Eco-efficient rock processing reduces climate impact

Rock processing in the mining industry is essential to access metal and minerals, including the rare earth metals crucial to the green transition. Processed rock is also needed for the construction of roads and buildings. To increase energy efficiency and enable the shift to electrified operations that help reduce the climate footprint of the mining and infrastructure sectors, Sandvik offers stationary and mobile crushers powered by electricity, HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), or diesel.

“We are committed to working closely with our customers, providing equipment, services, and solutions that enable more eco-efficient rock processing,” says Pontus Alexandersson, Head of Sustainable Business at Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions.

Electrification of crushing and screening

The range of stationary and wheeled crushers and screens from Sandvik is already 100 percent electrified, and by the end of 2025, more than 90 percent of the mobile offering will be available with an electric drive alternative. The mobile heavy jaw crusher UJ443E is one of the latest examples, and more electric solutions will be launched during the year.

“We are driving the shift towards faster, greener, and smarter operations in multiple ways – not just by electrifying our equipment, but also by reviewing our customers’ existing processes and machinery to address the mining and aggregates industry’s major energy challenges,” says Alexandersson.

Energy efficiency in crushing techniques

Conventional grinding accounts for some 40 percent of the energy used in mining, and has an energy efficiency of about 5 percent. Sandvik stationary crushers have an estimated 50 percent energy efficiency. So, crushing more at an early stage of the rock processing saves energy further down the line, and extending the crushing process into smaller-sized rocks also has a significant, energy-saving impact.

Crush more and grind less – that’s our message.

Moreover, electric equipment such as the latest mobile crushers from Sandvik offer a host of additional benefits compared to conventional equipment, such as lowering operating costs by requiring less service and maintenance. Since access to the power grid may be difficult in remote locations, the latest electrified mobile jaw crushers from Sandvik are also fitted with onboard gensets that may be fueled with HVO or traditional diesel.

Connected equipment to increase sustainability

The digital solutions developed by Sandvik go a long way in helping customers improve sustainability while increasing productivity and performance. “By using connected equipment and, for instance, our digital service SAM™ which provides data analysis designed to support operational excellence, you can get a lot more out of your machines and processes. Optimized productivity and sustainability really do go hand-in-hand,” says Alexandersson.

Looking ahead, he believes a big challenge lies in making the industry aware of how much can be gained from making the shift towards more energy-efficient rock processing solutions.

“In general, there is an improvement potential of up to 10–15 percent to be reached through configuration and customization of the equipment already in use.”