Electrifying mining in the Gobi

MAK’s ‘30 Years Towards a Green Future’ program was introduced in 2023, as the company marked its 30th anniversary and redefined its long-term development direction for the next three decades.

Initiated by President and CEO, Tselmuun Nyamtaishir, the program serves as a group-wide platform to accelerate MAK’s green transition by integrating sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, including the phased electrification of mining and industrial equipment, the deployment of renewable energy and the adoption of solutions that reduce emissions while improving operational efficiency.

A strategic shift to electric

MAK and Sandvik have worked together since 2010, with MAK operating D45KS and D75KS drill rigs at its Naryn Sukhait operation. The introduction of the DR412iE rigs represents a step change, from conventional diesel-powered equipment to a fully electric, automation-ready platform.

“We have been cooperating with Sandvik since 2010,” said Lamzav Bayarmunkh, Chief Engineer at Naryn Sukhait. “We use Sandvik D45KS and D75KS drills which we are slowly retiring. Since late 2025, or early 2026, we have introduced two DR412iE units into operation.”

For MAK, electrification is not just about equipment; it’s part of a broader operational philosophy. “The main reason for choosing the electric DR412iE drills is that they’re in line with our policy aimed at green development,” Bayarmunkh explained.

The commissioning of the Sandvik DR412iE drills is among the first major operational steps under this agenda, translating MAK’s group-level sustainability policy into measurable change at site level. By moving from diesel-powered drilling to an electric, automation-ready platform, the company is linking environmental performance with higher productivity, safer working conditions and a more modern mining model.

Performance driven by design

The DR412iE, part of Sandvik’s iSeries rotary drills range, is engineered to deliver high-capacity drilling with the benefits of electrification and digitalization. For MAK, the results have been immediate. “We have been using the Sandvik DR412iE electric drill for about three to four months,” said Bayarmunkh. “The main advantage is that they’re fully electric. They also perform single-pass drilling, which significantly improves productivity.”

Compared with previous equipment, the productivity gains are clear. “Earlier drills achieved 20 to 25 meters-per-hour, whereas the Sandvik DR412iE achieves 30 to 40 meters-per-hour,” he noted. Shift output has also increased substantially. “Currently, the DR412iE drills achieve around 700 to 800 meters-per-shift, which is significantly higher than previous drills,” Bayarmunkh added.

These improvements are supported by design features that optimize uptime and efficiency, including the ability to move between holes without lowering the mast and automated cable handling.

“The DR412iE can move without lowering the mast, saving time, and it automatically reels and unreels its cable,” Bayarmunkh said. “Another advantage is that it eliminates the need for an operator’s assistant – the new model can be operated by one person, rather than two as with the D75KS and D45KS.”

Digital capability at the core

Beyond electrification, the DR412iE introduces a new level of digital integration. Equipped with GPS and supported by Sandvik’s DRI platform, the rig enables more precise and efficient drilling.

“The drill is equipped with TIM3D high-precision navigation, enabling accurate positioning of the drill rig,” said Bayarmunkh. This allows drilling to the correct elevation, resulting in a cleaner bench after blasting and improved fragmentation. At the same time, connectivity through Sandvik’s digital ecosystem provides real-time operational insight.

“With My Sandvik Productivity, we can fully monitor the drill’s performance and maintenance,” he explained. Together, these capabilities support a more data-driven approach to drilling, where performance, maintenance and optimization are increasingly interconnected.

Designed around the operator

While productivity and sustainability are key drivers, operator experience has also been a major focus. The DR412iE cabin design and ergonomics reflect a shift toward safer, more comfortable working environments. “Operators have very positive feedback,” said Bayarmunkh. “The cabin is spacious, tools are easily accessible, and the working conditions are comfortable and safe.”

Noise reduction and improved insulation further enhance the experience. “The cabin is well insulated, so external noise is minimal,” he added. The rig also supports on-the-job training, with space for instructors to sit alongside and support operators. This helps accelerate skills development as new technology is introduced.

Building momentum in electrification

For MAK, the DR412iE is part of a broader transition toward electrified and lower-emission operations. “As part of our ‘30 Years Towards a Green Future’ program, we’re introducing more electric equipment into our operations,” said Bayarmunkh. “The Sandvik DR412iE drills are just the starting point.”

At Naryn Sukhait, the early results highlight a wider industry shift: electrification is no longer a future ambition, but a practical pathway to improving productivity, reducing emissions and modernizing mining operations. MAK is already expanding this approach beyond drilling, with electric buses and other technologies being introduced across the site.

This transition is also evident across the company’s manufacturing operations. Under the leadership of President N. Tselmuun, MAK Group has begun sourcing approximately 40–60 percent of the total energy consumption of its three European-standard building materials plants from solar power.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate MAK’s broader commitment to building a cleaner, more efficient and future-ready industrial model for Mongolia, while contributing to the advancement of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the broader sustainability agenda across Mongolia and Southeast Asia.