Sandvik has been selected by mining contractor Byrnecut to supply automated loaders, underground drills and rock tools for its Kathleen Valley lithium project in Western Australia.

Under the contract, Sandvik will be responsible for the supply of seven Toro LH621i underground loaders with AutoMine, three Sandvik DD422i development drills with dual controls and a Sandvik DS422i cable bolter.

Furthermore, Sandvik will supply rock tools to Byrnecut for the operation over a period of four years.

It will also provide a range of added services and digital solutions to support the drilling operations at the lithium mine.

The deal will also include carbide recycling, with Sandvik’s Carbide Recycling Programme helping both the OEM and the wider industry to meet circularity goals and ensuring raw materials are used efficiently and sustainably.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions Australia and New Zealand sales area vice-president Wayne Scrivens said: “Byrnecut and Sandvik have a long history of collaboration on projects across the country and we are delighted that Byrnecut is once again investing significantly in Sandvik equipment and rock tools for this major project.

“This deal highlights the growing understanding across the Australian mining sector that Sandvik’s advanced solutions help mines run safer, more efficiently and more sustainably.”

In August 2023, Byrnecut was awarded a contract by Liontown Resources for the development and production of the Kathleen Valley lithium project.

Under the four-year contract, Byrnecut will provide a full suite of mining services for underground operations.

These services are expected to support the initial plant throughput capacity of three million tonnes a year.