MINEX Forum

Tag: Sandvik

  • Sandvik Unveils Enhanced Toro® TH663i I Gen2 Underground Truck

    Sandvik Unveils Enhanced Toro® TH663i I Gen2 Underground Truck

    Sandvik has launched the Toro® TH663i I Gen2 underground truck, marking a significant advancement in its 63-tonne haulage platform. This latest iteration incorporates over 30 enhancements aimed at boosting reliability, productivity, operator safety, and total cost of ownership for underground mining operations. The updates are a result of continuous improvement, operational experience, and valuable customer insights, ensuring that the truck meets the evolving needs of the mining industry.

    Performance data from existing underground operations indicates notable improvements when compared to earlier models of the Toro® TH663i. Specifically, the new truck boasts a 25% reduction in mean time to repair (MTTR) and a 12% increase in mean time between failures (MTBF). These enhancements translate to an impressive gain of over 170 additional operating hours per truck each year, providing operators with greater efficiency and productivity.

    Esa-Pekka Kantola, Product Line Manager for Load and Haul at Sandvik Mining, emphasised the importance of reliability in performance, stating, “Customers are looking for predictable performance they can rely on every shift.” The Toro® TH663i I Gen2 has been refined based on years of operational experience, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds customer expectations in terms of productivity and cost management.

    Rather than undergoing a complete redesign, the Toro® TH663i I Gen2 builds on the established foundation of its predecessor, integrating accumulated improvements across various components, including the engine, electrical systems, powertrain, software, and structural systems. This strategic approach allows for a seamless transition for operators familiar with the previous model while enhancing the overall performance and durability of the truck.

    The comprehensive updates are designed to increase equipment availability, enhance durability, improve serviceability, and support lower costs per tonne throughout the equipment’s lifecycle. Additionally, the Toro® TH663i I Gen2 is compatible with Sandvik’s digital and automation technologies, such as My Sandvik Digital Services and AutoMine® solutions, and is backed by Sandvik’s extensive global parts, service, and training network, ensuring that operators have the support they need to maximise their investment.

  • BHP Orders Three More Continuous Mining Systems for Jansen Potash Project’s Second Phase

    BHP Orders Three More Continuous Mining Systems for Jansen Potash Project’s Second Phase

    BHP has extended its collaboration with Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions by ordering three additional underground continuous mining systems for the second phase of the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan. Valued at approximately $249 million, the systems will be delivered between 2028 and 2029. In 2022, BHP had contracted Sandvik for four systems for the project’s first phase.

    Each continuous mining system includes a Sandvik MF460 borer miner and a Sandvik PO140 extendable conveyor, capable of cutting up to 6.3 metres wide and 4.36 metres high, and can produce between 1,300 and 1,500 tonnes of potash per hour. Sandvik’s system is said to double the industry benchmark for tonnes per hour. The partnership began in 2010 when BHP approached Sandvik to solve material handling challenges, leading to the development of these systems.

    The Jansen project is expected to become one of the world’s largest potash mines, with production starting in 2026. Once fully operational, it will produce up to 8.5 million tonnes of potash annually.

  • Sandvik to explore surface drilling automation, digitalisation, electrification advances at new testing facility

    Sandvik to explore surface drilling automation, digitalisation, electrification advances at new testing facility

    In support of the shift towards electrification and the advancement of autonomous and optimisation technologies in surface drilling, Sandvik has acquired a new testing facility in Finland to develop and prove future surface drilling technologies.

    The surface test mine is 40 km northwest of Tampere and Sandvik’s underground test mine. The area, which has previously served as a quarry, will be developed by its own drilling plan. The site is Sandvik’s first dedicated exclusively to surface drilling on such a large scale.

    Petri Virrankoski, President, Surface Drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said: “The development of comprehensive solutions that not only harness the latest technologies but also deliver productivity and reliability in our customers’ real-life applications and conditions requires a real-life test environment. The surface test mine will facilitate the exchange of our deep know-how in equipment manufacturing, rock tools, automation and digitalisation, supporting the design and development of even more new products and solutions in the future.”

    Sandvik is currently developing the site, officially known as Sandvik Test Pit, and testing its first drills there. Over the next two years, the company plans to construct permanent office buildings and designated customer facilities at the location.

    Sandvik will use the test mine for R&D as well as hosting customers for technology demonstrations, particularly those related to automation, digitalisation and electrification of surface drills. The site will enable technology development and training for both surface boom and rotary drill rigs, as well as rock tools, parts and services and related digital technologies such as automation and fleet telematics and monitoring solutions.

    The test mine will also allow Sandvik to explore and demonstrate power source alternatives in a real-world environment, in which infrastructure to support both boom and rotary drilling electrification can be provided.

    Dave Shellhammer, President, Rotary Drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said: “Decarbonisation is accelerating across our industry, and the role of electrification in surface mining sustainability will help guide our development of new systems and solutions. Testing is a major part of our R&D cycle. This new test mine will help us shorten time to market and verify even more swiftly that we’re delivering the safest, most reliable and productive drill rigs to our customers.”