PLANT AND EQUIPMENT •
DRILL RIG STANDS ON SHOULDERS OF GIANT
All images by Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
The first Sandvik D25KX in South Africa has already been delivered to a customer in the Northern Cape .
Sandvik ’ s new D25KX rotary drill rig , combining reliability and technology , has arrived in Africa – but its legacy has preceded it .
This is because the Sandvik D25KX is an improved version of the mining contractor ’ s drill rig of choice – the D25KS – according to Nelize Nel , Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions ’ acting business line manager for rotary drills . The new model sees a redesigned cabin with significant ergonomic and safety enhancements . Nelize Nel , commercial manager and acting BLM – rotary drills at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions .
Large cabin windows now allow greater visibility from the operator ’ s swivel seat and control panel . With a focus on operator comfort , the cabin systems include a seven-inch mobile grade touch screen and PLC control . Added intelligence of the touch screens and digital gauges gives the operator real-time feedback on machine performance and monitors machine health . There is even a seat in the cabin for a trainer or supervisor to accompany the operator when working .
“ These enhancements have been applied to a design which retains the elements that made the previous model such a success ,” says
Nel . “ These include the robust base and frame , the rigid lattice-style mast , and the heavy-duty pulldown chains .”
She points to the large population of the legacy model that developed in Southern Africa since they were introduced over two decades ago . Around 20 % of the approximately 500 machines sold globally were active in this region . This demonstrates the popularity of the design and the positive reception of the new Sandvik D25KX . The first unit to arrive in the country has already been sold and will do duty in a Northern Cape iron ore mine .
Equipped as a down the hole ( DTH ) hammer drill , the new Sandvik D25KX drills hole diameters from 127mm to 203mm . It can reach a drilling depth of 45m , with a maximum pulldown force of 184kN . Its efficient handling of drill pipe ensures shorter cycle times so that more holes can be drilled .
“ Ease of maintenance continues to be a central feature of this model , and customers will be able to work on it as easily as they have on the previous model ,” she says . “ This will ensure high levels of confidence about the uptime that these units will deliver .”
It can reach a drilling depth of 45m , with a maximum pulldown force of 184kN .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • June 2023 • 41