Sandvik DR412i Rotary Drill Brings Automation, Efficiency, and Precision to Surface Mining

A Smart Rotary Drill for the Demands of Modern Mining

As the mining industry rapidly shifts toward automation and intelligent drilling, the Sandvik DR412i rotary drill rig is proving to be a transformative solution. Designed to meet the need for precision, productivity, and operator safety, the DR412i is part of the Sandvik i-Series — a range of drill rigs built with scalable automation architecture.

This diesel-powered, self-propelled, crawler-mounted blasthole drill is available in South Africa and is suitable for surface mining and select oil and gas applications. It supports both rotary and down-the-hole (DTH) hammer drilling, offering flexibility across different rock formations. With support for automation systems like iDrill and AutoMine, the DR412i enables mines to choose their desired level of automation, from partial onboard functions to fully autonomous remote control.

At its most advanced, the DR412i can operate under AutoMine’s Line-of-Sight, Control Room, and Autonomous modes, allowing operators to monitor and manage multiple drills from a safe, centralized location. This reduces human error, boosts consistency, and lowers the risks typically associated with on-site operation.

High Power Meets Heavy-Duty Design

While automation is a standout feature, the DR412i also brings proven mechanical strength to the field. Built on the legacy of Sandvik’s KS-Series, the DR412i features a heavy steel frame, high-performance engine, and a robust chassis engineered for long-term durability in harsh mining environments.

The machine is designed for soft to medium/hard rock formations and is capable of drilling 203 mm to 311 mm diameter blastholes. It offers a single-pass capacity of 17.65 meters and a multi-pass capacity of 75.5 meters, making it ideal for large-scale opencast mining operations.

The design also enhances ease of maintenance and daily inspection. Features like 360-degree walkways provide better access for pre-shift checks, while an optional hydraulic stairway offers a safer way to board and disembark the machine — a small but critical improvement for operator safety and productivity.

Smarter Fuel Use, Lower Emissions

A key component of the DR412i’s efficiency is its advanced Compressor Management System, which isolates the compressor during non-drilling operations. This intelligent system reduces engine load, cuts down on fuel consumption, and extends the life of both the engine and compressor components.

According to Sandvik, this system can save up to 30% on fuel, which not only translates to operational cost savings but also reduces the carbon footprint of drilling operations — a growing concern in an industry under pressure to meet ESG goals.

Real-world results support these claims. At a coal mining operation in Australia, the DR412i delivered an 18-meter-per-hour increase in penetration rate and reduced fuel consumption per drilled meter by 43.4% compared to other drills on site. This kind of performance gain is compelling for mines looking to improve both output and sustainability.

Field-Proven in Africa and Growing in Demand

The DR412i made its debut in Africa two years ago and has since proven its value in real-world mining conditions. In a South African coal mining application, the drill has consistently delivered high precision, productivity, and reliability, according to Sandvik’s surface drills department sales engineer, Trinity Nkosi.

Thanks to its success, the client has already expressed interest in expanding the DR412i fleet. The machine’s performance, particularly its automation readiness and operational efficiency, has positioned it as a preferred choice for forward-thinking mines across the region.

As mining operations worldwide seek to combine mechanical power with digital intelligence, the Sandvik DR412i stands out as a powerful example of what the next generation of drilling equipment can achieve.

This summary is based on the original article by International Mining. Read the full article here: Link