Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is launching a new, even more productive and sustainable top hammer drill rig, designed especially for drilling and blasting contractors. The redesigned Dino™ DC420Ri will replace its well-known predecessor, Dino™ DC410Ri, although the proven overall concept – namely the biggest coverage area in its class and powerful rock drill – will remain. In addition, the new Dino™ DC420Ri will feature a wider carrier for improved stability, a powerful Stage V engine for lower emissions, together with a drill rod carousel and one-hole automation for increased productivity (Figure 1).

During the span of just a few years, the Dino™ DC410Ri top hammer drill rig has become a popular choice for urban contractors and others looking for excellent productivity and mobility in the 51 to 76 mm hole size range. The boom system has the largest coverage area in this drill rig category and the powerful 14 kW RD414 rock drill enables high-capacity drilling. Upgrades were however needed to ensure its proven concept remains competitive for years to come, in terms of both productivity and sustainability.

Several of the key features on the newly-introduced Dino™ DC420Ri have been completely redesigned. A Stage V diesel engine now provides regulatory compatibility for the markets where this low-emission engine standard is required and the rig carrier is wider, offering better stability – thereby improving operator safety in difficult terrain and at challenging work sites. The third major upgrade is the actual drilling system, which can now be fitted with an optional three-rod carousel cassette to enable longer holes, up to a depth of 14 m. Future upgrades will add the option of one-hole automation, making full use of the potentially longer holes and improved productivity made possible by the addition of the drill steel carousel.

In addition to the most significant upgrades to the tracked carrier, drilling system and engine, Dino™ DC420Ri will also feature several other smaller, but nevertheless significant, new features. Operators of the new machine will enjoy a new 7″ touchscreen and a control system and screens with the same look and feel as cabinless Sandvik drill rigs Commando™ DC130Ri and DC300Ri, offering a unified user experience, ease of training and other commonality benefits. The drill navigation system is updated to the TIMi version and the electric systems have been redesigned to improve overall robustness and reliability.

The development does not stop here. Over the next few years, the Dino™ series will be streamlined into a single Dino™ DC420Ri with two engine options for both Tier 3 and Stage V emission classes. Until then, Dino™ DC410Ri will remain on the market to bridge the offering for those customers who require a Tier 3 engine. Future system updates will also include an open interface for transferring 3D data to third-party systems for purposes such as drilling and blasting planning or production control.

Further information/Weitere Informationen:
Sandvik Mining and Construction Central Europe GmbH
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is launching Sandvik Alpha™ 340 asymmetric drilling tools, a new thread concept within its top hammer drilling offering for mining and tunneling. Replacing the proven Sandvik Alpha™ 330 thread system, the new concept delivers up to 30 percent longer service life and increased productivity.

The new Sandvik Alpha™ 340 thread is designed for use in face drilling and bolting in mine development and tunneling, with hole sizes ranging from 43-51 millimeters. It features an entirely new asymmetric thread profile and has a larger diameter on the bit end thread of the drifter rod, reducing stress levels in critical areas. Uncoupling is also easier than in previous designs, saving both time and effort. Perhaps the biggest potential lies in the increased service life of the drill rod: with Sandvik Alpha™ 340, customers can achieve up to 30 percent longer service life – significantly increasing productivity and reducing cost per meter advanced.

“The Sandvik Alpha™ 330 concept has served our customers extremely well over the past 20 years, ensuring highly reliable and productive drilling,” said Robert Grandin, Product Manager Top Hammer Underground Rock Tools at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “With the launch of its successor, we create a revolutionizing new way of working with top hammer rock tools, thanks to its asymmetric design. This new concept will deliver both immediate and long term value for our customers.”

The new thread concept also comes with improved drill bits. Sandvik’s successful PowerCarbide™ grades will be more widely available in the standard assortment, and many bits get design upgrades with more gauge angles or larger buttons for increased robustness.

“The new system is the driller’s choice,” Grandin said. “It is very user-friendly and provides easy uncoupling – which saves a lot of frustration for the driller – but also increases productivity, leading to better drilling results.

The new Sandvik Alpha™ 340 thread concept will replace its predecessor Sandvik Alpha™ 330 in a phase-out process over the coming quarters. The new products are available for order today.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has introduced its AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill, the company’s second technology demonstrator for its future autonomous mining vision.

The AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill is a fully autonomous, twin-boom development drill rig capable of drilling without human interaction. The cabinless battery-electric drill can plan and execute the entire drilling cycle from tramming to the face, setting up for drilling, drilling the pattern and returning home to charge for the next cycle.

Less than two years after introducing the AutoMine^® Concept Loader – the first fully autonomous underground mining machine built specifically for automation – Sandvik has expanded its vision from autonomous mucking to autonomous drilling with its AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill.

“We’re continuing to push the boundaries of mining automation and demonstrate what will be the reality in the near future,” said David Hallett, Vice President, Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “We chose a development drill as our next Concept Vehicle to demonstrate that autonomy can also work effectively in a mine’s development phase, in constantly changing environments.”

Unveiled and demonstrated for the first time at a customer event at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ test mine in Tampere, Finland on Wednesday, the fully functional AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill, referred to internally during the lead-up to its introduction as “Amelia,” showcases next-generation intelligent automation and other new technologies and features that will be introduced for current and future Sandvik offerings. Some features will be available as standalone products and others as upgrades or options for existing products or equipment.

“Our AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill is not intended to be introduced as a commercial product,” said Johannes Välivaara, Vice President, Product Development and Product Management at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “Rather, it will become our in-house platform for testing and developing new technologies our customers identify as crucial to their operations.”

The AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill has no operator cabin, creating space for onboard water and battery storage and eliminating the need for supply cables or water hoses during operation. The self-contained drill uses and optimizes power and electricity based on need, making onboard supply last even longer.

The drill only needs to know which tunnel and face it should tram to and can plan the rest of its mission autonomously, using data from the preferred mine planning software. Tunnel lines and profiles are planned and defined into drilling and blasting patterns in iSURE that ensure optimal hole placement, detonation and profile quality. The drill also has access to 3D models of a site, which are automatically merged from survey and mapping results. It can update and optimize the 3D model of the mine in real time based on feedback from its onboard cameras and scanners.

The drill learns and adapts to the ever-changing environment in a development heading to safely complete entire missions from entry to exit. It navigates tight spaces with agility, enabling effective use of large machines in small spaces. Once it has arrived at its destination, it uses automatic drill plan adjustment to optimize the drilling pattern and drill the full round.

“Our vision is that in the near future, thanks to the rapid advancement of battery technologies, equipment like this will be able to drill entire rounds fully on battery power, eliminating the need to plug in to a grid and improving flexibility underground,” Jussi Puura, Digitalization Research Lead at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

During drilling, the AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill uses an AI-guided automatic drill bit changer to identify when bits are worn and changes them automatically. The drill is also equipped with a lifter tube installer that simplifies the face charging procedure. Drilling data is then reported back to iSURE or Deswik to optimize the next round. The drill also uses Rock Pulse^® AI for continuous rock mass feedback to optimize drilling performance.

The AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill is compatible with traditional safety gate systems but is also capable of working without area isolation. It asks for assistance when re-filling consumables and recharging, and can request intervention by an operator if it is unsure of changes to its environment.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik is upgrading its 30 t truck with the latest engine technology and adding Toro™ TH430 to its bull family. This reliable, productive truck is now compliant with Stage V regulations, the most stringent emission regulations in the world. In addition to reducing emissions, the Stage V trucks can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3 % compared to lower stage engines.

Toro™ TH430 is a reliable, hard-working dump truck specifically designed for underground conditions (Figure 1). With its robust structure, compact size and fit-for-purpose components, the truck is tailored to meet productivity targets in challenging environments. High engine peak torque and torque rise allow less downshifting and better acceleration. Low overall machine weight and high power enable high tramming speeds on a decline, shortening cycle times, while the Dana transmission’s automatic gear shift and torque converter lock-up ensure fast speeds.

Toro™ TH430 truck has two engine configuration options: Stage V and Tier 2/EU Stage II, both from Volvo Penta. Stage II has an output of 310 kW and Stage V has an output of 315 kW, making Toro™ TH430 truck the most powerful underground truck in its size class. In both configurations, the engine coolers are easy to clean and maintain, thanks to the swing-out fans. Designed for high ambient temperatures, the V-tube radiator has replaceable aluminum tubes for fast and easy repair. To help mines meet their targets to reduce fossil fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, both engine configurations can use renewable paraffinic diesel fuels that meet the EN 15940 standard.

The newly introduced engine option, the 13 l Stage V engine, provides reduced emissions through a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Additionally, Sandvik Stage V trucks can operate with up to 3 % less fuel consumption compared to lower Stages. The other engine alternative, Tier 2/EU Stage II, is equipped with a catalytic purifier and muffler. It has been calibrated for use in high altitude conditions to maintain performance, low emissions and reliability.

To ensure maximum utilization of the rated payload on every trip, Toro™ TH430 dump truck can be equipped with Sandvik’s Integrated Weighing System (IWS) for trucks. The IWS supports productivity by offering accurate real-time payload data for load and haul equipment operators. Using the IWS ensures full utilization of the truck’s payload capacity on every cycle. Furthermore, using a 90 % fill factor in the box selection ensures the truck can be loaded to its full 30 t capacity and reduces spillage during tramming. The smooth box design improves material flow during dumping.

“Sustainability is a key factor in all Sandvik designs”, says Pia Sundberg, Product Line Manager Trucks at Sandvik. “Bringing the Toro™ TH430 truck with Stage V engine to the market takes mining one step further in its sustainability journey. We have also made several other improvements to the truck to make it even more reliable and productive.”

Further information/Weitere Informationen:
Sandvik Mining and Construction Central Europe GmbH
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

The need to “reduce, reuse and recycle” is now widely accepted – but did you know that equipment rebuilds can also reduce fuel consumption, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), downtime and accidents, in addition to carbon footprint? Francois Nell, Portfolio Manager Rebuilds & Upgrades at Sandvik explains why even the industry’s wealthiest players are keen to keep their machines out of the scrapyard. 

If you’ve ever been to a classic car show, you have probably marveled at the rows of spotless vintage vehicles, many of them in better condition than when they left the factory thanks to the hundreds of hours and large amounts invested in tenderly coaxing each one of them back to life. Incredibly though, the market value of most of those cars will only be a fraction of what was spent on them (although few enthusiasts care about such things).

The mining industry can’t afford to be so sentimental. Nevertheless, professional rebuild services do exist. Sandvik, e.g., is able to completely refurbish virtually any of its older machines to the latest spec at a significant discount to what customers would pay for an equivalent new model.

Rebuilds are not a “second best” alternative

“From any of our 70 workshop facilities around the world, Sandvik’s certified technicians are able to provide a rebuild service to precisely match the customer’s needs and budget,” says Francois Nell. “While it’s true that a lot of our business traditionally comes from markets where there is an emphasis on keeping equipment running for as long as possible, it’s important to remember that our solutions aren’t just for those machines that are nearing the end of their life.”

In fact, rebuilds can be most effective when they are undertaken as mid-life services that ensure greater reliability in the long-term, while immediately helping to boost performance, increase safety and slash total cost of ownership (TCO). And it’s the growing recognition of the value these services offer that explains why major players are jumping on the rebuild bandwagon, rather than automatically trading up.

Planning is key

If we go back two decades, the industry rarely promoted rebuilds and customers themselves would just react as and when necessary, rather than having a strategy. With rebuild workshops becoming busier and increased lead times for components large and small, much more forward planning is required nowadays. This also ensures customers can select the least disruptive time for the work to be carried out, minimizing unplanned shutdowns.

“Our offering ranges in complexity from the base Custom Rebuilds, via Life Extension, up to Reborn and Reborn+ scopes,” says Nell. “We begin with a thorough assessment, to decide what components are required to meet the brief. This allows us to order the parts in advance, so that the real work can begin as soon as we receive the machine.The whole process typically takes 6-7 months, although 2-3 months isn’t unheard of when the need is urgent.”

This, of course, assumes the intervention is carried out at a Sandvik facility, enabling the company to use the highest levels of standard operational procedures, tools and cleanliness, etc. By rebuilding to a set of fixed standards, Sandvik can offer the customer an ‘as new’ or standard warranty depending on the scope, which could not be guaranteed if the work was done at the customer’s site. Some equipment, however, may be irretrievably situated below ground, in which case exceptions need to be made.

Tearing it down to build it back up again

So what can a customer expect once their machine arrives at a rebuild workshop? In Sandvik’s case, over 1,000 measurements, diagnostics and check points are analyzed before the restoration even begins. After the machine has had a full stripdown, the company’s experienced engineers carry out non-destructive testing to determine the extent of any metal fatigue and ensure that a rebuild is indeed viable. Once it’s been approved and repainted, it’s effectively a full ‘nut and bolt’ restoration, using only genuine parts.

Often using pre-assembled kits to speed up turnaround time, all major components will usually be replaced. Older machines will frequently be rebuilt to new generation spec, such as the latest engine technologies where appropriate, or upgrades in terms of hardware and software – most notably Sandvik’s Knowledge Box technology or the latest safety features.

Testing for functionality then follows, before the machines are once again put back into service with their operators. A further benefit of this approach is that, unlike when a 10-year-old machine is replaced with a new model, there is no need to retrain the operator. They can simply get in and immediately begin providing the same (if not higher) levels of productivity as they previously did – albeit in greater comfort and safety.

A new lease of life

“With rebooted machines typically offering at least 90% of the lifespan of new equipment, the economic advantages to mine owners are clear – and we haven’t even touched on the environmental benefits that result from the huge reduction in energy consumption enabled by this reduce-and-reuse philosophy,” concludes Nell.

Although the majority of underground equipment is rebuilt no more than once due to structural fatigue, machines such as rotary surface drills can quite easily have their components replaced two or three times, operating well over 100,000 machine hours before they’re put out to pasture.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Competition is healthy but forming exclusive relationships with equipment manufacturers can deliver tangible business benefits. Rapidly growing mining services provider Rocksure International in Ghana, Africa, has had a 100% Sandvik drill rig fleet since it was established – with spectacular results.

Drill rigs never get an easy life. As if the work they have to do wasn’t hard enough, the environment in which they find themselves often makes a tough job even more arduous. The secret to success is to keep them in tip top condition throughout their working lives.

So, parts – who makes them and the service that comes with them – is of critical importance for these machines.

Manufacturers like Sandvik get this, of course, but increasingly it turns out that customers do too. One of those customers is Ghanaian drilling contractor, Rocksure. By adopting the best work practices and latest premium equipment, the company has gone from two drill rigs and eight employees when it was established in 2009 to today’s fleet of over 20 rigs – and 1,200 workers. Such is Rocksure’s professionalism that it is winning work that was once the preserve of Western multinationals – and winning it entirely on merit. In 2020 Rocksure delivered some 50 million tons of material to its customers in Ghana’s gold fields and is soon to be working on a major bauxite project in the West African country.

Partnership is the new leadership

Part of Rocksure’s strategy is to partner with leading equipment brands, and its fleet now includes 123 pieces of heavy equipment, all from the biggest names in the mining industry. All of its drill rigs are from Sandvik, all of which have been supplied with comprehensive parts, service and training support bundles. For a still relatively young company, that is a statement of ambition, quality and intent.

The predominant machine used by Rocksure is the Sandvik Pantera DP1500i. It is a hydraulic top hammer drill rig designed for production or pre-split drilling in open pit mines, drilling holes with a diameter of 89mm to 152mm (3.5 to 6 inches). The company also has a Sandvik DE881 multipurpose exploration rig.

“We work closely with clients like Rocksure to understand their needs,” says Daniel Korsah, Sandvik Business Line Manager for Surface Drilling in West Africa. “We look at a long list of site variables, including blast efficiency, hole depth, length, type of rock, etc. – and that helps inform the type of equipment we recommend. But that is only half of the story – the aftermarket support package is also vital to customer success.”

“It’s our job to make sure the rigs maintain their productivity targets, reduce costs and help the customer be more profitable,” agrees fellow Business Line Manager Parts & Services, Ricus Terblanche. “To ensure this, we look at the site data and use it to build a comprehensive parts list of the supplies that are likely to be needed. These parts are then ordered in conjunction with the machine sale, and both delivered to site at the same time. For major projects we can put large parts stocks in place, from which Rocksure can draw using a vendor-managed inventory approach. But our support bundles are much more than parts and include machine operation- and safety training. We would never sell a machine unless we were sure the customer could operate it effectively and safely and had the skills and resources to support it.”

On the job support

A recent sale of Sandvik Pantera DP1500i machines saw Sandvik support Rocksure with a four-week intensive classroom and practical operator and technical (maintenance) training, along with three months of asset support. This involves highly skilled technicians being on site 100% of the full time, providing on-the-job coaching and inspections to ensure the rigs are operating to their highest potential.

It’s not just Rocksure that benefits from its close relationship with Sandvik, Rocksure’s customers do too.  Rocksure’s clients demand that premium brands are used on their mines, and that they only use original manufacturer parts. Rocksure’s own operators become experts in getting the best out of the rigs, with its technicians being experts in maintaining them. There are also pricing advantages to be gained from making such a commitment.

Predictive parts replacement

Ghana is known for its beauty, but it is also tropically wet and hot, with temperatures in the high 30s for most of the year. Even the best hardworking machines tire, and Sandvik’s service experts are on hand to rejuvenate them. Using Smart Inspections supported by years of accumulated analysis on component lifespan, Sandvik can calculate predictive operating costs and recommend a parts replacement service policy before parts fail. Typically, when the machine has reached 14,000 hours of operation, the Sandvik Pantera DP1500i’s operated by Rocksure undergo a comprehensive overhaul, which can include the installation of new engines, pumps, track frames and undercarriage parts. Adding new technology can bring the machines to a better-than-new condition, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption. The fitting of new monitoring systems also helps to give much greater visibility of drilling performance – data that can further help boost productivity.

“Rocksure is the perfect customer,” says Terblanche. “They are professional, experts in their local market and loyal towards Sandvik – as well as growing at a fantastic rate. We do our best to support them with all the tools at our disposal to maximize their production performance. It’s a great partnership – when Rocksure is successful, Sandvik is too. A local mining services supplier supported by a global equipment manufacturer is a winning combination.”

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Additive manufacturing of parts looks set to upend the supply of components globally. A small-scale trial of 3D manufactured parts is helping Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions and leading mining company Boliden explore the potential.

Sweden has a long and noble history of mining, with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times. But old does not mean primitive, as a trial of cutting-edge technology between Sandvik and Swedish mining and metals giant Boliden shows. Additive manufacturing – or 3D printing as it is more commonly known – is maturing fast, and has progressed from printing plastic components to now being able to print ceramics and metals. To discover the potential of the technology, Boliden has teamed up with Sandvik to run a trial that will see machine parts printed digitally and installed on underground drill rigs.

Proof-of-concept
The trial with Sandvik involves a set of specially redesigned components printed digitally at a Sandvik-managed facility in Italy, with their performance being monitored on machines in Boliden’s underground mine worksites – first in Sweden, then in Ireland. At least in theory, the 3D metal parts could perform as well – or even better – than traditionally manufactured items. The first components have just been put into operation in the Garpenberg mine, with performance still to be evaluated.

“Additive manufacturing shows a lot of potential, both in reducing carbon footprint within the supply chain, through reduced or eliminated need for transport and storage of parts and also shorter delivery times. This trial will give us a deeper understanding on how we can move forward and develop our business in a competitive way,” says Ronne Hamerslag, Head of Supply Management at Boliden.

Local manufacturing is ‘the future’
3D printing is an exciting prospect for OEMs too, as Sandvik’s Erik Lundén, President, Parts & Services at Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions explains: “Mining equipment can last up to 25 years – and needs to be supported throughout that time – even in the most remote of locations. We have many different SKUs (stock keeping units), and from an inventory point of view we can’t tie up the capital that keeping all these parts in stock would entail. 3D printing of parts locally offers us the prospect of not only getting parts to the customer much faster, but doing so far more sustainably.”

Although in theory any part could in future be 3D printed, it is likely to be maintenance and repair operating items that are the first to get the additive manufacturing treatment, such as the bushes, brackets, drill parts, etc. that customers need to change every 3,000-4,000 hours. But printing of the parts is only one part of the puzzle that the trial with Boliden is trying to solve. Another is working out the future business model for 3D printed parts. Who does the printing – the OEM, the miner, or a third-party printing company? What will the costs be? What about intellectual property rights, warranties and liabilities? All these things – and more – need to be resolved in the development of a 3D printed future.

Game changer for parts business
“If you ask me, it’s the most exciting thing that’s happening in the supply chain,” says Boliden’s Hamerslag. “Its efficiency, speed and climate friendliness mean that we have to investigate additive manufacturing closely. We are only at the proof-of-concept stage with Sandvik right now, but it’s already clear that it could become a game-changer for the spare parts business in mining – for both miners and equipment manufacturers.”

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik is introducing the largest-capacity battery-electric truck for underground mining. With an unrivaled 65-tonne payload capacity, the Sandvik TH665B prototype (Figure 1) is completing factory testing in California. Finalization of the trial agreement with Barminco and AngloGold Ashanti Australia will soon see the truck trialed at the Sunrise Dam gold mine to prove its viability in a long ramp haulage application before commercial production of Sandvik TH665B is expected to commence in late 2023.

 Following the introduction of the Sandvik TH550B 50-tonne BEV at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL^® 2021 last September, Sandvik is continuing to execute on its BEV strategy by expanding its line of battery­-electric trucks and loaders to include both larger and smaller size classes. Sandvik TH665B is engineered to improve productivity, sustainability and cost efficiency in bulk mining operations.

“With more than 50 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of underground mining equipment, we’re proud to continue to lead the way in helping customers embrace more sustainable solutions,” said Henrik Ager, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “Our 65-tonne battery-electric truck is our latest development in helping mass hard rock miners and contractors to make the shift towards more productive, emission-free mining.”

Sandvik TH665B blends proven Sandvik design and advanced technology built around electric drivelines and battery systems. Due to an extremely efficient electric driveline, a fully loaded Sandvik TH665B is expected to be up to 30 percent faster on a 1:7 ramp than a comparable conventional diesel underground truck. Each of the truck’s four wheels is equipped with independent drives, resulting in a simpler driveline, improved overall efficiency and maximum power output. The Sandvik TH665B electric drivetrain delivers 640kW of continuous power, enabling high acceleration and fast ramp speeds.

The truck is equipped with Sandvik’s patented self-swapping system, including the AutoSwap and AutoConnect functions, which enables quick and easy battery swap in a matter of minutes, and without any major infrastructure like overhead cranes or other heavy handling equipment. Sandvik TH665B also features a new battery lifting system for improved reliability. Sandvik has redesigned the battery cage design to improve serviceability, enabling battery module changes without a need to remove the battery packs from the cage for service.

The new truck operator cabin utilizes the same design as the industry leading cabin of Sandvik’s Toro™ TH663i underground truck. The cabin offers premium operator ergonomics with a significant number of adjustment possibilities to facilitate a comfortable operating environment. The central oscillation frame design results in stability, and front axle suspension ensures a smooth ride on rough roads. The Sandvik TH665B cabin is equipped with joystick steering, large touchscreen color display and the newest control system, providing easy access to equipment data.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

The new Sandvik TH550B 50 t battery-electric truck combines the best of two worlds: Sandvik’s half-century of experience designing and manufacturing equipment for the underground mining industry, and the innovative Artisan™ battery packs and electric drivelines. This combination of proven solutions and third-generation BEV technology is a game changer for any site in pursuit of a more sustainable and highly productive fleet.

Sandvik TH550B (Figure 1) combines proven solutions and third-generation BEV technology. The truck has been designed to best utilize the innovative technology of its Artisan™ battery pack and electric driveline, enabling full leverage of the possibilities that the battery technology brings. Based on the philosophy of rethinking the equipment rather than the mine, the truck is simple to implement in any underground hard rock operation where a 50 t truck is required. Infrastructure needs are minimal, with no requirement for overhead cranes or other heavy handling equipment. All that is needed is a battery bay with an electric connection. As battery equipment power is not constrained by mine ventilation limitations, the most powerful electric motors available can be utilized. The Sandvik TH550B electric drivetrain delivers 540 kW of continuous power, and 6,400 Nm of continuous torque output, allowing high acceleration and fast ramp speeds for shorter cycle times.

The patented self-swapping system of Sandvik TH550B, including the AutoSwap and AutoConnect functions, is designed for improved equipment availability and safety. Sandvik offers the fastest BEV pit stop on the market, taking only a few minutes. Sandvik TH550B disconnects and puts down the depleted battery, trams to pick up a new one, and automatically connects. During this quick and simple procedure, the truck operator controls the swapping without leaving the equipment cabin. While tramming downhill, the truck uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery. For safety and reliability, the truck utilizes cutting edge battery technology, based on a lithium-iron phosphate chemistry (LiFePO4 or LFP), a fit-for-purpose choice for underground mining.

Sandvik TH550B truck, introduced at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2021 in Las Vegas, builds on its predecessor, the Artisan Z50, now tailored to include common Sandvik systems and design solutions to seamlessly fit the truck into the Sandvik product range. In addition to Sandvik TH550B, Sandvik battery-electric loader and truck offerings includes the 18 t LH518B loader as well as 4 t A4 and 10 t A10 from the Artisan line. Sandvik is continuing to develop additional battery-electric loaders and trucks in other size classes, including a 65 t battery truck in the near future.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Toro™ LH514BE, Sandvik’s new battery-assisted loader, is a unique combination of technology: an AutoMine^® compatible cable-electric loader, boosted with cutting-edge battery technology. This one-of-a-kind equipment leverages from the latest technologies.

Innovative power train technology for easy electric loader relocation and boost for ramp drive
Toro™ LH514BE looks like a traditional electric loader while in operation, trailing cable connected to the mine electric grid, but the technology is not ordinary. When this loader needs to be moved to another area or to the maintenance bay, the difference is clearly visible: the power cable is disconnected from the electric grid. While the operator drives the loader to the new location, Toro™ LH514BE gets its power solely from its battery. This battery-assist enables easy relocating and suitability for ramp drive.

Less heat, less CO₂ – and no stops for refueling
One of the noteworthy features of Toro™ LH514BE is the elimination of refueling or recharging stops. There is no diesel engine that would require fueling, and the battery does not need to be swapped because it is recharging during operation. The loader produces no exhaust emissions and significantly less heat than conventional equipment based on combustion, supporting mines in improving sustainability by reducing CO₂ emissions. As a battery chemistry, Toro™ LH514BE utilizes Lithium-Iron Phosphate chemistry (LiFePO4 or LFP) which is a fit-for-purpose choice for underground mining environments.

AutoMine^® compatible loader with built-in intelligence
Toro™ LH514BE is available with Sandvik’s high-performing, robust and comprehensive automation system AutoMine^®. With AutoMine^®, a fleet of equipment can be converted into a high-performing autonomous production system, providing significant safety and productivity improvements for mine operations. Toro™ LH514BE can be delivered with AutoMine^®, or the system can be easily retrofitted later during the loader’s lifetime.

As standard, the loader features Sandvik’s intelligent control system and a 7-inch touchscreen display, providing easy access to data. General battery health and status monitoring data as well as battery charge information is also available on the control system diagnostics. As usual in Sandvik’s large loaders, the integrated weighing system (IWS) option measures payload data and records the results to My Sandvik Digital Services Knowledge Box™. The Knowledge Box™ transfers the data to the My Sandvik internet portal for visualization of fleet health, productivity and utilization. The OptiMine^® solution can also use transferred data for improving mining process efficiency.

50 years of Toro™ loaders and trucks
Sandvik is currently celebrating the 50-year journey of Toro™ loaders and trucks. The new Toro™ LH514BE is yet another example of mining equipment designed to be safer, stronger and smarter – today and during the years to come.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik