Faced with the high capital cost of new machinery and the constant demand to maintain uptime, many mining operations are looking for alternative ways to keep their equipment running efficiently and productively. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions through its Rebuild and Reborn upgrade portfolio offers OEM-certified programmes that restore worn or aging equipment to like-new condition while incorporating the latest technology and safety improvements.

The Reborn solution, available on selected models, involves a full-scope intervention that strips equipment down to its base chassis and rebuilds it using genuine OEM parts components. This process includes replacing all worn or damaged parts, upgrading systems to the latest performance and safety standards and conducting comprehensive testing and certification before commissioning. In many cases, existing infrastructure - such as motors, lubrication tanks or automation systems - can be reused offering even further cost and time savings.

For mining customers, this means equipment that is restored to original or improved specification backed by a warranty equivalent to that of new machines.

Storm Herbst, Operations Manager for Workshops and Technical Services at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, says the Reborn programme is about more than just repair. “We are enabling our customers to breathe new life into critical equipment assets with the full assurance of OEM quality, tested performance and the opportunity to upgrade to current technology. It is a cost effective and sustainable way to extend the life of their fleet and reduce total cost of ownership.” explains Herbst.

Complementing the Reborn offering is Sandvik’s Custom Rebuild programme which is available across all Sandvik equipment models. Here, the scope of work is tailored to suit the condition and operating environment of the machine. A detailed inspection determines what needs to be replaced or upgraded to restore the machine to peak performance.

As with Reborn, only OEM parts are used and rebuilds include warranty coverage, commissioning and technical support. This approach allows mining companies to align rebuild intervals with their maintenance strategy, typically at around 10,000 to 12,000 operating hours for equipment in harsh conditions or up to 17,000 hours for machines operating in more moderate environments.

Supporting these programmes is Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ extensive remanufacturing capacity in Southern Africa, with facilities in both South Africa and Zimbabwe. These centres are equipped to handle complete machine rebuilds to OEM standards, enabling customers to manage productivity improvements, safety compliance and environmental performance - all while keeping downtime to a minimum.

The Rebuild and Reborn programmes also form part of Sandvik’s broader lifecycle management approach. Digital tools such as Knowledge Box™ provide data-driven insights, enabling customers to make informed decisions about when and how to intervene.

Upgrades and engineered solutions can be applied during the rebuild process, further improving machine performance and adapting equipment to changing operational demands.

“At Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, we are focused on partnering with customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their equipment,” explains Herbst. “Our Rebuild and Reborn programmes help customers optimise performance, reduce downtime and get the most out of their existing assets. In today’s mining environment that is a strategic advantage.”

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a global leader in equipment, tools, parts and services for the mining industry. Its aftermarket support across Southern Africa is underpinned by a strong local presence and a highly skilled technical team, committed to keeping customer operations running smoothly and efficiently.