As the new prototype was different

Lower ore grades and demand equipment to reach deeper and more complex orebodies. Sandvik is responding to those needs by expanding the DE100 series with the new compact and powerful DE150 core drilling rig. The DE150 can work both underground (where it is Sandvik's most powerful exploration drill rig) or on surface. The trend in Scandinavia is towards lighter rigs, making less environmental damage, even though they are required to drill deeper and larger holes. Sandvik believes the demand for lighter yet more powerful drills is universal, creating increasing demand for drills of this size globally.

The first DE150 prototype was tested in hard crystalline rock in Forsmark, Sweden, by diamond core and raise drilling contractor Drillcon. "We had a suitable project, an assignment for Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management, where we had a chance to see if the DE150 could live up to our expectations and meet the goal we had, namely to drill three holes according to a set standard," said Mikael Berglund, CEO of Drillcon.

As the new prototype was different from previous Sandvik models, Berglund said he was particularly interested in how the machine lived up to the expectations on the technologies most recently developed by Sandvik. Key technologies include the electro-hydraulic power pack, the feed boom and the control panel. "I am happy with the . It worked well. The new technology was both effective and reliable," Berglund Truck Cover said.