DOWNLOAD THE MINING EXECUTIVE APP NOW
"Global Mining Descisions in Your Palms"
“The development of this revolutionary potash mining system is the result of more than 15 years of close collaboration with BHP. The MF460 combines precision and efficiency, offering unparalleled reliability and productivity for the Jansen project,”
Thomas Vallant,
Mechanical cutting president,
Sandvik.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has secured a significant contract from BHP, further cementing their long-standing partnership for the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan, Canada. This new deal will see Sandvik providing three additional underground continuous mining systems for the project’s second phase, signaling the depth of collaboration between these industry giants.
This partnership, built over more than 15 years, highlights Sandvik’s role in pushing the boundaries of mining technology.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with BHP and strengthen our collaboration further with this new order for three additional systems,” stated Mats Eriksson, Sandvik’s president, emphasizing the evolving nature of this cooperation.
Additionally, the advanced systems, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029, will feature Sandvik’s highly efficient MF460 borer miner and the PO140 extendable conveyor continuous haulage system. These machines, designed for maximum output, are expected to produce between 1300 and 1500 tonnes per hour. With the MF460 capable of cutting widths of 6.3 meters and heights up to 4.36 meters per cut, these systems promise to significantly enhance production capabilities at the Jansen site.
BHP and Sandvik’s collaboration began in 2010 when Sandvik was tasked with designing the MF460. This partnership deepened in 2014, when BHP appointed Sandvik to concept test the PO140 conveyor system. Positive results led to a formal agreement in 2016, and the system underwent rigorous testing between 2018 and 2021 at a German salt mine, where it outperformed industry standards by doubling the benchmark for tonnes per hour.
In addition to breaking production records, Sandvik has continually improved its technology. Enhancements such as ground support installation while cutting, remote operations, and reduced turnaround times have solidified the MF460 and PO140 systems as industry leaders in mining efficiency.
Moreover, Thomas Vallant, Sandvik’s mechanical cutting president, praised the progress made through this partnership.
“The development of this revolutionary potash mining system is the result of more than 15 years of close collaboration with BHP. The MF460 combines precision and efficiency, offering unparalleled reliability and productivity for the Jansen project,” he said.
Also, this contract signifies more than just another business deal but it marks a transformative period in potash mining. By leveraging advanced technology and continuous innovation, Sandvik and BHP are setting a new standard for sustainable and efficient mining. The Jansen project, already a benchmark in the industry, will undoubtedly be enhanced by these additional systems, which promise to bring further precision and productivity to one of the world’s most important potash mining operations.
Conclusively, the long-standing partnership between Sandvik and BHP serves as a powerful example of how collaboration and innovation can drive progress in the mining industry. With cutting-edge technology like the MF460 and PO140 systems, the Jansen potash project is poised to achieve new levels of productivity and efficiency. This contract underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements to meet the demands of modern resource extraction while setting a precedent for future mining projects.