Can you briefly introduce Sandvik Rock Processing (SRP) Solutions and its presence in the southwestern US?

SRP Solutions is Sandvik’s business area that is dedicated to processing equipment. Today we have in our portfolio the crushing and screening equipment as the first stage of the combination process in the mining segment. We have crushers and screens of different types and we recently acquired two different companies: Kwatani in South Africa, a leading supplier of screens and feeders for mining, and the mining division of Schenk Process Group, complementing our screening equipment portfolio. We currently have a facility in Elko and plan to continue growing our presence.

What does demand look like in Nevada and Arizona?

In Nevada, customers demand more efficient processes and more technology. Our crushers are well recognized as the Avant-guard in terms of technology, so we want that to continue, particularly by implementing remote sensors, monitoring of machines, and ensuring we can reduce electric consumption before the milling process.

Currently, we have a strong presence in Arizona, as we have proven our crushing technology. We have other products, including wear plates, used for very high abrasion processes. When it comes to transfer shoots, the HX900 product provides up to twenty times more life than a standard steel plate. These lead to less cost-per-ton and less exposure to risk.

How do your products help mining firms?

The biggest value we add is our crushers' reliable and high reduction rate, along with the high-level monitoring equipment we offer. We need the crusher stage to be as efficient as possible to provide fine material before entering the milling process, which is one of the most critical processes for a mining site. It is about reducing the feed for the milling by reducing either capacity or energy spending.

How important is innovation to SRP?

It is key. The future is here. Technology means more productivity, less exposure to risk, and a better approach to sustainability. SRP has been at the Avant-guard of remote monitoring for crushers for decades. This allowed us to design our remotely operated Automation and Connectivity System (ACS) device, which controls and monitors signals to protect crushers and help operators. This technology is unique and offers customers to connect the crushers and have data in real-time. You can have your device thousands of kilometers away from the mine site, yet have access to live data, and this is the closest we are getting to having AI operating on crushers. When it comes to technology, we want a single software platform gathering all data from the crushers, allowing the customer to monitor all of it in a centralized manner.

How does Sandvik contribute to the decarbonization of the mine?

Productivity, safety and sustainability are related. More efficient equipment will have a positive consequence on one’s decarbonization plans. Our crushers already operate with electric motors. But we are always looking to improve the efficiency of the crushing itself, as an efficient crushing stage means a better milling stage, and that stage is the one consuming the most energy. This is how we can provide a better decarbonization value chain.

Can you expand on the adoption rate of new technologies in the southwest?

Change is coming. Arizona is ahead of Nevada when it comes to adopting new technologies regarding our crushers. Change hurts. It is easier when people start seeing the benefits of technology, then we believe things will get more traction. All our customers want automation and connectivity. Connectivity is becoming the biggest challenge, as people are still a bit skeptical regarding how they can share data and what data they can share, so this is a roadblock to creating trust.

What are SRP’s key priorities in 2023?

Growth, whether it is organic or through acquisitions, is on the agenda. We are looking for further acquisitions that make sense from a business standpoint, we look for firms that will help our customers achieve their sustainability target. We want to develop our footprint in Arizona and Nevada and help clients reach their sustainability targets there.