Ricardo Pachon Area Vice President of Sales Andean & South Cone SANDVIK
What have been the most significant developments for Sandvik Chile in the past 12 months?
Our presence has practically doubled in terms of the amount of equipment over the year. Our service center has gained great relevance, with almost 90% utilization of our Copiapó service center attending to clients in the area. Our focus has been developing local personnel. We are establishing strategic alliances with universities and technical institutes in the region to employ and develop local talent. What products have seen the highest demand in Chile recently?
There is strong demand for autonomous equipment. We already have a considerable fleet working in underground equipment, and we have some units working in autonomous mode on the surface in Chile. The trend is clear - new projects are focused on automation and electrification for surface operations. In underground operations, the trend leans more toward automation with some degree of electrification. We are seeing a certain tendency to move toward hybrid equipment instead of 100% electric. What are the main barriers to adopting automation and electrification?
The bottleneck is having staff trained in network management, software management, and campus management is limited and takes time to develop. I estimate it takes three to four years to train a professional who can autonomously manage an automation project.
For electrification, there are several challenges: there is no clear regulation regarding electrification processes and permits, especially for underground mining, and most Chilean underground mines are brownfield expansions requiring considerable investment for partial electric operations while still maintaining ventilation and coexisting with diesel machines. How does Chile compare to neighboring countries in mining technology adoption?
Chile is the reference point in South America. The mines here are much more mature in adopting new technologies. 90% of our automated fleet is working in Chile, and it is similar for other companies.
Carlos Leigh Regional CEO LATAM SANDVIK'S GROUND SUPPORT DIVISION
How deep does innovation run in Sandvik Ground Support Division?
We have centralized innovation within Sandvik, which boasts a larger R&D department, and we incorporated it with our ideas, products, and solutions. Our anchoring products are fully integrated with Sandvik’s machinery, enabling both the development of tailored solutions and the design of efficient installation methods. A great example of this seamless communication and integration is our new Automatic Resin Injection (ARI) system for bolters. ARI delivers high-strength resin capsules, allowing for simultaneous drilling and installation, eliminating the typical challenges associated with this process. What role do automation and AI play in your future products?
Sandvik is developing a completely autonomous system working with AI. It is a two-boom, large piece of equipment. It has been tested in Sandvik’s tunnels in Finland, so once in the market, it will signify a revolution. On our side, we are developing systems that feed live tunnel information. The UltraBolt allows for measuring the bolt’s residual capacity. The system works through ultrasounds, providing insights as to whether the zone is safe or not, if the bolt is working, and how much useful life the bolt has left. Today, we can map a whole network of tunnels thanks to the bolts installed. What are your plans for the future, and how do they align with the future of underground mining?
Changes in open pit mining legislation in some countries and decreasing mineral grades will drive a shift towards more underground mining. However, this transition will not be immediate, it requires exploration, design, and permits. From 2027-2028 onwards, we will probably see more movement in the region. Our main target for 2025 is to continue the integration with Sandvik, which is allowing us to create joint and innovative solutions that add value to clients, and to grow in the future.