Underground mining equipment

Hard rock mining operations extract commodities including gold, copper, zinc, nickel, silver and other base and precious metals, from competent (high strength) rock formations at depth. They employ a range of mining methods, such as long hole stoping, block caving and cut and fill mining, which are selected to suit the orebody geometry, geotechnical conditions and production requirements. Hard rock mining operations rely on accurate drilling, controlled rock excavation and effective ground support to maintain safe, stable and efficient underground workings.

Sandvik supports all hard rock mining applications 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 techniques are typically used to extract high-grade ores such as gold, silver or platinum from narrow, steeply dipping orebodies. Due to the limited working space, these applications require 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 equipment 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.

Stope mining methods are used to extract ore from an established underground opening once access to the orebody has been developed. They are primarily applied in hard rock environments, and the choice of method depends upon factors such as how steeply the orebody is dipping, its grade distribution and geotechnical conditions. Common approaches include sublevel stoping, longhole stoping, cut and fill stoping and variations of open stoping. Stoping operations are usually characterized by high productivity and require accurate drilling, controlled blasting and efficient ore handling to maximize recovery and minimize dilution.

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 a technique often used in irregular or weak orebodies 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 orebodies that vary signficantly 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 ground monitoring systems ensure stope integrity is maintained throughout production.

Caving methods are underground mining techniques used to extract ore by inducing the controlled collapse of the orebody and surrounding rock, allowing gravity to assist in ore breakage and flow. These methods include block caving, panel caving and sublevel caving, and are typically applied to large, disseminated or continuous orebodies at depth. They are most commonly used for low-grade, high-tonnage deposits such as copper, gold and other base metals, where economies of scale are critical. Caving methods require careful planning, robust infrastructure and effective draw control to manage ground behavior and maintain safe production conditions.

Sandvik’s AutoMine® platform is essential for operating load and haul 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.

Room and pillar mining is a method commonly used to extract flat-lying, soft rock deposits, such as potash, salt and some coal seams. This method involves the 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 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.

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 systems involve 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.