Australian mining and processing contractor MACA has confirmed it has chosen Sandvik to entirely replace a fleet it has working at the Gruyere gold mine in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

Sandvik confirmed it is supplying nine new surface rigs to replace an aging mixed fleet at the open-pit operation. Specifically, the incoming machines include six Sandvik DR410i rotary blasthole drills, two Leopard DI650i down-the-hole (DTH) drill rigs and a Pantera DP1500i top hammer drill rig.

Deliveries began in July and will continue through April 2024, the equipment maker said, noting that the order was entered in its books for 2Q23.

MACA has provided various services at the Gruyere mine since the contractor initiated bulk earthworks in 2017. Gruyere, a joint venture between Gold Fields and Gold Road Resources, is expected to produce an annual average of 350,000 gold ounces through a current mine life of at least 2032.

Source: Sandvik