#2 2021
Sandvik at ® MINExpo 2021 Show preview
Battery trucks and loaders Rethinking the equipment
PowerCarbide SH69 TM
A powerful breakthrough in cemented carbide
WELCOME TO THE MINEXPO PREVIEW ISSUE OF SHIFT AHEAD™ Welcome to the second issue of 2021 of our SHIFT AHEAD™ magazine, which brings you the latest news from the Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA Team. In this issue, we are sharing with you a sneak peak of our displays at the coming MINExpo® 2021, which will take place on September 13-15 in Las Vegas. Also in this issue, the Technical Corner focuses on battery loaders and trucks for underground mines, and we bring you our latest product launches,
including the PowerCarbide™ SH69 and the new DL422iE Top Hammer Longhole Drill. Our team and presence are both expanding, so we are also sharing news about our new Elko warehouse and recent appointments. Apart from MINExpo, in-person shows are back so our team has been busy attending some of them in June. As vaccination counts rise and restrictions fall, we continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines while exhibiting at these first in-person shows for 2021: the AED
(Association of Equipment Distributors) Summit happened on May 24-26 and the RETC (Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference) ran June 13-16, both in Las Vegas. We also attended the Elko Mining Expo in June. You can read more about it on this issue. Keep reading to find out more. If you have ground-breaking news to share with us, please contact us. The Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA Team. ■
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ROCKTECHNOLOGY.SANDVIK/RR240
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MINExpo® PREVIEW
AutoMine® Concept
SANDVIK AT MINExpo® 2021SHOW PREVIEW INNOVATION IN MINING – MAKE THE SHIFT Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions will be exhibiting at MINExpo®, the world’s largest mining event, taking place on September 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Through its theme: “Innovation in Mining – Make the Shift”, we aim at showing one of Sandvik’s fundamental strengths: our passion for innovation, to take the lead and find new ways to solve challenges. Our displays for both underground and surface mining solutions, will show the latest in our steps in making the digital and sustainability shift and be the customer’s first choice. Some of the equipment and solutions on display for both underground and surface mining include:
UNDERGROUND MINING
AutoMine® Concept, the first fully autonomous underground mining machine will be showcased in Las Vegas. The AutoMine® Concept vehicle is based on the latest technologies and equipped with completely new sensing capabilities and artificial intelligence to enhance mining operations. The AutoMine® Concept vehicle perceives its surroundings and environment in 3D and reacts to it in real-time. These technologies provide clear customer advantages by allowing vehicles to adapt and plan their own routes, and to find the most suitable paths even in continuously changing environments. The obstacle detection, collision avoidance and 3D online mapping capabilities improve adaptability and increase flexibility. Additionally, visitors will be able to learn more about OptiMine®, the most comprehensive suite of digital tools for analyzing and optimizing underground hard rock mining production and processes, as well as the range of virtual solutions for competence development and the offerings developed by Sandvik automation ecosystem partners. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA
The show will see the launch of our latest developments in electric equipment. Battery-driven equipment helps underground mines address emissions challenges and cut costs and contributes to a cleaner and quieter environment, without compromising safety, productivity or efficiency.
SURFACE MINING
The DR410i blasthole drill provides mine operators a technologically advanced drill, taking the guesswork out of daily operation and delivering reliable high-yielding production results. Part of the iSeries family of rotary blasthole drill rigs, this drill represents the next generation of surface drilling technology. Designed for the future, these automation capable drills are equipped to meet customers’ needs today and in the future. The DR410i drill is designed to deliver unmatched productivity and return on investment for 6-97/8 inch rotary and DTH holes, with a standard mast offering a first pass capability of 33 ft and a max depth of 153ft. Top Hammer XL is the latest innovation in surface top hammer drilling from Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. The new, groundbreaking drilling system, targeting large-scale quarry and surface mining customers, offers a faster, more fuel-efficient and more cost-effective way to drill holes (5.5 to 7 inches) in diameter. The components of the system – a new Pantera™ DP1600i drill rig, new RD1840C rock drill and new LT90 rock tools – are all optimized to work together seamlessly for exceptional drilling results. Pantera™ DP1600i is the newest member of the Pantera™ DPi series family of intelligent top hammer drill rigs, characterized
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MINExpo® PREVIEW by high penetration rates and advanced automation options for data-based fleet management and drilling performance optimization. Designed for large hole size drilling, the Pantera™ DP1600i, with its practical intelligence and support for higher-level automation solutions, is ideally suited for production drilling in large quarries or open pit mines. LeopardTM DI650i down-thehole (DTH) drill rig is designed for demanding high-capacity production drilling applications in surface mining, as well as large-scale quarry applications. In addition to a powerful engine and compressor, Leopard DI650i incorporates a highly ergonomic iCAB cabin, excellent serviceability, mobility and fuel economy, along with new iDrill automation packages to offer excellent overall productivity.
ROCK TOOLS AND PARTS & SERVICES
Improving your productivity and sustainability is key for Sandvik Rock Tools. At their area, you will be able to see and learn more about their latest innovations that can do just that. A few examples are the recently launched Top Hammer XL – enabling hole sizes up to 7 inches, a revolution in Top Hammer drilling! – and an all-new DTH hammer, capable of significantly reducing your fuel consumption and CO2 footprint. You can also get up close with the new RR450 Rotary bit, which provides significantly longer bit life, fewer bit changes and lowered costs, a new Top Hammer drill bit for autonomous drilling, as well as Rock Tools latest digital solutions.
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Remote monitoring services, smart inspections and rock drills will be some of the products and services showcased in the parts and services sections of our booth. Remote monitoring service is an assisted service in which we monitor and analyze telemetry data acquired from the mine vehicle fleet and identify root causes for abnormalities in order to develop predictive solutions to increase equipment uptime and utilization. At the show we will also be launching two brand new rock drills, Sandvik RD212 and Sandvik RD315, which both offer new solutions for modern and retrofit bolting applications. These are some of the solutions visitors will be able to get acquainted with at our booth, with many more available. Customers in attendance can reach out to their Sandvik representatives to arrange customer meetings at the booth.
DR410i blasthole drill
Sandvik Mining and Rock
Solutions will be located at:
Central Hall 3, booth number 6212.
Registration and housing are open at the MINExpo website. ■
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LeopardTM DI650i drill Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA
TECHNICAL CORNER
THE NEW GENERATION OF BATTERY LOADERS AND TRUCKS FOR UNDERGROUND MINES KATJA RIVILÄ, MARKETING MANAGER, LOAD AND HAUL
To support the mining industry transformation towards electrification, underground loaders and trucks are being looked at through different eyes: how to best harness battery-electric power and capitalize on the opportunities it brings. As mining is going deeper underground, to unfriendly environments with more heat and moisture, it is by using electrification rather than relying only on traditional solutions that miners will be able to explore these areas more cost-effectively.
to rethink the machinery, then the mines don’t need to rethink their whole mine design. This is the approach.
The key benefits of battery-electric equipment include that they don’t require fossil fuels to operate and they don’t deliver underground exhaust emissions. Thus, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) contribute to sustainability benefits, reduced mine ventilation costs and improved air quality underground. They are flexible in terms of operating range, when compared to cable-electric equipment. However, all of that is not enough to offer a feasible option for traditional loaders and trucks: battery equipment needs to be competitive with – or even outperform – the traditional technology in every aspect including power, capacity, productivity, heat generation, and maneuverability.
RETHINKING THE EQUIPMENT
In order to truly pave the way for the BEVs and make them a real option for the mines, the OEMs will need to take a fresh look at their loader and truck designs - or to rethink it altogether from the ground up, as Sandvik says. If the OEMs manage Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA
Sandvik is lining up a family of battery-electric loaders and trucks based on the approach of rethinking equipment design. Sandvik is a leading provider of advanced products and services for mining and rock excavation. In 2019, Sandvik acquired a California-based company, Artisan Vehicle Systems, specialized in battery technology and electric drivelines. Today, this is an independent business unit of Load and Haul Division in Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. This acquisition and integration of Artisan into Sandvik combines the best of two worlds: Sandvik has more than 40 years of experience in designing and making underground loaders and trucks, including over 600 cable-electric loaders delivered, while Artisan has 10 years of know-how on batteries and electric drivelines, and over 500 000 operating hours underground. Actually today, most battery loaders and trucks operating underground use Artisan Vehicles technology.
MAIN DIFFERENCES COMPARED TO DIESEL EQUIPMENT
Talking about technical differences in battery equipment compared to diesel units, there are many. Firstly, the diesel engine is replaced with a battery and electric driveline. There is neither a transmission nor a torque converter in a battery loader or truck. The use of totally different driveline allows fitting smaller wheels to a loader rear than to the front which boosts performance. It is possible to do more in a smaller package. The smaller rear
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TECHNICAL CORNER tires enable a lower frame height and increase operator visibility from the cabin. Additionally, a major part of the frame can be dropped off to facilitate battery swap. From the maintenance point of view, electric powertrains are extremely efficient due to their simple, efficient and highly reliable motor design, therefore removing the need for the typical rebuilds that are common for traditional equipment. For example, there are no engine changes or mid-life transmission rebuilds, no transmission filter or oil changes, and all this contributes to a lower cost per ton. Despite these technical differences, the operating practices remain largely the same as with traditional equipment. One exception is that the brake pedal is not typically used in battery equipment because the motors do the braking. The accelerator pedal becomes a speed control pedal and when you release the pedal, the operator is requesting zero speed. The machine stops at a controlled rate. The regenerative braking allows for the battery to recharge during the braking process by converting mechanical energy into usable electrical energy. The battery-electric vehicles utilize this feature to control descent speed and reuse the potential energy of their mass to recharge the battery. This contrasts with conventional braking systems, where the excess kinetic and potential energy is lost as heat through traditional friction brakes or engine compression braking.
MINIMUM INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES
One main advantage of the new generation BEVs is the low levels of infrastructure needed in the mine. With the patented self-swapping system, changing the battery does not need any overhead cranes or forklifts, just an old passing bay or remuck bay is enough. This makes it easier for the mines to transition from their current equipment to BEVs. The charging stations that are required to charge the batteries consist of small cubes that can be quite easily moved in the mine as the operation develops, and they can be connected to the power infrastructure that is already in place.
FAST AND EASY BATTERY SWAP WITHOUT MANUAL HANDLING
The battery used in these BEV loaders and trucks is a robust Artisan™ battery pack, which uses Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry (LFP or LiFePO4) and is purpose-designed for use in underground mining. LFP withstands overcharge, mechanical shock and vibration, external short-circuit, crushing, penetration and internal short-circuit without starting a fire. These Artisan™ battery packs are designed and manufactured in one of Sandvik’s innovation centers, and this strategy has created a
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purpose-driven, reliable, and well maintainable battery system for the mining industry today. What makes the new generation battery system exceptional is the patented self-swapping. This means that when the loader or truck battery is depleted and needs to be changed, the equipment does it all by itself. It detaches the battery and places it on the ground. Then it picks up a fully charged battery and attaches it in its place to the equipment frame. All this time, the operator remains in the cabin, and no manual assistance is needed for the swap. Further, the time required for the battery swap is often less than five minutes. With one battery, a loader can operate from 3 to 6 hours, and a truck from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the mine application.
TRANSFERRING FROM TRADITIONAL EQUIPMENT TO BEVS
How to get started then with BEVs if it is time for a generation change on site? The recommendation is to start with the immediate need where current equipment is no longer a feasible solution, for example in deep mine sections, areas with ventilation challenges, hot spots and so on. For the remainder of the mine that operates well with current equipment, a slow conversion based on a retirement schedule on older machines is the recommended solution, thereby slowly transitioning a mine over a five-year period to a mine using battery technology.
SANDVIK BATTERY LOADERS AND TRUCKS LINED UP
In the end of September 2020, Sandvik has introduced its newest battery loader, the LH518B. It is the world’s first 19.8 ton battery loader for underground hard rock mines. Naturally, other new products will be launched in the coming years to complete a full battery-electric loader and truck fleet, Sandvik tells. Additionally, the current offering includes three other battery machines, all featuring Artisan™ battery-electric technology: A 55 ton truck (the Z50), an 11 ton loader (the A10), and a 4.4 ton loader (the A4). Learn more about Sandvik electric loaders here. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions will be unveiling their latest solutions, including battery-driven equipment, at MINExpo® International, on September 13-15, 2021, at booth 6212. Registration is now open at the Minexpo website. ■
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Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ELKO MINING EXPO 2021
On June 10th and 11th, Sandvik participated in the 35th annual Elko Mining Expo in Elko, Nevada, which was one of the first in-person shows since COVID-19 hit last year. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions was one of 319 exhibitors in this year’s show, and our team was made up of several people from our surface and rotary drilling divisions, automation, underground drills, rock tools, parts & services, and load & haul. For our booth this year, we had the TH545i truck as well as a DD421 underground drill. We also had rock tools down-the-hole on
display to show a few of our bits up close and an automation simulator which several stoppers-by and customers sat down to try it out. The team had a great time working together to share some of our solutions in a safe manner. Pictured here, back row: Brand Stewart, Ernie Doren, Bobbie Harwood, Tracy Skantel, DJ Marthini, Destiny Carranza, Antti Vesin, Harold Zoodsma, Spencer Mathews, Andy Rainwater, Josh Metz, Tab Seigrist, Paul Morgan, and Joel Thompson. Front row: Valerie Waters and Virginia Varela-Eyre.
NEW SANDVIK WAREHOUSE IN ELKO, NEVADA Sandvik decided to increase the Elko warehouse’s capacity to better support our customers in the area. The new, larger, 10,000 square feet warehouse is located in the Geothermal Industrial Park of Elko. We began operating this warehouse space in June 2020. As part of our commitment to improve customer experience and have parts in the right quantity, time and place, warehouse supervisor Keith Fowler and his team of three others manage the stockroom with thousands of Sandvik parts. With this increased warehouse capacity, we have improved parts availability, and customers can access parts faster when we have them in stock. The space is now fully functional with restrooms, break area, and office area for the team, as well as several aisles of shelves for parts. Safety culture and operational reliability are the main drivers of Keith’s team. Last year, the crew safely performed the Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA
warehouse move to this new facility during the early stages of COVID-19 with no interruption in customer service. This is a big step in making parts more available not only in Elko but they also support other warehousing projects in the US when needed. Stop by for a visit the warehouse if you are in the area: Industrial Park of Elko, 951 West Main Street, Elko, NV, USA ■
FAIRBANKS TEAM PRESENT AT GOLDEN DAYS GRANDE PARADE
Our Fairbanks team will participate in the Grande Parade as part of the Golden Days on July 17-25. The Golden Days is a series of activities for the community in celebration of the founding of Fairbanks. There will be events for all ages, including the Grande Parade, which is the biggest parade in Alaska, on July 24. For more details, check here. The Sandvik Fairbanks branch is located on 611 30th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
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PRODUCT LAUNCHES
SANDVIK INTRODUCES POWERCARBIDETM SH69, A POWERFUL BREAKTHROUGH Sandvik’s most powerful rock tool carbide grades – gathered under the name PowerCarbide™ – offer a unique combination of strength, hardness, toughness and wear resistance, and enhance both drilling performance and cost effectiveness. SH69, a new PowerCarbide™ grade developed specifically for down-the-hole drilling applications, can increase the service life of drill bits by up to 45 percent.
Sandvik’s self-hardening (SH) grades have homogeneous properties throughout the material and have the ability to become tougher and more wear resistant as you drill. The patented material characteristics contribute to added strength and durability. The SH69 is especially suited for hard and abrasive ground, and with it, Sandvik’s down-the-hole customers facing these conditions can achieve up to 45 percent longer drill bit service life. This not only means increased productivity and profitability, it also helps improve safety as there is much less need for changing of drill bits, reducing the risk for injuries in the process. “The new SH69 is truly a powerful breakthrough in our cemented carbide development,” says Xueying Hai, Product Manager Down-The-Hole Bits, Rock Tools Division, Sandvik
PowerCarbide™ SH69
Mining and Rock Solutions. “We can now offer our down-thehole customers a class-leading carbide grade that can make a big difference in their operations in terms of performance, productivity and sustainability. With less bit consumption, there are clear CO2 footprint savings from both manufacturing and logistics.” Learn more here.
SANDVIK EXPANDS BATTERY-ELECTRIC RANGE WITH NEW TOP HAMMER LONGHOLE DRILL Sandvik continues to grow its battery-electric equipment offering. The new fully automated Sandvik DL422iE top hammer longhole drill is equipped with an electric driveline system to eliminate diesel emissions while tramming, increasing productivity while reducing environmental impact and fostering a healthier work environment.
Sandvik DL422iE is capable of drilling vertical and inclined fans and single or parallel 3.5-5 inch (89-127 mm) longholes up to 177 ft (54 m).in depth using ST58 and ST68 tube rods. It is equipped with the powerful 44 HP (33 kW_ HF1560ST longhole rock drill, which is based on a proven concept in terms of drilling capacity, reliability and operating cost. With an impact frequency of 40-45 Hz and optimized percussion dynamics for ST68 tubes, Sandvik DL422iE delivers optimal bit-to-rock contact for improved energy transfer. This leads to decreased stress level in rock tools, lower coupling/front housing temperatures and extended service life for shank adaptor and tube.
The zero-emission Sandvik DL422iE joins Sandvik DD422iE as the company’s second battery-driven underground drill. Sandvik expects to offer a full range of battery-tramming rigs covering all underground drilling applications by the end of 2021. Learn more here. ■
DL422iE Longhole Drill Rig
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Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions USA
OUR PEOPLE
MEET OUR PEOPLE
AMANDA FERGUSON We are happy to announce Amanda Ferguson was appointed Customer Experience Manager in April 2021. Amanda graduated from Great Basin College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management in Technology and then went on to get her Master of Business Administration Degree from Western Governors University. Her first mining job was in 2000 as a summer student at Twin Creeks on the survey crew. She has been full time in the mining industry since the spring of 2011. In her past mining industry roles, she has been Key Account Manager, Continuous Improvement Analyst, Project Manager, and Product Owner for Autonomous Technology. She started with Sandvik in January 2021 as a Project Manager on the Battery Electric Vehicle Artisan team, and in April 2021, Amanda was appointed Customer Experience Manager. As Customer Experience Manager, Amanda will be responsible for data management, warranty and product support, and is currently overseeing projects on Battery Electric Vehicles.
Where are you originally from? I grew up in Fairchance, PA, only about 20 minutes away from Brier Hill.
New appointments
BRAND STEWART We are pleased to announce that Brand Stewart has been appointed Account Manager for Nevada, Rock Tools. He is originally from Arizona and earned a Bachelor’s in Emergency Services Administration from Utah Valley University. He started his career in mining working in EHS.He has worked in multiple public safety roles over the past 25 years, and still holds a current Licensure as a National Registry and Nevada Paramedic. Brand began his career with Sandvik in March 2020 as the Regional EHS Specialist – Western USA in Elko, Nevada. Brand is excited to join the Rock Tools USA team as of June 2021 and will be managing Nevada accounts in a sales and technical support role. Brand currently resides with his wife in Spring Creek, Nevada and loves any and all outdoor activities. DAVE BASSI Dave Bassi was recently appointed as a new Capital Equipment Sales Representative for the Surface Rotary & DTH Drilling division. Dave has been in the equipment rental industry for about the last 10 years. Prior to working with Sandvik, Dave has worked in the mining industry and specialized in supplying equipment and service to mines. He has also worked previously on projects to reduce air pollution in mines.
HAROLD ZOODSMA We would like to share with you that Harold Zoodsma has accepted the role of Technical Support Supervisor. Harold is from Lead, South Dakota and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in May 2019. He started with Sandvik in August 2020 as a Technical Specialist, and he will move to a Technical Support Supervisor position for Rock Tools in late June 2021. He will be based in the Elko area and will be the representative for Nevada Gold Mines.
Tiffany Juggins is the Customer Service Supervisor, based at our Brier Hill office. Here’s a little more about Tiffany.
How did you find your way into this job? I originally started with ARO Mining and came to Sandvik through that acquisition. How long have you been with Sandvik? I have been with Sandvik for about 16 years and 6 months. Have you always been in the Brier Hill office or have you worked in other locations? I started at the Brier Hill office over 16 years ago and never left. What’s your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is the customers. They have become extended family over the years. Tell us something that you are most proud of about working in Brier Hill Office… or the most memorable moment while working at Sandvik? I would have to say the thing I am most proud of about working in our office is when Sandvik partnered with Habitat for Humanity and we built a house for a local family. It was very rewarding. What do you enjoy most about Brier Hill I do love where I work. My co-workers are the best, most of us have been together for well over a decade and we have built trust as a team and work well as a unit. ■
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE. MINIMAL FOOTPRINT. THE DR410i ROTARY BLASTHOLE DRILL. Compact, powerful and technologically advanced, the DR410i is designed to deliver unmatched productivity and return on investment for 6 – 9 ⅞in (152–251mm) rotary and DTH holes. With a single-pass capacity up to 46ft (14m) and maximum hole depth of 106ft (32.3m), the DR410i is automation-ready and equipped with features to ensure quality and consistency, hole-to-hole. All iSeries rotary blasthole drills are built around the Sandvik Intelligent Control System Architecture (SICA) and offer a wide range of functions for precision drilling and maximized performance while providing a shared user experience across all iSeries machines. Learn more about the DR410i at ROCKTECHNOLOGY.SANDVIK/DR410i