MINING INTO THE FUTURE Sandvik’s Automine-equipped vehicles enable autonomous mining
Original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions will introduce new products and services, while showcasing some of its latest innovative technologies, at this year’s MINExpo International – the globe’s largest mining tradeshow – taking place in Las Vegas, in the US, from September 13 to 15.
A highlight of Sandvik’s presence at the expo is the battery-driven equipment that it has developed, which enables emission-free underground mining and helps customers improve sustainability and profitability.
Sandvik will exhibit several of its latest innovations for the first time at the event. A highlight of the company’s exhibit will be the AutoMine concept vehicle.
This first fully autonomous, battery-electric vehicle for underground mining is equipped with new sensing capabilities and artificial intelligence to help the cabinless technology demonstrator perceive its surroundings and environment in three dimensions, reacting in real time. This enables it to adapt and plan its own route and to find the most suitable paths, even in continuously changing environments.
Additionally, Sandvik will unveil its latest battery-electric underground truck at the event, together with a virtual introduction to new loader technology, which features AutoMine readiness. The company will also launch the Sandvik DS412iE – its first battery-powered rock bolter – to round out its first full zero-emissions offering for all underground drilling applications.
“We were proud to launch the industry’s first battery-driven underground jumbo five years ago at MINExpo International 2016, and we’re proud of our ongoing progress in electric equipment innovation since then,” said Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions president Henrik Ager in statement issued in June.
“We continue to expand our offering, and our latest battery-electric equipment contributes to a cleaner and quieter environment without compromising safety, productivity or efficiency.”
Sandvik’s 1 876 m2 exhibit at the Las Vegas Convention Centre Central Hall 3, booth #6212, will demonstrate the company’s commitment to its theme of “innovation in mining – make the shift”, which underscores its focus on helping customers mine more sustainably through technology.
“Sustainability and productivity go hand in hand, and our latest solutions will help the industry make the shift to more sustainable mining,” Ager added.
In terms of surface drilling, Sandvik will showcase the Sandvik DR410i rotary blasthole drill rig, the Leopard DI650i down-the-hole (DTH) drill rig and the Pantera DP1600i top hammer drill rig, part of the Top Hammer XL system, which was launched in March.
Booth visitors will also learn more about AutoMine Surface Drilling, an automation system for fully autonomous and teleremote operation of a range of intelligent Sandvik surface drill rigs. The AutoMine system’s new AutoCycle functionality enables a fully autonomous drilling cycle with hole-to-hole tramming for automatic rig relocation, according to the drill plan.
In addition to displaying its latest rock tools offering at MINExpo International – including the Sandvik LT90 top hammer tool which was recently launched as part of the Top Hammer XL – Sandvik will launch a new DTH hammer with good fuel efficiency. The company will also launch a new rotary bit, new heavy-duty drill bits, a new drill bit for autonomous drilling, and its latest digital rock tools solutions, all developed to increase sustainability and productivity. Sandvik will also launch the new Sandvik RD212 and Sandvik RD315 rock drills at the show.
Sandvik will use a simulation game to introduce its new digital offering, remote monitoring service, and will also showcase its smart inspection tools through interactive demonstrations.
Ager said that MINExpo International attendees can also expect some “exciting” news about OptiMine – a comprehensive suite of digital tools for analysing and optimising underground hard rock mining production and processes.
Other Sandvik exhibit highlights include the company’s latest training simulators and live presentations by Sandvik’s AutoMine and OptiMine ecosystem partners. Representatives from Sandvik Financial Services will also be available at the company’s booth to discuss possibilities for financing equipment.
Sandvik will draw on its own Innovation in Mining Virtual Event, which was held in September last year, to enable those who will not be in Las Vegas to share the MINExpo International experience. Moreover, Sandvik aims to launch a dedicated microsite that will include an interactive virtual booth, live chat functionality and videos from the show.
“Nothing beats meeting customers face-to-face and being able to showcase all our latest developments in-person. However, we also understand that not everyone will be able to travel to Las Vegas, so that’s why we will also be providing a rich digital MINExpo International experience,” Ager concluded.