Sandvik ups the DTH drilling ante with new Leopard DI610i rig
Sandvik is introducing the new Leopard
DI610i, a high-performance, down-the-hole (DTH) surface drill rig that, it says, is designed for open-pit mines and drilling contractors.
The new drill rig is focused on high utilisation, fast operator on-boarding and optimised total cost of ownership.
The Leopard DI610i, with a hole size range of 115-203 mm (4½–8 inches), is built for demanding production drilling environments, combining proven performance with operator-assisting features and a simulator-based training program to support consistent results, Sandvik says.
Jari Läntinen, Business Development Manager, Surface Drilling at Sandvik, said: “Contractors and mine operators are working under constant pressure to keep productivity and uptime high while controlling both investment and operating costs. With [the] Leopard DI610i, we focused on what customers need most in production drilling: reliable performance, high availability and a straightforward operator experience that helps teams get up to speed quickly.”
The drill rig is designed with a fit-for-purpose specification and a streamlined feature offering that helps customers keep capital expenses under control, according to the OEM. Over the equipment lifecycle, optimised serviceability and extended service intervals contribute to reduced downtime and lower operating costs, supporting strong returns in high-utilisation, productivity-driven operations.
The company added: “Built on the trusted Leopard DI650i platform and high-performance components, [the] Leopard DI610i is engineered for dependable operation in demanding open-pit applications. The design incorporates customer-driven improvements, including upgrades introduced with the latest Gen2 platform to support robust performance and high uptime in daily production use.”
Jarno Viitaniemi, Product Manager, Surface Drilling at Sandvik, said the Leopard DI610i is built on technology and components that are proven in the field. “The focus has been to deliver a reliable production drilling solution that stays productive over time and is easy to keep running in real operating conditions,” he added.
The Leopard DI610i supports a clear learning path from training to production. The journey starts with Sandvik’s new SimDriller+ training program, where operators practice key tasks in a safe environment and become familiar with the operator-assisting sequences used in real drilling.
Learning then continues in the spacious iCab cabin, designed for both comfort and practical on-machine training, with space behind the operator’s seat for a trainer to follow and guide the operation. In daily work, these same assisting sequences help reduce repetitive tasks and ensure consistent, accurate operation, the company claims.
It concluded: “By helping operators build confidence early, [the] Leopard DI610i supports safe, consistent operation and reduces the risk of avoidable wear and downtime, helping protect customer investments and improve long-term utilisation.”
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Source: International Mining – Read More