SOMINCOR’s Neves-Corvo mine optimizes operations with Sandvik’s AutoMine® technology

The Neves-Corvo mine in Portugal, operated by Boliden subsidiary Sociedade Mineira de Neves-Corvo S.A. (SOMINCOR), has achieved a milestone in its digitalization journey. Nearly a year after commissioning Sandvik’s AutoMine® Lite system on a Toro® LH621i underground loader, the mine recently transitioned to AutoMine® Multi Lite, allowing for the automation of multiple machines and enabling Neves-Corvo to reap the full benefits of advanced automation technology.

As the second underground mine in Portugal to deploy Sandvik’s automated loading and hauling technology, Neves-Corvo is setting new standards for safety, productivity and cost control in the Baixo Alentejo region, approximately 220 kilometers southeast of Lisbon.

The adoption of AutoMine® Multi-Lite marks a major leap forward for Neves-Corvo, enabling continuous operations during blast clearance and shift changes. This increased operational transparency and uninterrupted production have significantly boosted the mine’s efficiency and safety standards.

“Sandvik worked closely with our automation team, commissioning and training our engineers and operators on the AutoMine® system,” said Elena Pérez, Mine Production Superintendent at Neves-Corvo mine. “Our goal is 3.16Mt from bench mucking for 2025. By implementing advanced technology and innovation, we aim to achieve 60 percent with automation, particularly focused on equipment utilization during shift change and blast periods. Our commitment to digitalization is reflected in our long-term focus.”

The initial scope of work included Sandvik AutoMine® Lite, onboard automation components, on-site maintenance and operator training and key components for comprehensive lifecycle support. AutoMine® Lite is an automation system for a single Sandvik loader or truck. Built upon AutoMine® Tele-Remote, this solution maximizes machine performance through automation, resulting in increased productivity, safety and cost efficiency in mining operations.

Building on this success, Neves-Corvo expanded its automation capabilities with a significant system upgrade in early 2025, transitioning from AutoMine® Lite to AutoMine® Multi Lite to enable the automation of multiple machines. This upgrade includes onboard automation equipment for an additional four Toro® LH621i loaders, an AutoMine® control room and production area equipment to facilitate expanded operations across multiple areas. The upgrade also incorporates Sandvik’s next-generation AutoMine® Mapping Solution, a tool that improves the safety of autonomous vehicle navigation and productivity through utilizing mapping data, competence development training and a comprehensive lifecycle support service to optimize automation performance and return on investment.

“We are thrilled to partner with SOMINCOR on its digitalization journey, leveraging our experience to deliver safer and more reliable technologies that meet the mine’s production demands and long term vision,” said Ryan Hunt, Business Line Manager, Automation, South Europe and Middle East at Sandvik Mining. “Sandvik offers the right combination of global expertise and strong local support to help customers operate their mines safely and productively at all times. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Cimertex for its invaluable partnership in supporting this project, ensuring that Neves-Corvo benefits from world-class automation solutions.”

For further information, please contact:
Ryan Hunt
Business Line Manager Automation, South Europe and Middle East
Sandvik Mining
Email: ryan.hunt@sandvik.com

Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2024 the Group had approximately 41,000 employees and revenues of about 123 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2024, sales were approximately 64 billion SEK with about 17,000 employees.