Modern Mining March 2023

OPENCAST MINING, CONTRACTING AND EQUIPMENT

compressor. Hole diameters can range from 127 mm to 203 mm, and it can drill to depths of up to 45 m with a maximum pulldown force of 184 kN. The rigs handle drill pipe rapidly and effectively, contributing to shorter cycle times and more holes drilled. “In terms of hydraulics, the Sandvik systems man age power operation with few moving parts, thereby producing abundant power even while working under extreme operating conditions,” she says. “The rigs’ ability to move and set up is also critical to effi cient drilling cycles, so the legacy design includes strong, structurally sound undercarriages and heavy duty frames.” The drills have solid engine and compressor options that provide the right combination for all drilling conditions. The engine and compressor range allow for optimised hole flushing and the most power for DTH drilling. Operating at lower speeds and load factors ensures longevity, while additional features like load sensing and fan speed controls aid performance. 

of its predecessor in terms of its ease of mainte nance. With many customers already familiar with the maintenance requirements of the D25KS, she emphasises that they will certainly be in a position to continue maintaining the D25KX on their own. “Customers will certainly be pleased to know that their experience will allow them to maintain the new model as easily as they did the previous one,” she says. “This means that it can be attended to with out necessarily needing specialist input – giving customers confidence that uptime can be kept at a maximum. The skillset and infrastructure are already in place.” High performance The Sandvik D25KX is equipped as a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer drill, including a high-pressure air

Above: Sandvik has continued enhancing the safety and has re-envisioned the cabin.

Right: Sandvik’s xSeries blasthole drills are in a class of their own.

The Sandvik D25KX, loaded and ready to be delivered to a customer.

20  MODERN MINING  March 2023