Smarter development

Contractor Byrnecut Australia brought a Sandvik DD422i development drill to Western Australia’s Jundee gold mine in 2015 to test its automation benefits. During a three-month trial, Sandvik DD422i drilled in excess of 60,000 metres monthly. Consumable costs fell by 25 percent thanks to longer tool life and Byrnecut Australia halved its overbreak. More than a year later, Sandvik DD422i remains responsible for all development at the mine.