Sandvik Mining introduces Newtrax Control Room Editor, enabling offline data management for reliable, data-driven mining operations. (Image source: Sandvik Mining)

Sandvik Mining has enhanced the Newtrax Mining Data Platform (MDP) with a new feature, Newtrax Control Room Editor, designed to give mines smooth manual data management capabilities, even in offline conditions.

The tool allows users to create, update, and delete data without network access, ensuring continuous availability of critical information. By comparing manually entered data with automatically collected telemetry, it strengthens data validation, reducing gaps and boosting confidence in operational decisions.

“We have developed the Newtrax Control Room Editor in close collaboration with our customers, to ensure that their operations remain data-driven even when connectivity is limited underground,” said Lior Herman, head of mining data platform automation at Sandvik Mining. “By allowing users to capture and validate data offline, we’re enabling mines to achieve a new level of reliability and accuracy in their data management.”

The addition of Newtrax Control Room Editor further solidifies the Newtrax MDP suite as a leading platform for data-driven mining operations. The feature digitises manual workflows while extending read-and-write capabilities underground, allowing users to update and view asset locations on a 3D map, record machine health data linked to maintenance tasks, and connect to any data source via active web forms — all without network dependency. Extensive field testing with a major Southeast Asian customer confirmed the technology’s effectiveness, demonstrating that operations can maintain full visibility and control even in low-connectivity environments, driving greater operational reliability and continuous improvement.

“Innovation in underground mining is about combining automation with advanced data solutions to enable users to make better use of the data available to them,” said Ville Svensberg, director global automation product line and R&D at Sandvik Mining. “Newtrax Control Room Editor closes the gap between telemetry and manual input, giving mines the ability to digitise workflows, validate information from multiple sources and maintain accurate asset and equipment records even in challenging connectivity conditions. This ensures that data-driven decision-making remains uninterrupted and reliable.”

By enabling offline data capture and digitising manual workflows, Newtrax Control Room Editor minimises dependence on network connectivity while fully integrating into the Newtrax MDP ecosystem. This development underscores Sandvik’s ongoing commitment to delivering dependable, data-focused solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity in mining operations.

Powering Ngezi’s underground growth with Sandvik equipment

Sandvik has secured a significant order for underground mining equipment from Zimplats, Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group metals producer, for deployment at the Ngezi mines complex

Valued at around SEK 280 million (approx. US$25mn), the order was booked in the third quarter of 2025.

The deal covers the supply of underground loaders, trucks, and drills, with deliveries scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025 and extend through the second quarter of 2026. Alongside the equipment, the contract also provides substantial aftermarket opportunities. The Ngezi complex, a key platinum group metals (PGM) operation, has shifted from open-pit to underground mining, with Zimplats continuing to invest heavily in expanding its underground capacity.

"We are proud to partner with Zimplats on this significant investment in the Ngezi underground operations. This order reflects our strong commitment to providing equipment and services that help our customers achieve their productivity, safety, and sustainability targets,” said Mats Eriksson, president of business area Mining at Sandvik.

Razor Labs teams with Process Automation to deliver AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions across Africa’s mining sector

Razor Labs, a global pioneer in AI-powered predictive maintenance for heavy industries, has entered into a strategic alliance with Process Automation (Pty) Ltd, a long-standing specialist in industrial instrumentation and automation systems

Under this partnership, Process Automation becomes Razor Labs’ official partner and system integrator in Africa, tasked with deploying DataMind AI, Razor Labs’ advanced predictive maintenance platform, across mines and processing facilities throughout the continent.

With more than four decades of experience and a workforce exceeding 240 employees, Process Automation has established itself as a reliable partner to Southern Africa’s mining industry. The company operates through five regional offices and a centralised manufacturing and service facility in Johannesburg, with projects extending into Africa, Australasia, Europe, and South America.

This collaboration marks an important milestone in Razor Labs’ growth strategy in Africa, combining state-of-the-art AI innovation with strong local expertise.

"This partnership extends well beyond deploying technology, it's about enabling the digital transformation of mining in South Africa," said Tomer Srulevich, chief business officer at Razor Labs. "Building on Process Automation's long history of success and our fantastic results to date, I am confident this partnership will drive mutual growth and lasting success. Together with Process Automation, we are equipping South African mining operations with the AI tools they need to move from reactive to proactive and ultimately to autonomous maintenance."

DataMind AI is designed specifically for industrial environments, harnessing AI Sensor Fusion technology to integrate information from vibration, pressure, temperature, current, oil analysis, and camera systems. By doing so, it delivers early fault detection, identifies root causes, and provides actionable performance insights that help mines increase uptime, cut maintenance expenses, and enhance workplace safety.

"We are excited to partner with Razor Labs to bring world-class AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions to our clients," said Larry Smith, CEO of process automation. "Process Automation has built its reputation delivering reliable, sustainably accurate process measurement instrumentation solutions that drive efficiency and enhance operational control. This long-standing commitment has earned the trust of many of the largest mining houses in Africa and around the world. Through trusted partnerships, we've provided customised solutions that add value to our customers' operations. Our partnership with Razor Labs is going to add even greater value to our customers by reducing downtime, lowering maintenance costs, and driving improved productivity through a cutting-edge predictive maintenance solution that can step change the our customers operation efficiency."