Sandvik–ThoroughTec Simulation deal: data-driven training takeaways for mine teams
Reviewed by Joe Ashwell
First reported on MINING.com
30 Second Briefing
Sandvik is acquiring South African-based ThoroughTec Simulation, an OEM-agnostic mining training simulator specialist with about 200 staff and 2025 revenues of roughly SEK 170 million, to be folded into Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ parts and services division. ThoroughTec’s simulators and training management system will be combined with Sandvik’s digital solutions to deliver data-driven, customised operator training based on real machine performance, targeting higher productivity, improved operator behaviour and lower maintenance costs. The deal, with an undisclosed price, is expected to close in Q2 2026 and be EBITA-margin accretive.
Technical Brief
- ThoroughTec’s simulators are OEM‑agnostic, already deployed on fleets including CAT 740B articulated dump trucks.
- ThoroughTec is headquartered in Durban, South Africa, with a broad-based global sales and support footprint.
- Workforce exceeds 200 employees, implying a reasonably large in‑house software, hardware and support capability.
- 2025 revenues of ~SEK 170 million indicate a mid‑scale, commercially proven training technology provider.
- Transaction closing is targeted for Q2 2026, subject to standard regulatory approvals in relevant jurisdictions.
- Sandvik reports ThoroughTec currently operates with a “strong” EBITA margin, supporting accretive aftermarket economics.
- For mine operators, pairing simulator telemetry with real machine data could enable site‑specific operator KPIs and maintenance triggers.
Our Take
In our database, Sandvik features heavily in equipment and tooling launches (such as the recent RG550Be drill bit resharpening machine and Tampere plant expansion), so acquiring ThoroughTec Simulation in South Africa signals a push to wrap higher-margin digital training and lifecycle services around its growing hardware fleet.
ThoroughTec’s OEM‑agnostic simulators, now under Sandvik, are likely to be used to deepen account penetration at large underground contracts like the SEK417 million Cowal order, where integrated training and operator upskilling can be bundled into equipment deals without being tied to a single mine or commodity such as copper or gold.
With ThoroughTec’s more than 200 employees and cloud-based training platform anchored in Durban, Sandvik gains a regional tech hub in Africa, which could shorten deployment and support cycles for mines across the continent compared with relying solely on European service centres.
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.
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