Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology said all its DTi tunnelling jumbos were developed with a special modular design that makes them more flexible and versatile.

"Suitable for fast face drilling or mechanised long-hole drilling and bolting, they are proving be highly productive, reliable and effective across the world," the OEM explained.

The rig also includes its latest developments in automated drilling solutions, such as the iSURE tunnel management software, SICA intelligent control system for torque control/feed percussion, and monitoring and fleet management for My Sandvik.

The computer-controlled rig possesses both operator-controlled boom positioning and full-face automatic drilling functions. The rig also uses Sandvik's new high-frequency RD535 rock drill, robust booms and advanced drill string guides.

According to Sandvik, these features mean that that the DT1132i delivers 40% less exhaust particles, up to 20% higher penetration rate and with 25% more side coverage.

The DT1132i comes with a transmission system with a Cummins B6.7, 168kW diesel engine (stage 5), which can be operated up to 5,000m above sea level without any modifications. Sandvik said the new engine provided up to a 90% reduction in NOx emissions (when compared to stage 3 engines), with more than 90% mass reduction for DPM.