The first Sandvik AutoMine Loading installations were delivered more than 10 years ago and the automation system continues its success story today. More and more mines globally are discovering how Sandvik AutoMine can improve their operations.
“This year seems to be a turning point, with many new Sandvik AutoMine Loading Lite systems being ordered,” says Riku Pulli, VP Automation, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “Within this challenging business climate, mines are looking for reliable, easy-to-implement solutions that deliver higher productivity and efficiency in mining operations. We are proud that Sandvik AutoMine has already delivered well on these requirements for many customers and there are more in the pipeline.”
Sandvik AutoMine Loading Lite is a simple, single-loader automation solution that helps ensure safer operation and high productivity. It is easy to set up, operate and maintain. The solution can also be easily expanded to applications that require more than one loader, operated by a single operator. Sandvik AutoMine Loading Lite works in a wide range of mining methods including development, open stoping and sub-level caving.
Sandvik AutoMine Loading Lite was recently updated with a unique new function, Automatic Bucket Loading Assistant, that completes the fully automated loading cycle by bringing in technology that enables a loader to fill its bucket without any help from the remote operator in the control room. This new feature makes the full loading cycle much more consistent and allows operators to focus on the overall process supervision instead of a need to continuously load buckets over tele-remote connection.
Operations that rely on Sandvik AutoMine Loading Lite include Boliden Garpenberg mine, Boliden Tara mine, Goldcorp Cerro Negro mine, Glencore Kidd Operations, First Quantum Pyhäsalmi mine, IAMGOLD Westwood and LKAB Kiruna mine.
At MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2016 Sandvik has a fully functional automation control center set up including a live, long-distance connection to a real operational underground loader halfway across the world.
Las Vegas, US, 26 September 2016
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a high-tech and global engineering group offering advanced products and services that enhance customer productivity, profitability and safety. We hold world-leading positions in selected areas – tools and tooling systems for metal cutting; equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining and construction industries; products in advanced stainless steels, special alloys, titanium, and metallic and ceramic resistance materials. In 2015, the Group had about 45,000 employees and sales of about 86 billion SEK in more than 150 countries.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, crushing and screening, loading and hauling, tunneling, quarrying and breaking and demolition. In 2015, sales were approximately 33 billion SEK with about 15,000 employees in continuing operations.