Sandvik introduces smarter crushing technology in Africa

Sandvik Rock Processing is supplying the first Sandvik CH662 cone crushers to a platinum mining project in South Africa’s Limpopo province, highlighting the increasing adoption of advanced mining technologies across Africa

The delivery reflects growing demand for modern crushing solutions as mining operations across the continent increasingly invest in electrification, automation, and remote monitoring technologies. The Sandvik CH662 represents an upgraded version of the established CH660 platform, featuring mechanical and digital enhancements designed to improve productivity, reliability, and maintenance performance.

PC Kruger, business line manager Crushing at Sandvik Rock Processing, said the milestone order demonstrates changing attitudes towards technology adoption in African mining.

“This is creating an environment where advanced crushing systems such as the CH662 are becoming more attractive,” commented Kruger. “This milestone order challenges longstanding perceptions that African mining operations are slow to adopt new technologies.”

The two Sandvik CH662 crushers will be installed in a secondary crushing application as part of an underground mining expansion project. Factory acceptance testing was completed in Sweden during the second quarter of 2026 before the equipment was transported to South Africa.

The order was placed through a major engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, with one crusher assigned as the primary operating unit and the second serving as a standby machine. The configuration highlights the importance of dependable crushing equipment in modern mineral processing operations.

Yashik Anand, Capital Sales Engineer for Sandvik Rock Processing’s static crushing business, said the project reflects the increasing focus among customers on efficiency, reliability, and digital capabilities when selecting crushing equipment.

The CH662 incorporates a redesigned top shell and main shaft, which improve durability and operational stability. The upgraded top shell enhances material distribution and structural strength, while the new main shaft improves reliability during high-capacity operations.

“The upgraded top shell provides improved material distribution and greater structural strength, while the new main shaft enhances reliability under high-capacity conditions,” stated Kruger. “The spider bushing has also been re-engineered to improve wear resistance and extend service life.”

Another key improvement is the removal of backing compound requirements during liner replacement. Traditional cone crusher liners often require curing time before equipment can return to operation, while the CH662’s steel-to-steel design eliminates this delay.

“By removing the backing compound from the design, we can save customers up to 24 hours of waiting time during liner replacement procedures,” he said.

Digital capabilities improve performance

Automation and digital integration are central features of the Sandvik CH662 upgrade. The crusher includes Sandvik’s ACS-c 5 ASRi control system, which combines previous crusher control functions into a more advanced automation platform.

The system enables automated setting adjustment, improved monitoring, and integration with digital services platforms for real-time performance analysis and remote diagnostics.

“Especially for mining operations that are located far from major service centres, these capabilities can deliver substantial operational advantages,” Anand says. “Proactive monitoring of the crusher allows operators to identify issues earlier and prevent unplanned stoppages.”

Kruger added that remote monitoring also improves the efficiency of Sandvik Rock Processing’s field service teams, particularly when supporting customers located far from service centres.

“We can remotely support the machine and start fault-finding immediately when there is an issue,” he explains. “By the time a technician reaches site, we already have a good understanding of what needs to be repaired or replaced.”

The project also highlights the importance of collaboration between original equipment manufacturers and EPC contractors during plant design and equipment selection. Sandvik’s PlantDesigner simulation software was used to conduct process simulations and flowsheet evaluations to optimise the crushing circuit according to the customer’s metallurgical requirements.

Looking ahead, Kruger expects the Sandvik CH662 to gain wider adoption across Africa’s mining and aggregates industries, particularly within mid-range processing operations.

“Mining operations in Africa generally do not require the ultra-large crushing systems that are more common in regions like South America,” he notes. “The CH662 fits well into the African market’s production range of 400 to 1000 t/h.”

Sandvik’s upgrade strategy includes retrofit solutions, rebuild options, and fully integrated smart crusher offerings, all supported by the company’s three-year standard warranty.