Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions received a large order for surface mining equipment and its AutoMine Surface Drilling solution from Movitec, a contractor on Codelco’s Rajo Inca open pit project in Chile. The order includes two Leopard DI650i down-the-hole (DTH) drill rigs and two Sandvik DR412i rotary blasthole drill rigs, including AutoMine Surface Drilling systems for fully autonomous operations.
AutoMine Surface Drilling is an autonomous solution for a wide range of Sandvik iSeries surface drill rigs that enables an operator to control multiple rigs remotely. The iSeries rigs are equipped with iDrill technology, a scalable automation platform that provides automation options and digital services designed to speed up the production process and support mining operations.
“The AutoMine Surface Drilling solution will enable Movitec to use the drill rigs to their full potential and boost productivity with capabilities for fully autonomous operations,” said Emilio Vega, business line manager for automation, serving the Andean region for Sandvik.
The new order also includes a Sandvik D75KX rotary blasthole drill rig with added intelligence and improved operator ergonomics. Delivery will take place in two phases before year-end 2022, with fully autonomous operations ramping up in 2023.
“We thank Movitec for their well-placed confidence in the Sandvik brand and technology,” said Patricio Apablaza, vice president of sales for the Andean region for Sandvik. “We look forward to supporting them in increasing the safety, productivity, profitability and quality of their operations.”
In addition, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions will also provide contractor Movitec with remote operation training and six months’ on-site service to ramp up support as they transition to autonomous operations.
“We are excited to partner together with Movitec on their journey to adopt AutoMine Surface Drilling at Codelco’s Rajo Inca open pit project,” said David Hallett, vice president of automation for Sandvik’s Digital Mining Technologies Division. “This project will play a significant role in establishing Sandvik’s position as a leading technology partner for autonomous surface mining within the Chilean and South American market.”
