Sandvik brought mining leaders from around the world together in Tampere for Future of Mining 2026, showcasing technologies and operational strategies focused on automation, electrification, artificial intelligence and digitalization.
The two-day event, held September 1-2, brought together senior representatives from mining companies and contractors with Sandvik experts to examine how emerging technologies are being integrated into mining operations.
The main conference at Nokia Arena featured customer presentations and panel discussions covering zero-entry mining, electrification, digital transformation and the future of mining. Participants included representatives from AngloGold Ashanti, Boliden, Byrnecut, Codelco, Eldorado Gold, Freeport, Glencore, LKAB, Mariana Minerals, Sonal Mining Technology and Torex Gold.
“Future of Mining 2026 gave us an important opportunity to bring customers together not only to discuss where mining is heading, but to experience the technologies helping take it there,” said Patrick Murphy, president of mining at Sandvik.
Following the conference, customers visited Sandvik's Underground Test Mine, Surface Test Pit and rock drill factory in Tampere to see the company's technologies in operation.
At the Surface Test Pit, Sandvik demonstrated a fully autonomous, battery-electric surface drilling concept that combines AI, robotics, electrification and digital connectivity.
The company said the concept demonstrated how intelligent, mine-wide operating systems could improve safety and productivity in surface mining.
Other demonstrations featured surface and rotary drilling solutions, automation technologies, Deswik integration and Universal Field Robots technologies.
At the Underground Test Mine, Sandvik demonstrated next-generation development drilling, advanced automation, AI-supported drilling, active power compensation and enhanced safety systems.
The demonstrations highlighted the potential of electrification and automation to increase productivity, improve safety and reduce emissions in mining operations.
Sandvik's renovated rock drill factory also showcased digital mine technologies, including AutoMine, Deswik, Newtrax and Universal Field Robots solutions.
The company demonstrated how planning, equipment, operations and decision-making can be increasingly connected across the mining value chain.
Other technology highlights included live AutoMine demonstrations, next-generation electrification solutions, integrated digital workflows using Deswik and AutoMine, and the introduction of Deswik NOVA for surface operations.
The event also featured Sandvik's rock processing solutions, including crushing, screening, automation and digital technologies aimed at supporting safer, more productive and sustainable mining and mineral processing.
Sandvik said the event demonstrated how connected equipment, automation, electrification and digital solutions can help mining companies improve productivity and safety while advancing sustainability objectives.
Future of Mining 2026 was complemented by dedicated Sandvik Rock Tools and Load and Haul programmes in Sandviken, Sweden, and Turku, Finland, giving customers additional opportunities to visit Sandvik facilities and see its technologies in operation.
