The Sandvik DR412i rotary drill rig is redefining precision, productivity, and safety in open-pit mining, as intelligent drilling gains momentum globally.
Introduced in South Africa two years ago, the diesel-powered, crawler-mounted DR412i offers rotary drilling with optional down-the-hole (DTH) hammer capability. Designed for soft to medium/hard rock formations, it drills 203 mm to 311 mm diameter blastholes, with a single-pass capacity of 17.65 m and a multi-pass capacity of 75.5 m.
Trinity Nkosi, Sales Engineer at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, stated, “The DR412i supports applications in surface mining and the oil and gas industry. Its automation-ready design aligns with the mining sector’s shift towards intelligent drilling.”
READ ALSO: Geopolitical Shifts Reshape Global Mining & Metals Landscape in 2025
As part of Sandvik’s i-Series, the DR412i incorporates scalable surface drill automation architecture, offering customizable automation levels. These include iDrill (on-board operation) and AutoMine® (remote operation), allowing operators to monitor multiple rigs remotely with minimal human intervention.
The DR412i has seen growing adoption, with Glencore Australia’s Hail Creek coal mine recently adding its fifth unit, and a sixth scheduled for delivery.
Key features include a heavy steel body, powerful engine, and 360-degree walkways for easy maintenance. An advanced Compressor Management System reduces fuel consumption by up to 30%, cutting emissions and prolonging engine life.
READ ALSO: Geopolitical Shifts Reshape Global Mining & Metals Landscape in 2025
In one Australian coal mining operation, the DR412i achieved an 18 m/h penetration rate increase, reducing fuel consumption per metre by 43.4% compared to other drills.
Nkosi concluded, “The DR412i has proven its value in South Africa’s coal mining sector, delivering power, precision, and efficiency. Our customer’s intent to expand their fleet highlights the rig’s exceptional performance.”
