Long-term partnership at major quarry operations

Built on long-term expertise

Natland Graveservice AS, led by founder Geir Natland and his sons Morten and Stian, employs around 40 people and brings more than 30 years of operational experience to the Tau and Jelsa sites. Over time, the company has established itself as a reliable contractor for large-scale quarry operations where predictability and operational continuity are essential.

Renewing a full fleet for high-capacity quarries

To secure a new five-year drilling contract in 2024, Natland Graveservice needed to modernize its fleet and ensure consistent performance in the high-output quarries operated by Mibau Stema Group. Efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability were key priorities for both Natland and the quarry owner.

All rigs are equipped with noise guards to meet strict environmental requirements and are covered by a full-service agreement, including scheduled maintenance, wear parts, and rock tools support. This setup provides predictable operating costs and long-term fleet reliability.

A successful trial that shaped the decision

The foundation for the agreement was established in early 2023, when Natland Graveservice rented a Ranger™ DX900i equipped with Sandvik’s CT67 rock tools and the RD930 rock drill.

During the trial, the customer observed higher drilling output, longer tool life, and improved hole accuracy. These results led to the purchase of a DX910i and full string of the innovative CT55 and CT67 top hammer curved thread systems later that year and ultimately to the decision to replace the entire fleet with Sandvik equipment. “The new CT tools are fantastic – they last longer and are very durable,” says Geir Natland.

Focus on working environment and safety

Noise reduction was another important factor in the fleet renewal. All rigs are equipped with a NoiseGuard-DXi, contributing to a more comfortable and safer working environment at the quarry sites.

“It’s more comfortable - you get tired from too much noise,” says Mari Rogne Vinje, Geologist Trainee at Mibau Stema Jelsa, highlighting the impact of reduced noise levels on daily operations.

A solutions-focused partnership

For Natland Graveservice AS, the move to a full Sandvik fleet was driven not only by technical performance, but also by the structured support provided throughout the trial and evaluation process. Close collaboration with Sandvik’s local team has helped streamline planning, maintenance, and daily operations, giving Natland Graveservice confidence in having one partner for both drilling equipment and rock tools.

“We don’t always agree, but we always reach an agreement,” says Geir Natland, describing the long-standing and solution-oriented cooperation with Sandvik.

This pragmatic and open dialogue has been a key factor in building a partnership focused on reliability, transparency, and long-term performance.

Looking ahead

The cooperation between Natland Graveservice AS and Sandvik continues with a shared focus on productive, efficient and responsible drilling operations. As the new fleet is now in operation, both teams continue to work closely to ensure smooth implementation and consistent performance in the Tau and Jelsa quarries.