Geomechanics.io

  • Free Tools
Sign UpLog In
Built byBoxcut Studio

Geomechanics.io

Geomechanics, Streamlined.

© 2026 Geomechanics.io. All rights reserved.

Geomechanics.io

CMRR-ioGEODB-ioHYDROGEO-ioQCDB-ioFree Tools & CalculatorsBlogLatest Industry News

Industries

MiningConstructionTunnelling

Company

Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyLinkedIn
    Projects
    Product
    Contract Award

    Sandvik’s 13 Toro LH515i loaders for Chuqui Underground: fleet planning notes for engineers

    April 1, 2026|

    Reviewed by Tom Sullivan

    Sandvik’s 13 Toro LH515i loaders for Chuqui Underground: fleet planning notes for engineers

    First reported on International Mining – News

    30 Second Briefing

    Sandvik has secured an order from Codelco for 13 Toro® LH515i load–haul–dump loaders for the Chuquicamata Underground copper operation in Chile, with deliveries starting in March 2026 and running through to November 2027. The 15 t capacity LH515i units, designed for 4.5 m x 4.5 m headings, will support production ramp-up and fleet expansion for a new mining panel as Chuquicamata continues its transition from open pit to large-scale block caving. For mine planners and maintenance teams, the staged delivery allows progressive integration of the new LHD fleet into existing development and production schedules.

    Technical Brief

    • Loader design targets high breakout forces for drawpoint mucking in caving fragmentation conditions.
    • Common fleet type across the new panel simplifies spares, component rebuilds and operator training.
    • Staggered deliveries allow maintenance planning around major component change-outs and mid-life rebuilds.

    Our Take

    Sandvik’s multiple recent automation and equipment wins in our database – from AutoMine deployments with Byrnecut in Australia to diesel‑electric truck trials at St Ives – suggest the Chuquicamata Underground loader order further entrenches it as a preferred underground OEM for large-scale hard‑rock operations.

    For Codelco’s Chuquicamata Underground in Chile, standardising on a 13‑unit fleet from a single supplier like Sandvik typically simplifies spares, training and potential future automation upgrades, which is consistent with how other tier‑one underground fleets in our coverage are being configured.

    Geotechnical Software for Modern Teams

    Centralise site data, logs, and lab results with GEODB-io, CMRR-io, and HYDROGEO-io.

    No credit card required.

    • Save and export unlimited calculations
    • Advanced data visualisation
    • Generate professional PDF reports
    • Cloud storage for all your projects

    Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.

    Related Articles

    Mining
    about 16 hours ago

    Integrated Pump Technology in Central Africa: dewatering design notes for mine engineers

    Integrated Pump Technology is expanding dewatering support in Central Africa’s mines as more erratic, climate-driven rainfall increases pit flooding and sump inflows, deploying Grindex submersible units and Godwin diesel-driven surface pumps for both open-pit and underground operations. The company is pairing high-solids, high-head pump selections with local distributor partnerships and on-site application audits to match pump curves to specific shaft depths, static heads and slurry loadings. For mine operators, the focus is on maintaining pumping capacity during peak storm events and reducing unplanned downtime from flooded haul roads, declines and pump chambers.

    Mining
    about 16 hours ago

    Sandvik Rock Processing Reborn in Africa: retrofit economics for mine engineers

    Sandvik Rock Processing’s Reborn programme is gaining uptake at African mines and quarries seeking higher throughput from existing primary and secondary crushers while limiting capex. The scheme replaces ageing crusher cores with new Sandvik units in the original frames and foundations, allowing plants to retain chutes, civils and conveyors while upgrading to current crusher technology and automation. PC Kruger, Business Line Manager Crushing, positions Reborn as a step beyond standard refurbishment, targeting faster installation, reduced downtime and predictable lifecycle costs.

    Mining
    about 16 hours ago

    Cementation Africa in deep underground mining: design and risk insights for engineers

    Africa’s push into deeper, more complex underground orebodies is driving demand for specialist contractors such as Cementation Africa, which combines shaft sinking and raiseboring capability with in‑house engineering and risk management. The contractor is focusing on technically challenging work, including high-stress rock mass conditions, complex ground support regimes and critical‑path access infrastructure for new critical minerals projects. For mine owners, the key shift is from pure construction procurement to integrated delivery models where design, construction methodology and risk allocation are tightly coupled.

    Related Industries & Products

    Mining

    Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing, and data management.

    Tunnelling

    Specialised solutions for tunnelling projects including grout mix design, hydrogeological analysis, and quality control.

    CMRR-io

    Streamline coal mine roof stability assessments with our cloud-based CMRR software featuring automated calculations, multi-scenario analysis, and collaborative workflows.

    HYDROGEO-io

    Comprehensive hydrogeological testing platform for managing, analysing, and reporting on packer tests, lugeon values, and hydraulic conductivity assessments.

    GEODB-io

    Centralised geotechnical data management solution for storing, accessing, and analysing all your site investigation and material testing data.

    AllGeotechnicalInfrastructureHazardsEnvironmental