Sandvik restores crusher performance at Ghana mine

Sandvik Rock Processing has finalised a comprehensive OEM-level refurbishment of a Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker and a Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom for a leading gold mining operation in Ghana

The project restored a key component of the site’s primary crushing circuit, with the rebuild, reinstallation and commissioning delivering measurable gains in equipment availability and output. Ongoing quarterly inspections and technical support from the company’s Kumasi-based team continue to reinforce performance.

The refurbishment was carried out at Sandvik Rock Processing’s fully equipped workshop in Kumasi. The breaker and boom assembly are installed at the mine’s run-of-mine grizzly, where oversized rocks generated during blasting are reduced to prevent blockages and maintain smooth material flow into the crusher.

“This project restored a vital asset that plays a central role in the mine’s primary crushing circuit,” commented Amos Fordjour, senior service technician at Sandvik Rock Processing. “Our extensive rebuild has returned the machine to OEM performance standards, significantly improving the mine’s reliability and production continuity.”

After more than five years in operation, the equipment was scheduled for refurbishment. Work commenced on site, where the 11 tonne boom assembly was dismantled using the mine’s crane infrastructure before being transported over a three-hour journey to the Kumasi workshop.

“Once in the workshop, our technicians stripped the units completely - checking for critical components such as pins, bushings, cylinder seals and mounting brackets that required replacement,” remarked Fordjour. “The boom was sandblasted and inspected for cracks, the hydraulic cylinders were rebuilt and pressure-tested and the hammer was fully refurbished.”

Haqq Abdul Rahman, graduate technician at Sandvik Rock Processing, highlighted the importance of parts availability in reducing turnaround times. He explained that mines frequently face challenges with oversized rocks at the run-of-mine grizzly, and temporary mobile breakers often require considerably more time to handle the material.

“It was important that we controlled the turnaround time on this project so the mine could put the equipment back to work as soon as possible,” said Rahman. “This particular unit breaks oversized rocks much faster than the smaller mobile units that the mine had to rely on while this one was being refurbished.”

The Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom, rated at 55 kW input power, provides a maximum reach of 12.7 m, with nominal horizontal and vertical reaches of 9.8 m and 9 m respectively, and a full 360° swing capability. The 2.3 tonne Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker incorporates an operating principle that optimises stroke length, blow energy and includes an idle blow protector, enabling adaptability across applications while enhancing hydraulic efficiency and operational safety.

Fordjour underscored the role of strict quality control procedures throughout the refurbishment.

“We follow strict operating procedures and standards in everything we do,” continued Rahman. “This includes using only genuine Sandvik parts which allows us to guarantee the quality of both the components and the workmanship.”

Following workshop completion, Sandvik Rock Processing teams returned to site for installation and commissioning. The three-week process required detailed coordination around crane usage, electrical integration, positioning and safety compliance.

“We work very closely with customers during removal, installation and commissioning,” Fordjour noted. “In this case, the mine provided the cranes and support equipment and we handled all the technical work; that collaboration is critical.”

Rahman explained that the restored boom and breaker now offer enhanced structural integrity, precise OEM clearances and improved swing performance, supporting efficient energy transfer and high twist resistance under demanding impact conditions.

“For the mine, the biggest impact is uptime and production,” said Rahman. “Without this breaker, their crushing circuit slows down considerably; now that it is back to full performance and production is consistent again.”

Post-commissioning support remains ongoing, with Sandvik Rock Processing conducting quarterly inspections to assess pins, seals and overall structural condition, while maintaining readiness for service interventions whenever required.