Sandvik unveils DataDrive’31, a six-year, €80 million programme to boost mining productivity, safety, and sustainability globally. (Image source: Sandvik)

Sandvik has unveiled DataDrive’31, an ambitious technology programme designed to accelerate the digital transformation of the mining sector through data-driven innovation

The six-year initiative carries a total budget of EUR 80 million (approx. US$87.2mn). Business Finland has approved EUR 16 million (approx. US$17.4mn) in R&D funding for the first three-year phase, with the potential to allocate an additional EUR 16 million (approx. US$17.4mn) for the second phase. The remainder will be directly financed by Sandvik, reflecting its strong commitment to technological advancement and the digitalisation of mining operations. A mid-term review will take place after three years to assess progress before moving into the next stage.

DataDrive’31 aims to develop innovative data-based technologies and solutions that improve productivity, safety, and sustainability across the entire mining value chain. Its key goals include:

• Creating new services and products by utilising and commercialising data.

• Integrating data-driven systems into equipment, operations, and aftermarket services to deliver comprehensive digital solutions.

• Developing predictive and prescriptive operating environments that foster smarter, safer, and more sustainable mining practices.

“DataDrive’31 is at the forefront of the technological transformation of the mining industry,” said Mats Eriksson, president, mining at Sandvik. “Business Finland’s support accelerates our planned R&D work in key technology areas and strengthens our competitiveness in global markets. The strong technological expertise of Sandvik in Finland forms the foundation for this investment. DataDrive’31 is a key driver for the growth of our mining business and demonstrates our commitment to leading the industry’s data-driven future.”

Sandvik has a long-standing tradition of significant investments in R&D, digitalisation, automation, and electrification. Building on this foundation, DataDrive’31 reinforces Sandvik’s position as a leader in mining technology, ensuring it continues to deliver innovative, future-ready solutions for customers worldwide while driving sustained industry leadership.

Tharisa Mine begins phased underground expansion to enhance efficiency

Tharisa, dual-listed on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, is transitioning the Tharisa Mine from a large-scale open pit to underground mining

This natural progression will sustainably access the mine’s multigenerational mineral resource base while enhancing operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and long-term value creation.

The mine’s mineral reserves extend beyond the open pit shell, presenting a high-confidence, low-geological-risk opportunity to sustain operations for over 50 years. Existing processing facilities have a capacity of 5.6 Mtpa of run-of-mine (ROM), ensuring both production scalability and operational flexibility. Open pit operations are scheduled to be depleted by FY2035.

From 2031, underground ore from the West Mine (Apollo Complex) and East Mine (Orion Complex) will supplement production. Both complexes, developed sequentially, are designed to mine 255 ktpm each at steady state, combining for 510 ktpm, capped by plant feed capacity.

This underground expansion will maintain current PGM and chrome concentrate output, with opportunities for growth through smarter mining and reduced dilution. The project will operate under a mining contractor model, with transitional capital of US$547 million over ten years and peak funding of US$173 million, financed via internal cash and external funding lines.

Phoevos Pouroulis, CEO of Tharisa, said: “The underground project is the natural progression for our operations and has been established to increase life-of-mine development, enhance operational efficiencies, while maintaining our world-class standards of health, safety, environmental stewardship, and further enhancing our track record of long-term value creation.”

He added: “Our shallow ore body enables on-reef mechanised development, delivering cleaner ROM and significantly reducing waste, capital intensity, and environmental impact. The phased approach to portal development enables early access to reef with the bord-and-pillar design supporting safe, cost-effective ramp-up and long-term operational efficiency. As we continue to innovate with purpose, we are setting the benchmark for multiple generations to come.”

Condra jib crane (Image source: Condra)

South Africa’s Condra has received “multiple orders” to manufacture cranes, hoists and other lifting equipment for mine expansion projects in Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Namibia

The orders were placed by consulting firms in Canada and Australia, but non-disclosure agreements mean neither the customers nor the mines can be named.

The value was also not disclosed by Condra, which will execute the orders at its Johannesburg factory.

In a statement, Condra said the cranes will work in general workshop and feeder-line maintenance applications, with capacities ranging from two to eighteen tons.

Sierra Leone’s order comprises one long-reach jib crane, three single-girder overhead cranes and a portal crane, while Tanzanian mines will receive two double-girder cranes, a single-girder machine, one portal crane and a long-reach jib crane.

Six Titan hoists, among them several fitted with articulated carriages to negotiate curved girder tracks, will go to Namibia along with two portal cranes, a long-reach jib crane, two single-girder cranes and a double-girder machine. Fifteen chain hoists and blocks will also be shipped to Namibia.

Condra’s Titan hoist range is versatile, comprising the Compact Series with capacities to 32 tons, and the SH (Short-Headroom) Series with capacities to 18 tons. All models are variants of the veteran K-Series hoists, but refined to offer a more compact profile with reduced overall dimensions.

Among the cranes included in the international orders are several equipped with high-lift K-Series hoists, in one instance to a height of 40 metres. These hoists have a proven record in high-lift applications. The company’s installed base includes hoists with controlled lifts as high as 150 metres.

A Condra spokesman said there had been “close cooperation” with the consultants to ensure that agreed prices could remain competitive without compromising the robust reliability required for harsh operating conditions.

Overall lifetime cost will remain lower than cranes offered by rival firms, said the spokesman, while inspection and testing will take place at defined stages during manufacture to ensure compliance with international quality control, safety and lifting equipment standards.

Manufacturing is now underway at the company’s Germiston factory, with delivery to be carried out by road. A number of crane girders will be spliced to allow packing in standard 12-metre containers.

Shipping dates will be staggered to meet project timetables, with delivery scheduled for late 2025 through to mid-2026.

Technicians from Condra will then manage installation and commissioning in Sierra Leone, while local agents will carry out this work in Tanzania and Namibia.

Read more:

Epiroc wins Ghana mining equipment order

Wia Gold outlines energy plans at Kokoseb mine

Zimplats invests in Sandvik equipment for Ngezi mines