Sandvik has received an order from Glencore for the supply of three DR413i rotary blasthole drill rigs to reopen the Bajo de la Alumbrera copper mine in Argentina.<\/p>\n
The order was finalised in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026).<\/p>\n
The initial DR413i is expected to arrive in Argentina in April, with the remaining two due in Q4 2026.<\/p>\n
In addition, Sandvik will offer Glencore rebuild services for three D75KS rotary blasthole drill rigs and three DP1500 crawler-based surface drill rigs, along with labour and parts for overall fleet maintenance.<\/p>\n
Alumbrera’s operations are scheduled to resume in 2027, with production commencing in 2028.<\/p>\n
The mine is expected to produce approximately 73,000t of copper until June 2031, along with gold and molybdenum, during its initial four-year period.<\/p>\n
Besides its direct output, the restart is crucial strategically as it helps maintain infrastructure, supports workforce capability and reduces future development risks.<\/p>\n
It also aligns with Glencore’s goals to boost copper production to meet rising demand from the global energy transition.<\/p>\n
The Sandvik DR413i is a high-capacity, crawler-mounted drill rig intended for surface mining including large open-pit copper operations.<\/p>\n
It drills hole diameters from 251mm to 349mm with a single-pass depth of up to 17m, using a powerful rotary head and high weight-on-bit capacity for consistent productivity, even at high altitudes.<\/p>\n
Equipped with the Sandvik Intelligent Control System Architecture, onboard diagnostics and automation tools like iDrill, it offers real-time feedback, improves accuracy and ensures drilling consistency while minimising operator involvement.<\/p>\n
Sandvik Mining rotary drills \u2013 sales area Andean & South Cone business line manager Maximiliano Davico said: \u201cSandvik has supplied various equipment to Minera Alumbrera in the past and we are delighted to support Glencore with the mine’s upcoming restart.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe DR413i is particularly well suited to open-pit copper mines thanks to its robust design, high torque rotary system and features such as a travelling centraliser that enables straighter, more accurate holes for optimal blast outcomes and downstream productivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cCombined with automation capabilities, reduced fuel consumption and a maintenance-friendly design, the rig helps lower operating costs, improve safety and enhance overall mine efficiency.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Sandvik launched the DD423i<\/a>, a next-generation automated development drill rig, marking a significant advancement in underground mining technology.<\/p>\n