Barrick Gold Corporation has taken a significant step in modernizing its Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea, selecting Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions to supply seven advanced surface drill rigs. This order, placed in the first quarter of 2025, marks a strategic move to replace an aging fleet with cutting-edge technology, signaling a potential shift in the mining industry’s approach to equipment modernization.
The order includes four Sandvik DR410i rotary blasthole drill rigs and three Leopard DI650i down-the-hole (DTH) drill rigs, along with associated services. Deliveries are expected to commence in June 2025 and continue through November, aligning with Barrick’s ambitious plans to enhance operational efficiency. Glenn Heard, mining executive at Barrick, expressed confidence in Sandvik’s technology, stating, “Sandvik DTH and rotary drill rigs have proven to be both productive and reliable at our other operations across the globe. We look forward to continuing our cooperation and deploying these value-adding surface drilling technologies from Sandvik.”
The Porgera mine, operated by Barrick Niugini under New Porgera Limited (NPL), is a joint venture with 51% ownership by PNG stakeholders and 49% by Barrick and Zijin. The mine, situated at an altitude of 2,300 meters, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1990 under Placer Dome, which Barrick acquired in 2006. After being placed on care and maintenance in April 2020, Porgera resumed operations in December 2023, highlighting its resilience and strategic importance.
The investment in Sandvik’s advanced drill rigs is not just about replacing old equipment; it’s about leveraging technology to drive productivity and cost efficiencies. The Sandvik DR410i, known for its compact yet powerful design, is ideal for rotary and DTH drilling, while the Leopard DI650i, a self-contained, crawler-mounted rig, is designed for high-capacity production drilling. Notably, two of the Leopard DI650i drills will be equipped with Sandvik’s reverse circulation (RC) sampling option, a technology introduced in 2021 that provides reliable and accurate ore body identification and grade control.
This move towards advanced drilling technologies is part of a broader trend in the mining industry, where digitalization and automation are becoming increasingly important. Sandvik’s remote monitoring service (RMS), which will be integrated into all seven drill rigs, has already demonstrated its value in reducing maintenance costs and increasing uptime across Barrick’s global underground fleet. The extension of this technology to surface operations suggests a holistic approach to mine management, where data-driven decisions can optimize both underground and surface activities.
Mats Eriksson, president of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, emphasized the growing partnership, stating, “We are excited to grow our partnership with Barrick from underground to the surface operation, where we will provide our latest technologies and collaborate to optimize productivity and cost efficiencies.” This collaboration is backed by a global framework agreement extended in late 2023, underscoring the long-term strategic alignment between the two companies.
The timing of this investment is particularly noteworthy. It comes just months after Barrick partnered with Sandvik to supply trucks, loaders, and drills for Porgera’s underground operations, with deliveries expected to continue through 2028. This comprehensive approach to equipment modernization suggests a forward-thinking strategy that could set new benchmarks for the industry.
As the mining sector continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies like those provided by Sandvik could become a standard practice. The Porgera mine’s transformation serves as a case study in how strategic investments in technology can drive operational excellence. The industry will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds and the potential ripple effects it could have on mining practices globally. The stakes are high, and the potential gains are significant, making this a development worth tracking in the coming years.