Underground mining equipment

Hard rock underground mining is a widely used method to extract valuable minerals such as gold, copper, zinc, and nickel from deep ore bodies. This mining method involves techniques like development drifting, long-hole stoping, and cut-and-fill mining, all requiring highly specialized equipment capable of operating in challenging geological conditions. Safety, precision, and high productivity are essential when working at depth, especially in areas with limited access or ventilation.

Sandvik supports hard rock mining operations with a full suite of development and production technologies. The DD422iE battery-electric development drill rig offers precise tunneling while minimizing diesel emissions underground. For long-hole stoping, the DL432i rig ensures optimal drilling accuracy and productivity. Sandvik’s AutoMine® automation system enhances safety and efficiency by allowing autonomous operation of loaders and trucks in deep or high-risk areas. These systems are supported by our Mining Data Platform (MDP) for real-time equipment tracking, production analytics, and predictive maintenance.

Narrow vein mining is typically used to extract high-grade ores such as gold or silver from narrow, steeply dipping ore bodies. Due to the limited working space, this application requires compact and maneuverable equipment capable of delivering high selectivity and low dilution. Maximizing ore recovery while preserving wall rock stability is crucial in these operations.

Sandvik’s narrow vein portfolio includes the DD210 development drill rig, specifically designed for tight tunnels and smaller cross-sections. The low-profile Toro™ LH208L loader offers efficient mucking in confined spaces and can be paired with battery-electric power for reduced emissions in low-ventilation environments. With AutoMine® compatibility, these machines can also be operated remotely, improving safety and cycle time. Sandvik’s My Rock Tools™ and digital planning tools further help optimize tool selection and reduce operating costs.

Room and pillar mining is commonly used in flat-lying deposits such as potash, salt, and some coal seams. This method involves the careful excavation of “rooms” while leaving behind “pillars” of rock to support the roof. A focus on controlled extraction and consistent ground support is vital for maintaining safety and maximizing ore recovery.

Sandvik provides continuous mechanical miners and bolting rigs for efficient room development and ground stabilization. Ventilation-on-demand systems can be integrated to optimize airflow only where and when needed, reducing energy consumption. Sandvik also offers digital monitoring systems for geotechnical data, enabling real-time assessment of rock movement and structural integrity. Together, these solutions support safer operations, especially in large, interconnected underground chambers.

Sublevel stoping and sublevel caving are bulk mining methods used to extract ore from steeply dipping, massive ore bodies. These methods allow for high productivity and are suitable for large-scale operations where ore is fragmented and gravity-assisted to move downward into drawpoints. Blasting precision and ore flow control are key to minimizing dilution and equipment wear.

Sandvik addresses these needs with high-capacity top hammer rigs like the DL421, built for long-hole drilling in sublevel stopes. For material haulage, the Toro™ TH663i truck offers high-speed, heavy-load capabilities with digital diagnostics for performance optimization. Deswik software supports accurate design and planning of drill-and-blast sequences and draw control strategies, while AutoMine® ensures that loaders and trucks operate autonomously in production areas, improving safety and consistency.

Cut and fill mining is often used in irregular or weak ore bodies where backfilling is required to support the stope as mining progresses upward. This selective method allows for greater control over ground conditions and recovery, making it ideal for ore bodies that vary in shape or orientation.

Sandvik provides equipment and digital solutions tailored for cut and fill operations. Cable bolting rigs enhance stope stability by reinforcing hanging walls and backfilled areas. Toro™ loaders and trucks, available in electric and diesel versions, offer flexible material movement in complex layouts. With Deswik’s stope and backfill planning tools, mining teams can model material flow and optimize cycle efficiency, while Sandvik’s monitoring systems ensure stope integrity is maintained throughout production.

Block caving is a high-volume mining method typically applied to large, deep ore bodies such as copper or diamond deposits. It relies on gravity to break and move ore as the rock mass caves under its own weight, requiring extensive infrastructure and monitoring to manage subsidence and draw control.

Sandvik’s AutoMine® platform is essential for operating loader and haulage fleets in the hazardous environment of a cave drawpoint. Toro™ LH621i loaders are designed for large-scale material movement and can operate fully autonomously in caving conditions. Ground support systems, including real-time convergence monitoring with xCell Cyclops™, enhance safety by detecting movement in drawbells and access drives. Our Deswik software enables accurate cave layout design, draw modeling, and flow analysis to reduce dilution and maximize recovery.

Mine development is the foundational phase of any underground mining operation, involving the creation of access tunnels, declines, ore passes, and ventilation shafts. These activities require precise excavation, accurate drilling and blasting, and continuous advancement under varying geological conditions. Tunneling must be both safe and efficient to meet tight schedules and to support subsequent production phases.

Sandvik delivers high-performance equipment and technologies for rapid development and tunneling. The DT923i jumbo drill rig features dual booms with automated positioning, ideal for straight tunnel faces and high advance rates. Mechanical cutting solutions are also available for softer ground or civil infrastructure projects. AutoMine® integration allows for semi-autonomous or fully remote drilling, reducing exposure in high-risk zones. Centrevo™ Performance Monitoring offers live production data, cycle tracking, and operator performance insights, helping teams achieve faster development rates with reduced operational risk.

Maintaining ground stability is a critical aspect of underground mining, especially in deep or high-stress environments where rock bursts, convergence, and falls of ground pose serious hazards. Effective ground support involves systematic bolting, mesh installation, and continuous monitoring of rock movement to prevent incidents and ensure miner safety.

Sandvik provides a range of bolting and ground reinforcement equipment, including mechanized bolters and rigs that support both resin-anchored and mechanically anchored bolts. Real-time geotechnical monitoring is enabled through Sandvik’s xCell Cyclops™, a wireless convergence system that detects minute changes in rock deformation, alerting operators before failure occurs. Sandvik also integrates ground support planning within the Deswik software suite, allowing for scenario-based modeling of support systems based on geological mapping. These tools help optimize the balance between safety, efficiency, and cost in challenging ground conditions.