Surface mining equipment

Open-pit mining is the most common surface mining method used to extract minerals such as copper, iron ore, gold, and coal from deep ore bodies near the surface. These large-scale operations require high-capacity drilling, hauling, and blasting systems capable of working continuously in demanding environments. Precision and efficiency are key to minimizing waste and maximizing ore recovery in expansive open-pit layouts.

Sandvik supports open-pit mining with a powerful portfolio of rotary blasthole drill rigs such as the DR410i and DR416iE, engineered for productivity and low cost per meter. With features like onboard automation, advanced drilling controls, and telematics integration through My Sandvik Insight™, operators can optimize performance and monitor equipment remotely. Sandvik’s digital solutions, including AutoMine® Surface Drilling, further enhance safety and uptime by enabling autonomous operation in high-risk zones.

Quarrying involves the extraction of building materials like limestone, granite, sandstone, and aggregates from shallow deposits. These operations often require mobility, flexibility, and clean fragmentation to support construction or industrial material demands. Unlike large open-pits, quarries operate on tighter benches and variable terrain.

Sandvik offers robust top hammer drill rigs like the Pantera™ DP1100i and Ranger™ DXi series, which deliver high penetration rates and excellent hole accuracy in quarry environments. These rigs are known for their stability, mobility, and advanced automation options that streamline drilling workflows. Additionally, Sandvik rock tools and digital drilling analytics help maximize output while reducing tool wear, making quarrying operations more cost-efficient and sustainable.

Strip mining is used primarily to extract coal and soft minerals from horizontal seams located close to the surface. This method involves removing overburden in long strips to expose and harvest the mineral bed below. Efficient cycle times and bench stability are critical to maintaining production rates and minimizing environmental impact.

Sandvik supports strip mining with a suite of down-the-hole (DTH) drill rigs such as the Leopard™ DI650i, built for consistent performance in both overburden removal and blast hole drilling. These rigs are complemented by SmartROC controls, which improve fuel efficiency, drilling precision, and overall productivity. Combined with Sandvik’s automation-ready platforms and remote monitoring capabilities, strip mining operations benefit from improved safety and reduced operational costs.

Mountaintop removal is a specialized form of surface mining used mainly in coal-rich regions where seams are located beneath mountain ridges. This method involves removing the summit or ridge of a mountain to access buried seams, which requires controlled blasting and careful overburden management to protect surrounding areas.

Sandvik provides high-precision rotary and DTH rigs suitable for mountaintop environments, where bench access and blasting accuracy are paramount. The DR410iE rotary blasthole rig, for instance, offers advanced depth control, autonomous capabilities, and robust design to handle tough terrain. Combined with Sandvik’s real-time monitoring tools and predictive maintenance systems, mining teams can safely and efficiently manage high-altitude drilling and reduce unplanned downtime.

Highwall mining is a hybrid method between surface and underground mining, used when open-pit operations become uneconomical due to depth or stripping ratio. This method extracts coal from exposed seams in high walls left behind after contour mining. It requires precise equipment navigation and real-time monitoring to ensure stability and safety.

While highwall mining involves specialized continuous mining equipment, Sandvik supports these operations with intelligent drilling and bench preparation using rigs like the Leopard™ DI650i. Our equipment ensures clean and accurate pre-split holes along the highwall, improving structural stability. Sandvik’s geotechnical monitoring systems, combined with remote fleet management tools, help operators maintain control over equipment performance and wall integrity in high-risk conditions.