How has the integration between DSI and Sandvik progressed?

We have been diligently working on integrating with Sandvik, who acquired DSI Underground in 2021. We are now part of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, specifically the Ground Support division. Our integration has significantly expanded the range of products and services offered to the mining and construction industries. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions cover everything from drilling to production, and we complement this line with our anchoring systems. We are sharing technology and innovation to provide better service to our customers, with a common goal of ensuring safety underground and increasing productivity.

What new products are being launched in collaboration with Sandvik?

We are preparing to launch a new resin injection and bolting system globally, with DSI providing the resins and Sandvik handling the manufacturing of the machines. This innovation allows us to inject liquid resin instead of other cementitious alternatives, improving both productivity cycles and safety. We expect to launch this technology in Chile by the end of this year. 

What is DSI's experience with virtual training?

Edvirt, a Swedish company specializing in virtual training, part of DSI, directly or through us, offer virtual training in a variety of techniques, from equipment use to the placement of materials such as resins and self-drilling bolts. Virtual training allows more flexibility and ensures constant and updated training for personnel, resulting in reduced equipment failure risks and increased safety at work. 

What challenges does DSI Underground face in Chile?

Chile is a seismic country with deep mines, and this combination generates significant rock bursts due to the release of seismic energy. Anchors must resist and conduct this energy, both statically and dynamically. DSI develops dynamic anchoring systems adapted to these extreme conditions. Sandvik and DSI are focused on developing alternatives to automate the ground control process, as a key to ensuring safety, by allowing mechanical work without exposing workers to seismic risks. Bolts and anchoring systems must be designed to withstand and absorb the energy released repeatedly during seismic events. 

Can you provide details of DSI's entry into the ventilation segment?

We decided to enter the ventilation market in a joint venture with ABC Technology Group, a world leader in this field. We established a partnership in Chile to expand to all Latin America and subsequently to Europe. We focus on two main areas: flexible and rigid ventilation ducts.

DSI Ventilation stands out for manufacturing semi-rigid products of special plastic, which offer impact resistance and low friction, resulting in significant energy savings. Recently, we tested our locally produced HardlineTM duct in a mine in northern Chile, which reduced the time needed to improve air quality by 33%, simply by changing the type of duct. Additionally, we have developed an innovative oval duct, our Twin Duct, which requires only one suspension system instead of two, simplifying its installation and reducing weight while maintaining the same air area. 

How does DSI contribute to the circular economy?

We are pioneers in Chile in the certification of green steel, specially designed for mining and tunneling. We work with companies like AZA in certifying the use of green steel bars, and we have also key suppliers in hard roll coils, like Nippon Steel and ArcelorMittal who have traceable green production. The green steel process is known for its closed cycle: the steel used in mining is collected as scrap, returns to the mill, where it is transformed back into bolts, and other type of raw material, and finally, new systems are manufactured that return to the mine. 

What are DSI's goals for the coming years?

We expect to finalize the integration with Sandvik. Additionally, we are focused on expanding into other business areas related to ground support. After being out of the civil market for many years, this year we have begun to reintegrate into civil projects, leveraging our engineering, products and service capabilities. We plan to consolidate these operations by 2025.

Digitalization and automation will also be fundamental aspects in the coming years. Currently, we have products that allow us to measure the behavior of the rock, enabling more informed decision-making in mining and tunnel projects. We recently launched xCell CyclopsTM, a sensor that measures convergence to generate sensible and important data.