Two new cone crushers are to be deployed in a secondary crushing application as part of an underground expansion project on a platinum mine in South Africa’s Limpopo province.

The Sandvik CH662 cone crushers are the latest evolution of the company’s CH660 platform, introducing several mechanical and digital upgrades engineered to improve throughput, reliability and maintenance efficiency.

Sandvik Rock Processing business line manager: crushing PC Kruger says mining companies across the continent are increasingly embracing electrification, remote monitoring and automation technologies.

“This is creating an environment where advanced crushing systems such as the CH662 are becoming more attractive,” Kruger says.

The order for the two CH662 crushers was placed through an engineering, procurement and construction contractor, with one crusher designated as the duty unit and the second as a standby machine, Kruger outlines.

Sandvik Rock Processing capital sales engineer: static crushing business Yashik Anand asserts that the project demonstrates that customers are prioritising operational efficiency, reliability and digital integration when selecting crushing equipment. He highlights that the redesigned top shell and main shaft contribute substantially to the crusher’s durability and operational stability.

“The upgraded top shell provides improved material distribution and greater structural strength, while the new main shaft enhances reliability under high-capacity conditions,” says Anand. “The spider bushing has also been re-engineered to improve wear resistance and extend service life.”

Another design improvement is the elimination of backing compound, aimed at saving time during liner changes. Traditional cone crusher linings often require extended curing periods before the machine can return to operation, but the CH662’s steel-to-steel design removes this delay, he explains.

The crusher incorporates Sandvik’s new ACS-c 5 ASRi control system, which combines the functionality of previous crusher control platforms into a more advanced and user-friendly automation package. Benefits include automated setting regulation, enhanced monitoring functionality and integration with digital services platforms for real-time performance analysis and remote diagnostics.

“Especially for mining operations that are located far from major service centres, these capabilities can deliver substantial operational advantages,” Anand says. “Proactive monitoring of the crusher allows operators to identify issues earlier and prevent unplanned stoppages.”

In addition, remote monitoring capabilities support field service technicians by enabling pre-emptive fault-finding.

“We can remotely support the machine and start fault-finding immediately when there is an issue,” explains Kruger. “By the time a technician reaches site, we already have a good understanding of what needs to be repaired or replaced.”

Anand notes that Sandvik’s PlantDesigner simulation software allowed multiple process simulations and flowsheet iterations to optimise the crushing circuit for the customer’s metallurgical requirements.

Looking ahead, Kruger says the Sandvik CH662 is well positioned for broader adoption across Africa’s mining and aggregates sectors, particularly within the continent’s mid-range processing operations.

“The CH662 fits well into the African market’s production range of 400 t/h to 1 000 t/h,” he notes.