Sandvik Mining Launches an Electric-Powered Drill for the Asia-Pacific Region

Home to large depositories of coal, iron ore, tin and rare-earth metals, the Asia-Pacific region is quickly becoming a leader in the global mining and exploration industry. Recognizing its customers’ challenge to effectively slash operating costs, Sandvik Mining embarked on a journey to create an electric-powered rotary blast hole drill that would stand up to some of the toughest mining environments in the world. The 1175E drill rig was born from this initiative.

At the top of the 1175E’s highlighted features is its electric motor. Electric-powered drills are in high demand in Asia and offer several benefits over diesel-powered rigs, including lower operating and maintenance costs. Additionally, electric drills generate a smaller environmental footprint than their diesel-powered counterparts because of the lack of carbon emissions.

The 1175E was designed with safety in mind. Highlighted features include:

• Operator’s cab: The two-person cab is air conditioned and heated, equipped with an ergonomic, rotatable seat, and was designed to provide the operator with great visibility of the drilling operation. The cab is shock-mounted, FOPS-certified and large enough for the operator to stand and use wall console-mounted controls for tramming.

• Main frame: Sandvik designed the 1175E with an open, well-designed work deck area complete with handrails, kick plates and multiple access ladders.

• Cable reel: The 1175E’s cable reel is automated rather than manual, making this mining process safer and quicker.

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system: The PLC system is designed for the complicated control functions, such as logic circuit control of regular relays, analog and digital control, calculation and comparison with input setup after data collection, proportional valve control and logic interlock control. It’s easy for wire collection and service.

Commenting on the drill launch, Ken Staplyton, vice president of rotary and DTH drilling, Sandvik Mining, said, “Our engineers at Sandvik’s Jiading facility have worked tirelessly alongside local customers and mining officials to bring to market an electric rotary drill that will enable mining companies operating in China to achieve enhanced safety, increased productivity and peace of mind.”

In December 2012, the first 1175E rig was delivered from Sandvik’s Jiading facility to Chongqing Iron & Steel Group’s Taihe iron ore mine just outside of Xichang City. Per the contract acceptance clause, the rig achieved 90 percent machine availability and an average instantaneous penetration rate of 40 m/h in different geological conditions in the Taihe mine site.

Reporting on the results, Xiaobin Luo, deputy team leader at the Taihe mine, explained, “Sandvik’s 1175E rotary drill exceeded our performance expectations, and is more efficient than the domestic drills we currently have on site. Features such as the advanced control method, efficient pipe handling, automated cable reel and the powerful undercarriage designed to move easily and quickly – are improving our drilling operations.”

To see the 1175E drill in operation at Chongqing Iron & Steel Group’s Taihe mine, watch this video. For more information on Sandvik Mining’s equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining industry, visit www.mining.sandvik.com or like us on Facebook.