Sandvik to Supply Three DR413i Rotary Drill Rigs to Glencore for Alumbrera Restart

Why It Matters

The deal accelerates Alumbrera’s comeback, bolstering copper supply at a time of soaring demand for clean‑energy metals, while expanding Sandvik’s footprint in South America’s mining equipment market.

Key Takeaways

• Sandvik will deliver three DR413i rigs to Alumbrera starting April 2026
• Rebuild services cover three D75KS and three DP1500 rigs
• Alumbrera aims to produce 73,000 tonnes copper through June 2031
• DR413i’s automation cuts fuel use and boosts drilling accuracy

Pulse Analysis

The restart of Glencore’s Bajo de la Alumbrera mine comes at a pivotal moment for the global copper market, which is under pressure to meet the material needs of electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and grid modernization. By securing three state‑of‑the‑art DR413i rotary drill rigs from Sandvik, Glencore signals its confidence in the mine’s long‑term viability and its commitment to scaling copper output. The timing aligns with broader industry trends where miners are accelerating projects to capture the upside of the energy transition, making Alumbrera’s projected 73,000 metric tons of copper through 2031 a strategically valuable addition to Glencore’s portfolio.

Sandvik’s DR413i is engineered for high‑altitude, open‑pit environments, delivering hole diameters up to 349 mm and single‑pass depths of 17 m. Its Intelligent Control System Architecture (SICA) and iDrill automation provide real‑time diagnostics, reducing operator workload and enhancing hole‑to‑hole consistency. These features translate into lower fuel consumption, higher drilling productivity, and improved blast quality—key cost‑saving levers for a mine that must remain competitive amid volatile commodity prices. The inclusion of rebuild services for existing D75KS and DP1500 rigs further extends the equipment lifecycle, offering Glencore a comprehensive maintenance solution that minimizes downtime.

For Sandvik, the contract deepens its presence in the South American mining sector and showcases its ability to deliver integrated equipment‑plus‑service packages. The partnership underscores a shift toward bundled solutions where OEMs not only supply hardware but also manage performance through digital tools and after‑sales support. As copper demand continues to rise, equipment providers that can combine robust hardware with data‑driven efficiency will likely capture a larger share of capital‑expenditure budgets, positioning Sandvik as a preferred supplier for future mine development and restart projects worldwide.