Sandvik developing new surface drilling test site

Facility being developed to support future technologies such as electrification and automation

IN support of the shift towards electrification and the advancement of autonomous and optimization technologies in surface drilling, Sandvik have acquired a new testing facility in Finland to develop and prove future surface drilling technologies.

The surface test site is located 40km north-west of Tampere and Sandvik’s renowned underground test mine. The area, which has previously served as a quarry, will be developed by its own drilling plan. The site is Sandvik’s first dedicated exclusively to surface drilling on such a large scale.

‘The development of comprehensive solutions that not only harness the latest technologies but also deliver productivity and reliability in our customers’ real-life applications and conditions requires a real-life test environment,’ said Petri Virrankoski, president of surface drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

‘The surface test mine will facilitate the exchange of our deep know-how in equipment manufacturing, rock tools, automation and digitalization, supporting the design and development of even more new products and solutions in the future.’

Sandvik are currently developing the site, officially known as Sandvik Test Pit, and testing their first drills there. Over the next two years, the company plans to construct permanent office buildings and designated customer facilities at the location.

Sandvik will use the test mine for R&D as well as hosting customers for technology demonstrations, particularly those related to automation, digitalization, and electrification of surface drills. The site will enable technology development and training for both surface boom and rotary drill rigs, as well as rock tools, parts and services, and related digital technologies such as automation and fleet telematics and monitoring solutions.

The test site will also allow Sandvik to explore and demonstrate power source alternatives in a real-world environment, in which infrastructure to support both boom and rotary drilling electrification can be provided.

‘Decarbonization is accelerating across our industry, and the role of electrification in surface mining sustainability will help guide our development of new systems and solutions,’ said Dave Shellhammer, president of rotary drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

‘Testing is a major part of our R&D cycle. This new test mine will help us shorten time to market and verify even more swiftly that we’re delivering the safest, most reliable and productive drill rigs to our customers.’