Sandvik to supply three DR413i rotary drill rigs to Glencore for Alumbrera restart
Sandvik has secured an order from Glencore to supply three DR413i rotary blasthole drill rigs for the restart of the Bajo de la Alumbrera copper mine in Argentina. The order was booked in Q1 2026. The first DR413i is scheduled to arrive in Argentina in April with the remaining two following in Q4 2026.
Additionally, Sandvik will provide rebuild services to Glencore for three D75KS rotary blasthole drill rigs and three DP1500 crawled-based surface drill rigs, as well as labor and parts for maintenance of the whole fleet.
Operations are expected to resume at Alumbrera in 2027, with first production slated for 2028. The mine is projected to produce around 73,000 metric tons of copper until June 2031, alongside gold and molybdenum, over an initial four-year life. Beyond its direct output, the restart is strategically important as it supports the wider project by maintaining infrastructure, workforce capability and reducing future development risk, while contributing to Glencore’s ambition to expand copper production in response to growing energy transition demand.
The Sandvik DR413i rotary blasthole drill rig is a high-capacity, crawler-mounted machine designed specifically for surface mining applications, including large-scale open pit copper operations. Capable of drilling hole diameters from 251–349 mm (9.88-13.75 in) with a single-pass depth of up to 17 m (55.70 ft), the rig combines a powerful rotary head with a high weight-on-bit capacity to deliver consistent, high-productivity drilling performance even at high altitudes. Its intelligent features – such as the Sandvik Intelligent Control System Architecture (SICA), onboard diagnostics and automation tools, like iDrill – provide real-time performance feedback, improve accuracy and ensure hole-to-hole consistency, while reducing operator intervention.
Maximiliano Davico, Business Line Manager, Rotary Drills – Sales Area Andean & South Cone at Sandvik Mining, added: “Sandvik has supplied various equipment to Minera Alumbrera in the past and we are delighted to support Glencore with the mine's upcoming restart.
“The DR413i is particularly well suited to open-pit copper mines thanks to its robust design, high torque rotary system and features such as a travelling centralizer that enables straighter, more accurate holes, for optimal blast outcomes and downstream productivity. Combined with automation capabilities, reduced fuel consumption and a maintenance-friendly design, the rig helps lower operating costs, improve safety and enhance overall mine efficiency."
For further information, please contact:
Rob Ewanow, Marketing Manager, Rotary Drilling Division, Sandvik Mining
Email: robert.ewanow@sandvik.com