Modern Mining March 2015

PRODUCT News

Sandvik Mining launches ‘next-generation’ blasthole drill The Sandvik DR461i is a diesel-powered, self-propelled, crawler- mounted blasthole drill that is automation-ready and features forward-thinking design and technology for bulk mining operations. According to Sandvik, it is designed to withstand the harshest condi- tions and is equipped for rotary or down-the-hole (DTH) drilling. The DR461i was developed from the preceding DR460 drill rig and includes upgrades that make it extremely reliable, easy to maintain and safe. “For decades, customers have counted on Sandvik to develop the most durable products on the markets – rigs that will be able to work a mine site for decades,” said Ken Stapylton, Vice President of Rotary Drilling, Sandvik Mining. “In developing the DR461i, we’ve taken our customers’ feedback into our research and development efforts and are proud of the newest addition to our drilling equip- ment product line.” The DR461i includes several safety enhancements such as autono- mous pipe handling, above-the-deck bit change, additional walkways, hand railings and safety interlocks. The drill was designed to fully comply with the various safety standards around the world, such as Mining Design Guidelines (MDG) for mobile and transportable equip- ment inmines, Earth Moving Equipment Safety Roundtable (EMESRT) Design Philosophies and CE conformity marking. The DR461i has a completely new cab designed to ensure the maximum comfort and ease of operation for the operator. The cab includes air conditioning and sound insulation to 80 decibels or less. It also offers unique ‘all in the seat’ drilling and tramming controls. The newmachine is equippedwith a Graphical User Interface (GUI) system. The GUI system digitally displays the features of the DR461i while operating and tramming. Running off the CanBus system on the drill, it acts like an electronic depth counter and drill monitoring system in one, picking up information that sensors monitor in differ- ent parts of the machine such as the motor, compressor, rotary head and tracks. It then represents this data through an interactive touch screen that the operator can then easily scroll through. The unit has a hydrau-

lic main access stairway. Developed to be a safer alternative to accessing the drill rig rather than using ver tical hanging steps, the stairway enables the operator or maintenance personnel to bring tools up onto the drill with a reduced risk of falling. It is designed to be self-levelling depend- ing on the topography of the ground around the drill, and was also built to accommo- date the different heights of the drill levels depending on the height of jack extension. Dean Kangleas, Sandvik Mining Southern Africa, tel (+27 79) 496-7038

The Sandvik DR461i blasthole drill rig.

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