Sandvik accelerate ambition to reshape rock processing
Company sharpens focus on eco-efficient rock processing in bid to lead industry transformation
AS the mining and quarrying industries strive toward more sustainable operations, Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions are accelerating their ambition to reshape rock processing by reinforcing their commitment to electrification, smart digitalization, process efficiency, and circularity.
With the industry spotlight on sustainable-driven yet profitable innovation, Sandvik Rock Processing say their ambition is clear: to advance the shift toward more efficient and low-impact operations.
The company, aiming to be number one in more sustainable rock processing with its long-standing expertise and world-wide operations, is now aligning its efforts around a unified message – ‘reshaping the world through eco-efficient rock processing’ – to demonstrate the value it brings to customers and society.
The mining and quarrying segments are known to be energy-intense, with mining alone accounting for approximately 6% of the world’s total energy consumption. Of this, some 40% is consumed by conventional grinding. While improvements are under way, there is a growing need for crushing and screening solution providers to lead the way toward more sustainable operations.
Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions channel their sustainability commitment through four core pillars, designed to deliver environmental and operational value for customers across the globe:
Innovation: A deep-rooted commitment to innovation is at the heart of Sandvik’s approach. Technological expertise and industry insight drive smarter, more efficient solutions across applications.
Electrification and digitalization: Expanding their portfolio of fully electric and hybrid equipment, Sandvik aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Digital solutions support smarter energy use and emissions reduction.
Process optimization: Working closely with customers, Sandvik identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and maximize productivity across different classifications and needs.
Circularity: Sandvik are committed to advancing circular business models by minimizing waste and retaining valuable materials within closed loops. This reduces carbon emissions, brings environmental benefits, and supports the demand for critical minerals in the societal energy transition.
Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions say their eco-efficient approach is grounded in action and substantiated by operative results. In energy efficiency, the company’s stationary crushers are said to be up to 10 times more efficient than conventional grinding mills. In addition, process optimization generally unlocks an improvement potential of 10–15% through configuring and customizing existing equipment, addressing key bottlenecks.
Electrification is progressing rapidly and with the company’s stationary range already fully electric, Sandvik are adding electric-drive-alternatives to their mobile fleet to meet growing demands. The newly launched QH443E is a flagship, electric-driven cone plant that exemplifies this industry shift: reducing fuel consumption by up to 25% and cutting oil usage by 78% compared with previous generations.
Circularity is embedded across Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions’ operations, with initiatives including facilities that run on 100% renewable electricity, rainwater reuse, and equipment refurbishment. A crown jewel of the company’s circularity ambition is the refurbishment programme in Jandakot, Australia. Here, mining screens, feeders, and exciters are refurbished and returned to customers in as-new condition, resulting in approximately 1,000 tonnes of metal being reused and an estimated 1,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions being saved annually.
‘Eco-efficiency isn’t just a technical ambition – it’s a business imperative,’ said Richard Harris, president of Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions. ‘We are building on decades of expertise to reshape the future of rock processing. Our customers are looking for solutions that reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and deliver long-term value, and we’re proud to lead that transition in close partnership with them.’
