Made in Manitoba

Sandvik is a widely recognized original equipment manufacturer of mining drills, loaders, trucks, automation technology, and more. What many Canadians do not realize though is that Sandvik produces a line of their equipment right here in Manitoba!

Sandvik’s in-the-hole longhole drills are designed, engineered, and manufactured at a facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The target of these longhole drills is to maximize ore recovery and minimize dilution with drilling of production or service support holes accurately and according to the plan, with a specialization in holes 30 to 100 metres in length and three to eight inches in diameter. The production unit has also engineered a reverse circulation option to allow for grade control sampling with a quick reconfiguration of the same drill to maximize utilization of the equipment and identify orebodies in a quick and cost-effective way. The facility employs mechanical and electrical engineers, mining experts, welders, technicians, and more, who build and deliver drills around the world.

The Sandvik Winnipeg production unit was originally home to Cubex prior to Sandvik’s acquisition of the company in 2012.

“Sandvik recognized the value of the local knowledge in Winnipeg when acquiring Cubex in 2012,” says Corey Flannagan, ITH product line and general manager of the Winnipeg production unit. “The products we manufacture are industry standard when it comes to in-the-hole longhole drilling and we retain that expertise locally in Winnipeg.” Peter Corcoran, vice-president of Sandvik Canada explains that Sandvik’s ITH drills are used by major miners across Canada and around the world. “Most of the time when mines are using a V-30 for slot raises, service, or vent raises, they are using that with a Sandvik ITH drill manufactured in Winnipeg.”

In-the-hole drills are particularly beneficial for achieving straighter holes at longer hole depths, meaning mines can accomplish longer hole distances between sub-levels, potentially fewer sub-levels, and, therefore, lower development costs. In-the-hole drills also have less loss in penetration rates as holes deepen and lead to better fragmentation compared to tophammer drills. 6