – incorporating a modern design and layout.

“The rig comes with a range of new or redesigned components to boost its productivity,” he says. “It has the capacity to drill a wide variety of hole sizes from 90-165 mm. We have also run trials in Namibia with our RH560 hammer and we’ve seen exceptional performance – drilling holes from 115-203 mm.”

KODO Drilling Director, Vilho Hanghome, says his company’s progress is based on its constant drive to deliver innovative services and perform within a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.

“Having previously procured exploration rigs from Sandvik, we have valued the equipment quality and service we have received – as these have allowed us to deliver performance within budget to our clients,” Hanghome says. “We are therefore pleased to be investing in Sandvik’s state-of-the-art DTH technology and we will rely on their high level technical support going forward.”

Van Wyngaard says the contract shows KODO’s faith in Sandvik Namibia’s ability to support its DTH offering with aftermarket service. He points to the considerable interest the local market has shown in the delivery of the two rigs.

“After we signed off on the deal and sent the units off from our Khomanani headquarters in Kempton Park, many of our Namibian customers have noticed them on the road and posted excited comments online,” he says. “The mine where the rigs will operate is also looking forward to benefiting from the results of the new machines’ performance.”

Among the advantages the units offer is ground level access to all daily maintenance and service points. This makes for greater safety – as technicians do not have to climb around the machine. It also adds to productivity, as quicker maintenance means less downtime. Its silent and ergonomic cabin is a leader in the market, and boasts excellent visibility for safety and operability, according to the company.

Contributing to its low total cost of ownership are its intelligent hydraulic and compressor systems, which, it says, can deliver 38-42% improved fuel efficiency. Incorporating intelligent technology, the Sandvik DI650i rigs can accommodate scalable automation from on-board options to full automation systems.

Sandvik Namibia has made encouraging progress with recent equipment sales into Namibia, explains van Wyngaard, and he looks forward to a new era of engagement with both the surface and underground mining segments.

“Building on our long-standing relationship with KODO Drilling, we look forward to many more successful ventures with them and other customers,” he says.

Sandvik to launch newest Ranger DX910i top hammer surface drill rig at CONEXPO

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Among a long list of new products, digital solutions and displays Sandvik plans to introduce at North America’s largest construction tradeshow, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, in Las Vegas, USA, is the Ranger™ DX910i, the company’s latest flagship top hammer surface drill rig.

Sandvik will showcase some of its newest innovations in surface drilling, rock tools, stationary crushing and screening and parts and services at the event, which runs from March 14 to March 18.

The Ranger DX910i is being launched together with new drilling tools. The shoulder-driven curved thread systems CT55 and CT67 increase productivity and reduce fuel consumption, according to the company.

The Ranger DX910i on display will be equipped with the new high-power rock drill RD930C, which expands Ranger DX910i’s hole size range beyond existing DXi rock drill options.

The company will display its electric concept surface drill rig, which demonstrates advanced technologies that will be featured on future Sandvik surface rigs to support more sustainable and energy-efficient drilling. It will also showcase its Leopard DI650i, a surface drill simulator and the RockPulse system for optimising Ranger drilling results.

The OEM will display its latest rock tools offerings at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, including the Tundo™ RH650 down-the-hole hammer, Sandvik Alpha™ 340 top hammer drilling tools, which feature an entirely new asymmetric thread, as well as the LT90 top hammer drilling tools. The company will also highlight its Carbide Recycling Program for recycling customers’ worn carbide tools, aimed at improving sustainability across the value chain.

Sandvik’s Alpha 340 top hammer drilling tools feature an entirely new asymmetric thread

The technologically-advanced Sandvik CH865i mid-range cone crusher will anchor the stationary crushing and screening display at the event, which will also feature SAM by Sandvik, the ever-evolving “always on” digital assistant to support operational excellence in crushing and screening plants, as well as the next generation Sandvik Automation and Connectivity System (ACS-c 4.3) for optimising crusher performance, the company says. Sandvik will also showcase its Sandvik CV217 vertical shaft impact crusher as well as screening media and wear protection.

Sandvik’s parts and services exhibit at CONEXPO-CON/AGG will include an interactive display introducing My Sandvik Productivity for Boom Drills, a telematics solution providing easy-to-read dashboards for faster, fact-based decision making, it said. Exhibit visitors can also l experience a live demo of Sandvik’s Expert Off-Site, an on-demand web-based service that instantly connects customers with Sandvik experts remotely, minimising downtime costs typically associated with waiting for technical support, the company explained. Sandvik will also highlight its extended warranty solutions and comprehensive equipment rental offering.

Sandvik Rock Processing navigates choppy waters to deliver Africa’s first SmartPlant

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A fluorite mine some 100 km outside Pretoria, South Africa, has become the first recipient of Sandvik Rock Processing’s first locally-manufactured SmartPlant™ in Africa.

Following its recent commissioning, the 300 t/h plant has already met process guarantees and reached nameplate capacity, according to the OEM.

To improve efficiency and productivity, a South Africa-based fluorspar producer went into the market for a new processing plant in 2020. The SmartPlant concept from Sandvik Rock Processing appealed to the customer for several reasons, but mainly because of the fast delivery time, flexibility and substantial cost savings it would offer the operation.

SmartPlant is a range of pre-defined Sandvik SmartStations that can be mixed and matched to meet individual customer needs for maximum productivity and performance, thus reducing wait time, maximising uptime and increasing profitability, according to Sandvik. Delivery generally takes about 22-30 weeks ex-works. Where there are peripheral design changes to the pre-defined SmartStations, lead times may be shorter than the standard 22-30 weeks.

According to Jaco Benade, Project Manager– Crushing and Screening at Sandvik, the deal was negotiated midway through the COVID-19 hard lockdown of 2020. The order was placed during Level 5 of the lockdown, with manufacturing commencing during Level 4. Despite the challenges brought about by the travel restrictions, compounded by the global supply chain disruptions, the plant was still delivered on time and within budget.

“A major talking point of the project was the short delivery time of 22 weeks ex-works at a favourable capital cost for the customer,” Benade says. “The SmartPlant concept allowed the customer to choose from the pre-defined SmartStations, combine and configure them to meet specific site and operational needs, with no extra design and engineering costs.”

While the designs are very much pre-defined, the SmartPlant still offered a great deal of flexibility for the customer, according to Glen Schoeman, Vice President – Sub-Sahara Africa at Sandvik Rock Processing.

“The modular approach of the SmartPlant meant that the customer could tweak design parameters such as height, capacity and liner profiles, amongst others, without much concern about cost deviations and time implications,” Schoeman said.

Regarding flexibility, Sandvik’s approach to the project was also a major plus for the customer. For example, based on its understanding of the customer’s budget and time constraints, Sandvik opted for the mine to commission a conveyor supplier of its choice, purely to shorten the time to production and reduce costs for the customer.

In line with Sandvik’s ‘safety first’ culture, the project was delivered with no lost time injuries, all the way from project inception to commissioning.

“Despite the arduous conditions on site, ranging from excessive heat to wet weather conditions, the project was completed with an impeccable zero harm safety record,” Schoeman says.

The new plant comprises a full suite of Sandvik equipment, including jaw and cone crushers, screens and feeders. Informed by customer needs, Sandvik opted for a much bigger front end of the plant, comprising a large tip area and bigger jaw crusher. The Sandvik CJ412 primary jaw crusher, which takes a 750 mm top size, is fed by a box bin and a grizzly feeder.

The plant also employs two Sandvik CH840i cone crushers for secondary and tertiary crushing, the very first units of the company’s 800i series range of cone crushers in Africa. Another first in Africa is the rotary feeder on top of the cone used to distribute material into the crusher.

“This is a fantastic approach,” Benade says. “The rotary feeder turns slowly, evenly distributing material around the edges of the crusher. This reduces pressure peaks in the crusher caused by uneven feed, a common challenge in crushing plants. The rotary feeder has passed with flying colours in terms of its performance at this particular site.”

The CH840i cone crushers come with Sandvik’s Automation and Connectivity System as standard. The system continuously monitors and optimises crusher performance and controls the complete lubrication system, increasing uptime and reliability. It can automatically adjust crusher settings to compensate for crushing chamber wear, ensuring consistent product size, according to Sandvik.

In addition, the SAM by Sandvik digital service supports operational excellence in the plant.

Benade concluded: “SAM by Sandvik brings people, activities and data together in an easy-to-use, seamless and collaborative way. It allows both client and OEM remote access to the plant. The system itself provides a holistic view of the plant, enabling the customer to make informed decisions and the OEM to respond proactively to any equipment health and performance issues.”

Newmont transitions to Sandvik AutoMine tele-remote ops at Cerro Negro

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Newmont says its Cerro Negro underground operations in Argentina have transitioned to tele-remote mode with the implementation of the Sandvik AutoMine® platform.

The transition, completed last year, is part of Newmont’s Full Potential structured and continuous improvement program that began in 2014. This program has since delivered over $4 billion in value, while serving as Newmont’s key vehicle for reducing costs and boosting productivity across its operating sites and functions.

In the company’s recent September quarter results call, Newmont Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Rob Atkinson, confirmed that Cerro Negro had become the first mine in Argentina to implement the AutoMine system for tele-remote underground loading and hauling.

“The implementation of this technology has eliminated safety risks associated with operator exposure underground, has allowed for the recovery of more ore from each of the stopes, has reduced equipment damage, and, really importantly in the Argentinian context, increased underground working time,” he said.

“We’ve had tremendous success with tele-remote operations at our Australian and Canadian underground mines, and this is yet another example of the value added through the rapid replication of leading practices across our global operations.”

Cerro Negro has three high-grade underground operating mines – Eureka, Mariana Central and Mariana Norte – and two underground deposits being developed, Emilia and San Marcos, as well as five other deposits in late-stage evaluation for development to expand the existing operations in the Marianas Complex and establish operations in the Eastern District.

The extensive Cerro Negro complex has several other deposits and exploration targets, including an open-pit mine known as Vein Zone and one cyanide leach processing facility with Merrill Crowe recovery yielding gold recoveries of 90-97%.

Patricio Apablaza named President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Load & Haul Division

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Patricio Apablaza has been appointed as the new President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ (SMR) Load & Haul Division, replacing Mats Eriksson, who took up the role of President of SMR as of October 1.

Apablaza now becomes a member of the Business Area management team, reporting direct to the President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, and will be based in Turku (Finland) as soon as practically possible.

“Patricio’s proven leadership skills, commercial understanding and extensive experience within the mining industry will equip him well for his new role as President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Load & Haul Division,” Sandvik said.

MMG brings in new Sandvik equipment for owner-operator transition at Dugald River

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MMG Limited has acquired new underground equipment for its Dugald River zinc-lead mine in Queensland, Australia, as it gears up to make the transition from a contract miner-led operation to a run of mine (ROM) owner-operator model in 2023.

Among the purchases are three Sandvik DL421-15C longhole drills that will allow the team to drill holes up to 54 m in length and 115 mm in diameter.

A further seven Sandvik TH663i 63-t-payload underground haul trucks (pictured) have been purchased to support operations.

“These important acquisitions support Dugald River’s new operating model as ROM owner operator into 2023,” the company said.

Dugald River’s mining operations were previously overseen by Perenti-owned Barminco as part of a production and development contract which ends on December 31. Redpath Australia was awarded a new underground mining services contract at the mine, earlier this year.

Sandvik and Redpath to tackle underground mine safety and profitability with new pact

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Sandvik and Redpath are aiming to improve safety and reduce underground mining costs through technology advancements, innovation, continuous improvement projects and standardised best practices under a newly-signed agreement guided by operational and relationship key performance indicators.

The five-year agreement includes Sandvik commitments on local presence and support, as well as an annual technology summit and factory training sessions. It will also standardise the use of equipment, leading to cost reductions and safety enhancements, the companies said.

“Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has long been a valued supplier of underground mining solutions to our global operations,” George Flumerfelt, CEO of The Redpath Group, said. “This mutually beneficial cooperation will help ensure Sandvik provides the same service experience and quality, independently of the geographic location and size of Redpath operations.”

Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, added: “This agreement underlines the trust we have in our long-term relationship and further strengthens our good partnership with Redpath. Closer collaboration with Redpath’s business will enable us to deliver on expectations and optimise our product development.”

The two companies have worked on many underground mining projects together in the past and, last year, Redpath became the first company to receive and operate a Sandvik DD212 production drill in Australia, putting it into action at Silver Lake Resources’ Rothsay gold mine in Western Australia.

Bolting head upgrade gives Sandvik DS300 drills new life at New Afton mine

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A like-for-like Sandvik Bolting Head (SBH) upgrade at the New Afton mine, in British Columbia, Canada, is delivering a significant productivity boost at the New Gold-owned operation, according to Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

Launched over a decade ago, New Afton’s now ageing Sandvik DS300 drill rigs are being given a new lease of life, thanks to an upgrade that sees a current generation bolting head fitted in a like-for-like replacement. Not only is maintenance more straightforward and spare parts easier to source, the new bolting head is delivering a remarkable productivity increase – of 25% – Sandvik claims. In fact, so successful has the mine’s 2021 upgrade been that New Gold has recently confirmed a second of its Sandvik DS300 drill rigs will be given the treatment.

Bolting rigs are used to stabilise hanging and side walls in underground mine applications.

“The upgraded SBH bolting head fitted to the Sandvik DS300s is the business end of the drill and features the latest RD300 series rock drill,” Francois Nell, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Head of Rebuilds and Upgrades, says. “This makes it perfect for rock reinforcement in underground mines with small-and-medium cross sections. Different bolt type and length configurations are available, providing an extensive bolt selection, while a full bolt carousel ensures the DS300 is capable of installing up to 15 bolts, ranging from 1.6-3 m in length. Bolt types include cement grouted, resin grouted, anchor point and friction bolts.”

There are several benefits of adding new technology to ageing drills, according to Nell.

“The new SBH is already proven in the field and gives an instant performance boost, thanks to the RD314’s much improved penetration rates,” he explained. “Added to that is the convenience of being able to source readily available current parts more easily, as well as increasing mine’s parts commonality across more drills.

“Also, the new SBH doesn’t put the rest of the D300 under additional strain; in fact, due to the lighter RD314 drifter compared to the drill it replaces, machine strain is, if anything, reduced.”

The SBH upgrade itself is straightforward, coming in kit form, and can be conducted by a mine’s in-house technical teams using the instruction manual the SBH comes with, according to Sandvik. Taking at most a couple of shifts to complete, customer feedback regarding the installation process has been universally positive, the OEM says.

With several hundreds of Sandvik’s Lyon, France-built D300s still working around the world, Sandvik says it expects that this SBH upgrade will be as popular with other mines as it is at New Afton.

Sandvik to pair Polymathian portfolio with Deswik solutions for ‘unique’ combination

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Sandvik has signed an agreement to acquire Polymathian Industrial Mathematics, an Australia-based provider of advanced mine optimisation software and services.

Polymathian will be reported in Digital Mining Technologies, a division within business area Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions (SMR), Sandvik says.

Polymathian’s solutions for automated decision making and process optimisation complements the offering of Deswik, a leading mine planning software company which Sandvik acquired in April, the company added. Its product offering includes mining operations optimisation and simulation software for areas such as extraction process, material flow, energy and fuel consumption, and maintenance efficiency. It counts several of the world’s largest mining companies as customers.

Stefan Widing, President and CEO of Sandvik, said: “With the acquisition of Polymathian we continue to broaden our offering to enhance productivity in our mining customers’ value chain. Polymathian’s automated decision making and process optimisation, together with Deswik’s software tools for planning and managing production, represent a unique combination in the market.”

Polymathian will be a part of Business Unit Deswik and remain OEM agnostic, according to Sandvik.

The acquisition will enable Sandvik to further accelerate the development of its end-to-end optimisation, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and AutoMine® offerings, by leveraging Polymathian’s unique skillset and platform, it added.

Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said: “Polymathian is a great addition to Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, and enables SMR to now have a unique digital portfolio that will help our customers to optimise their data-driven operations across the value chain and ensure their mine design is fully compatible with technologies like AutoMine and BEVs. I am very pleased to welcome Polymathian to the Group.”

Polymathian was founded in 2013, has 50 employees and is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia. The company’s annual revenues per June 2022 were around SEK100 million ($9.6 million). The transaction is expected to close during the March quarter of 2023.