Expanded offering for exploration drilling

Through a series of acquisitions, Sandvik has expanded its capability to supply the mineral exploration sector, so the company can now call itself a full-service provider to all segments of the mining industry.

The new acquisitions include UDR, a maker of multi-purpose exploration drill rigs with a strong market position in Australia and Latin America. This includes signing a five-year strategic co-operation and supply agreement with Major Drilling Group Intl. Inc. (UDR’s parent company) whereby Sandvik and UDR will remain a preferred supplier of rigs and consumables to Major Drilling.

Sandvik also acquired Hagby-Asahi AB including its subsidiaries in the U.S.A., Canada and Finland. Hagby-Asahi is a leading manufacturer and supplier of diamond tools and equipment for mining, and a supplier of diamond drill rigs for mineral exploration. The third major acquisition was SDS Corp. Ltd., whose broad drilling expertise includes world-leading design and manufacture of drilling equipment for mineral exploration.

While the products will retain their existing names, they will be fully integrated under the Sandvik brand, and Sandvik servicing will be expanded to cover the expanded product line.

Says Peter Larsen, Sandvik’s vice-president of exploration for the U.S. and Canada, “The industry is healthy now, and overdue for investment. It needs a more innovative, consistent supply of equipment. Sandvik is an industry leader and is very busy, increasing capacity and growing expertise in all our segments. We have the financial ability to invest in our markets to meet our customers’ needs.”

Sandvik has 43,000 employees worldwide. The exploration group is based in Lively, Ont. For information on Sandvik products and service visit www.sandvik.com.