Sandvik unveils its most advanced AutoMine® operator stations at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is unveiling its most advanced operator stations for demonstrating the latest AutoMine® technologies this week at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024.

These concept desks mark a significant step forward in the evolution of operator stations, where automation and state-of-the-art technology redefine operational control, efficiency and productivity. They showcase autonomous operation capabilities for underground mining, featuring the AutoMine® Core platform for mass mining applications, and surface drilling operations with the AutoMine® Surface for autonomous drilling product portfolio.

The AutoMine® Concept Underground Operator Desk is a fully functional AutoMine® Core simulator, capable of simultaneously managing up to four machines. This capacity reflects the optimal number of machines an operator can effectively monitor and maintain in continuous operation. While the simulator is designed for this threshold, the AutoMine® Fleet system can support up to 15 machines concurrently, with an expansion to 30 machines anticipated early next year. This scalability will allow seamless integration of various equipment models within a unified operational area, enhancing both flexibility and operational efficiency.

“The AutoMine® Core simulator is an enhanced adaptation of Sandvik's established training simulator, which is extensively utilized by AutoMine® Core customers at their sites and by Sandvik experts at our test mine facility in Finland,” said Jouni Koppanen, Product Line Manager, Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “While this technology demonstrator is not currently commercially available, Sandvik is committed to collaborating closely with customers through its NextGen program to develop customized solutions that meet their specific operational needs.”

The AutoMine® NextGen program is a major advancement in autonomous mining, delivering solutions that significantly enhance operational flexibility, productivity and safety in self-navigating systems. It builds on more than 20 years of automation expertise, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to advance mining operations. This robust platform integrates seamlessly with modern mines, leveraging 3D sensing technologies such as LiDAR and IMU-enhanced SLAM for enhanced precision, mapping and route planning based on pre-recorded mine maps. By improving environmental awareness and optimizing performance, this technology significantly enhances efficiency in underground mining operations.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 24, 2024

For further information, please contact:

Jouni Koppanen
Product Line Manager, Automation
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
email: jouni.koppanen@sandvik.com

Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2023 the Group had approximately 41,000 employees and revenues of about 127 billion SEK in about 170 countries within continuing operations.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2023, sales were approximately 66 billion SEK with about 17,000 employees.