Intelligent Load and Haul for Underground Mining

Northern Star Resources has selected Sandvik to supply intelligent underground load and haul equipment for its gold mining operations in Western Australia, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2026.

Fleet modernization for underground operations
The order includes Toro TH663i underground trucks as well as Toro LH621i and Toro LH517i loaders from Sandvik’s i-series platform. The contract was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025, with equipment deliveries planned to start in the first quarter of 2026 and continue throughout the year.

These machines are intended for use in demanding underground mining environments, where payload efficiency, equipment availability, and operator safety are critical to overall mine performance.

i-series platform capabilities
Sandvik’s i-series load and haul platforms are designed around digital connectivity and data-driven operation. The equipment supports real-time data collection and analytics, providing mine operators with visibility into machine health, utilization, and performance.

The platforms are engineered to be automation-ready, enabling future deployment of automated or semi-autonomous functions as mine operations evolve. This design approach allows mining companies to introduce automation incrementally without replacing the core equipment fleet.

Productivity, cost, and safety considerations
The Toro TH663i truck and LH621i and LH517i loaders are designed to handle high payloads while maintaining maneuverability in confined underground spaces. Higher payload capacity and optimized machine performance contribute to lower operating cost per ton by reducing the number of haul cycles required.

In addition, integrated monitoring and diagnostic capabilities support proactive maintenance strategies, which can reduce unplanned downtime and improve equipment availability. Safety is addressed through improved operator ergonomics, enhanced machine visibility, and system-level monitoring that supports safer operation in complex underground environments.

Local support and lifecycle management
Sandvik’s Australian service organization will provide support across equipment delivery, commissioning, and ongoing lifecycle management. Local service capability is a key factor in underground mining, where rapid access to technical support and spare parts directly affects production continuity.

By combining connected equipment with regional service infrastructure, the deployment is intended to support long-term operational reliability rather than focusing solely on initial machine performance.

Context within digital mining strategies
The selection of intelligent load and haul equipment reflects a broader trend in underground mining toward digitally enabled fleets. Connectivity, automation readiness, and data-driven maintenance are increasingly used to improve productivity and safety while managing costs in deeper and more complex ore bodies.

Within this context, Northern Star’s fleet investment aligns with industry-wide efforts to integrate digital technologies into core mining processes, supporting more efficient and predictable underground operations over the equipment lifecycle.