ROBIT STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION IN GLOBAL MINING MARKETS THROUGH MULTIPLE SUPPLY AGREEMENTS

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit has signed several supply agreements in strategically important mining markets for the company in Australia, North America, and South Africa. Deliveries will commence in the third quarter of 2026.

The combined net sales value of the signed agreements is estimated at EUR 7–10 million. The agreements cover the supply of Robit’s drilling consumables and drilling technology solutions for customers’ operational mining activities.

Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO, Robit:
“We are very pleased with these agreements, which strengthen our position in the global mining market. Our determined commitment to testing our products and validating their performance in customers’ demanding operating environments is now delivering tangible results across multiple market areas. These agreements demonstrate our customers’ confidence in the quality and performance of our products, as well as in our ability to create added value for their operations.” 

The agreements reinforce Robit’s position as a global supplier of drilling technology and drilling consumables for the mining industry and support the company’s growth in strategically important markets.

ROBIT PLC
Mikko Kuusilehto

Further information:
Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO
+358 40 658 7822
mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

Privacy Notice – Robit Plus Mobile Application

Posted on by Jari Silver

1. Introduction

This Privacy Notice describes how Robit Plc (hereinafter “Robit”) processes the personal data of users of the Robit Plus mobile application (“App”). Robit acts as the data controller for such personal data.
Robit is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable data protection legislation, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Data Controller and Contact Person

Data Controller
Robit Plc
(Business ID: 0825627-0)
Viikkiniityntie 9
33880 Lempäälä
Tel.: +358 3 3140 3400
Mikko Kuusilehto
c/o Robit Plc
Tel.: +358 40 65 87 822
Email: mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

3. What the App Does

Robit Plus is a field reporting application for employees and operators of Robit’s customers. It enables fieldworkers to create, store, and upload equipment and maintenance reports for sites managed by Robit’s customers. The App is designed for offline use; reports are stored locally on the device and uploaded to Robit’s systems when the user initiates a sync.

4. Data Collected

The App collects the following categories of personal data:

  • Account and identity data — the user’s name and account identifier, obtained from the authentication provider at login, used to attribute reports to the correct user.
  • Authentication credentials — session tokens required to maintain the authenticated session, and a locally stored PIN for offline access. The PIN is never transmitted; it is stored only as a one-way hash on the device.
  • Work report data — information entered by the user when creating a report, such as the reporting person, assigned operator, site and location details, equipment details, measurements, and descriptive text. This data is linked to the user’s identity and is the primary data uploaded to Robit’s systems.
  • Site and configuration data — reference data downloaded from Robit’s systems (such as site names, locations, and equipment lists) used to populate selection options in the App. This data is not personal in nature.

The App does not collect:

  • Location data
  • Camera or microphone data
  • Contacts or calendar data
  • Browsing history or search history
  • Financial or payment information
  • Health or fitness data
  • Any data for advertising or marketing purposes

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Processing is based on the performance of a contract between the user’s employer and Robit, and on Robit’s legitimate interest in providing and operating the App as part of its services.

6. How Data Is Stored

Work reports and site configuration are stored in a local database on the device to enable offline use.
Authentication tokens are stored in the device’s platform-provided secure storage.
The PIN is stored only as a one-way cryptographic hash and is never transmitted to any server.

7. How Data Is Transmitted and Shared

When the user initiates an upload, unsynchronised work reports are transmitted over HTTPS to Robit’s backend systems. Authentication is handled through Robit’s identity provider. No data is transmitted to third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services.

Data collected by the App is shared only with:

  • Robit’s backend systems — to store and process submitted work reports.
  • Robit group companies — to the extent necessary for service provision.

8. Data Retention

Robit retains personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this notice and to meet any applicable legal obligations. Work reports are retained for as long as the customer relationship between the user’s employer and Robit is in effect, unless a shorter or longer period is required by law.
Uninstalling the App removes all locally stored data from the device.

9. Your Rights

Under the GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right of access — to obtain confirmation of whether Robit processes your personal data and to access that data.
  • Right to rectification — to have inaccurate or incomplete data corrected.
  • Right to be forgotten — to request erasure of your data where there is no longer a legal ground for processing it.
  • Restriction of processing — to request that processing be restricted in certain circumstances.
  • Right to data portability — to receive your data in a machine-readable format and transfer it to another controller.
  • Right to object — to object to processing based on legitimate interest.
  • Right to withdraw consent — where processing is based on consent, to withdraw it at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact the data controller at the address provided in Section 2.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority. In Finland, this is the Data Protection Ombudsman (tietosuoja.fi).

10. Children’s Privacy

The App is intended solely for use by adults in a professional context. Robit does not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16.

11. Changes to This Privacy Notice

Robit may update this Privacy Notice from time to time. The current version is always available on Robit’s website.

ROBIT HAS SIGNED LONG-TERM SUPPLY AGREEMENTS FOR ENDOMINES’ MINES

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit has signed long-term supply agreements for Endomines’ mining operations in Finland. The agreement for the Pampalo mine covers the supply of Robit drilling consumables directly to Endomines. Another agreement has been signed with Veljekset Toivanen for Endomines’ Hosko mine, where Veljekset Toivanen acts as the main mining contractor.

The agreements cover the supply of Robit drilling consumables for the mines’ operational needs, with the aim of ensuring efficient and cost-effective drilling over the long term.

Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO, Robit:
“We are pleased with the agreements signed for Endomines’ mines. These long-term agreements are an important indication of our customers’ trust in the quality and performance of our products.”

Ari Keskitalo, Mine Manager, Endomines:
“Cooperation with reliable partners is a key part of our mining operations. Robit’s solutions strongly support our operational goals, and this collaboration provides a solid foundation for the continuous development of our activities. We particularly appreciate the professional work of Robit’s sales and aftermarket personnel in building and maintaining long-term customer relationships.”

Mika Viinamäki, Head of Mining Operations, Veljekset Toivanen:
“Our cooperation with Robit has worked extremely well. This agreement is built on a strong foundation and supports our shared goal of ensuring efficient and high-quality mining operations.”

Endomines Finland Plc is a Finnish mining and exploration company. The company’s operations focus on the Pampalo and Hosko gold mines in Ilomantsi, as well as mineral exploration along the Karelian Gold Line in Eastern Finland.

Veljekset Toivanen Ltd is a Finnish infrastructure and mining construction company that provides high-quality infrastructure construction and mining industry services for various industrial needs in Finland and Sweden.

ROBIT PLC
Mikko Kuusilehto

Further information:
Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO
+358 40 658 7822
mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

Image: Kimmo Kangas (Sales Director, Finland, Robit) with Ari Keskitalo, left (Mine Manager, Endomines) and Mika Viinamäki, right (Head of Mining Operations, Veljekset Toivanen)

ROBIT AND AGNICO EAGLE CONTINUE THEIR COOPERATION

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit and Agnico Eagle Finland continue their cooperation at the Kittilä mine. The cooperation is based on an agreement signed in 2021, under which the parties have agreed to continue their collaboration. The agreement strengthens the long-term partnership between the companies, and Robit will continue supplying drilling consumables to Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä mine. The continuation of the cooperation is based particularly on Robit’s reliability of delivery and both parties’ commitment to high-quality solutions supporting mining operations.

Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO, Robit Plc: “We are very pleased that our cooperation with Agnico Eagle will continue. The agreement is a demonstration of trust and long-term collaboration. We look forward to opportunities to further develop our products and services together with the mining company.” 

Kyösti Huttu, Mine Department Manager, Agnico Eagle Finland Ltd: “The extension agreement with Robit Plc demonstrates long-term and fruitful cooperation. The supplier genuinely listens to the customer’s needs from the perspective of quality management, product development, and cost-efficiency. The dialogue between the parties has been open and straightforward, and the supplier’s agility in responding to the customer’s specific needs has worked well. This provides a strong basis for continuing our cooperation.”

The Kittilä mine is the largest gold mine in Europe. Approximately 2.0 million tonnes of ore are mined at the site annually, and its annual gold production is around 7,000 kilograms.

ROBIT PLC
Mikko Kuusilehto

Further information:
Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO
+358 40 658 7822
mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

Photo: Kimmo Kangas, Sales Director, Finland, Robit & Kyösti Huttu, Mine Department Manager, Agnico Eagle Finland (from left)

KIMMO KUUSELA APPOINTED VP SALES & MARKETING

Posted on by Jari Silver

Kimmo Kuusela (b. 1980, EMBA) has been appointed VP Sales & Marketing and member of Robit Plc’s Management Team. He will start in his new position on August 24, 2026.

Kuusela will be responsible for Robit Plc’s global sales and marketing in line with the Group’s growth targets. He will focus particularly on driving Robit Plc’s profitable and consistent long-term growth across business cycles, as well as strengthening the Group’s competitiveness.

Kuusela joins Robit Plc from Glaston Plc, where he has held various expert and management positions since 2005. He has approximately ten years of experience in international management roles, with responsibility for sales and business development, most recently as Executive Vice President, Sales & Service EMEA & APAC, based in Singapore.

Group CEO, Robit Plc, Mikko Kuusilehto: “I warmly welcome Kimmo to Robit. He brings strong international experience in sales management. Growth is a key priority for Robit, and the development of sales management plays a critical role in achieving this. Kimmo will be responsible for leading sales and marketing, which strongly supports the implementation of our strategic targets.” 

ROBIT PLC
Mikko Kuusilehto

Further information:
Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO
+358 40 658 7822
mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

ROBIT APPOINTS VP CANADA TO SUPPORT GROWTH IN NORTH AMERICAN MARKETS

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit continues to advance the development of strategically important North American markets as part of its ongoing growth strategy. In line with this focus, Robit is strengthening its North American sales organization and has appointed Jan Schroeder as Vice President, Canada, effective May 4, 2026. In this role, Jan will be responsible for developing and driving Robit’s sales in the Canadian market, focusing on distributor cooperation, customer relationships and growth.

Jan is an experienced sales and business professional with over 20 years of global experience in mining and capital equipment as well as industrial technology markets. He has a strong track record in strategic market expansion, distributor network development, commercial excellence and aftermarket growth with leading mining and construction companies.

At the same time, responsibilities within the North American organization are being refined. Michael Williams, VP North America, will focus on driving sales development and growth in the United States and Mexico, which are among Robit’s key growth markets from 2026 onward.

Canada represents one of the largest and most strategically important mining markets for drilling consumables, and Robit’s strengthened local resources reflect the company’s commitment to further developing its market presence in the region.

“We want to invest significantly in growth in the large North American markets. This new appointment supports Robit’s strategic objective to strengthen its position as a global supplier of drilling consumables and lay the foundation for the next phase of development,” states Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO, Robit Plc.

ROBIT PLC
Mikko Kuusilehto

Further information:
Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO
+358 40 658 7822
mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

Managed rock tools service at the Endeavor mine

Posted on by Jari Silver

Endeavor is an underground silver-zinc-lead mine in central-western New South Wales, about 40 kilometres north of Cobar in the Cobar Basin, one of Australia’s premier polymetallic mineral provinces. At Endeavor, Robit is responsible for a full Managed Service Contract for drilling consumables – one of Robit’s first underground sites to use this model in Australia.

From consignment stock to managed service

Mining companies typically choose between two basic models for their rock tool supply. In a consignment stock arrangement, the supplier holds inventory on-site and the mine draws what it needs, while planning, tracking, and refurbishment largely remain the mine’s responsibility.

In a Managed Service Contract, the supplier takes an active role in forecasting, supplying, tracking, and refurbishing tools on-site. This is the preferred model at bigger operations.

“Most large customers prefer a service contract to consignment stocks, especially when there are five or more rigs on-site,” says Robit’s Peter Healey, Technical Development. “It allows accurate supply to each rig and lets the customer track the performance of the rig and crew. It also enables refurbishment of the drill string components on-site where possible.”

For Robit, this is a relatively new way of working in Australia. Endeavor is one of the early adopters of the model, alongside Gold Fields’ Agnew operation in Western Australia.

Life-cycle responsibility

”At Endeavor, we have assumed full life-cycle responsibility for their rock tools – from forecasting, supply, and on-site logistics to product support, refurbishment, targeted personnel training, and comprehensive performance reporting with data analysis,” Peter explains. “We manage the day-to-day operation of their rock tools and collaborate with them to drive continuous on-site improvements.”

Refurbishment on-site extends bit life where conditions allow, helping to lower drilling costs. “Lower cost-per-meter through managed control of the drill consumables and operator training to get the most out of the product,” is how Peter sums it up.

How it works on-site

On-site, the Robit operative visits all drill rigs on weekdays. Each day begins underground, with drill strings checked, failed components replaced, and blunt bits exchanged for refurbished or new ones. All changes are logged at the rig, which links tools and drilled meters to specific rigs and crews.

The work continues in the surface workshop. The blunt bits are refurbished: a depletion bath exposes the carbides, which are then sharpened on a bit grinding machine. The refurbished bits return to stock, ready for another cycle underground.

Robit’s agreement with Polymetals at Endeavor has been in place since late 2024, with the service component added in March 2025.

Still in its early stages at Robit, the concept of Managed Service Contracts is quickly taking shape and will be offered to any new Australian customer with multi-rig sites.

Veljekset Toivanen extracts precious metals with Robit tools

Posted on by Jari Silver

When drilling through hard Finnish rock, high-quality consumables are essential. Veljekset Toivanen relies on Robit’s expertise and service to keep its drilling equipment performing reliably day after day.

Based in Kemi, Finland, Veljekset Toivanen Oy is a family-owned company established in 1983. Over the decades, it has grown from a local earthmoving business into a versatile expert in infrastructure and mining services. Starting from southwestern Lapland, operations have expanded across Finland and northern Sweden.

“We are a reliable and innovative mining services provider. We support our customers in both underground and open-pit mining. At the moment, we serve as the main contractor at Endomines’ Hosko gold mine in Ilomantsi and at Sotkamo Silver’s silver mine in Sotkamo,” says Mika Hartikainen, Head of Mining Operations at Veljekset Toivanen.

Comprehensive mining operations

Veljekset Toivanen can manage the entire operation of a mine when required – a task that demands a wide range of machinery, transport capacity, and skilled personnel.

“Our services include production drilling, forepoling, face drilling, crushing, loading and hauling of aggregates, underground support operations, as well as renovation, construction, and maintenance of mine infrastructure,” Hartikainen explains.

In rock excavation and forepoling, the company relies on powerful drilling equipment.
“We operate around twenty machines in total – tunnel jumbos, surface drill rigs, underground production drill rigs, as well as cable bolting and rock bolting rigs,” he adds.

Consumables always in stock

When it comes to drilling consumables, Toivanen has trusted Robit for many years.
“Robit supplies all components needed for drilling – bits, shanks, rods, and casings. We work in close collaboration in product development, the products are high quality, and deliveries are always on schedule,” Hartikainen notes.

Robit delivers consumables to consignment warehouses located at the mine sites, ensuring that a two-month supply is always readily available.
“Mining operations cannot afford unplanned downtime, so we make sure to maintain sufficient stock for all critical consumables. We replenish stock once a month and respond quickly to any changes in demand,” says Kimmo Kangas, Sales Director at Robit Finland Oy.

Products tailored to customer needs

Robit designs and manufactures all drill bits for underground drilling at its Lempäälä factory, enabling close cooperation with Finnish customers.
“We can tailor products to specific customer requirements quickly and cost-effectively, even for smaller production batches. We stay active in the field, discuss evolving needs, and develop better solutions together to improve drilling efficiency and reduce costs,” Kangas says.

Drilling solutions for every rock type

Finnish rock is famously hard – and no two sites are exactly alike.
“At the Sotkamo mine, in addition to the rock’s hardness, the layered structure creates challenges. Drilling tends to drift in the slate zones, causing rods to bend and making it difficult to achieve perfectly straight holes for blasting. Together with Robit, we have tackled this by optimising the placement of carbide buttons, redesigning flushing grooves and the bit body, and selecting the optimal rods and casings. As a result, drilling control has improved, and the consumables now reach more drill meters,” Hartikainen explains.

“We have made other improvements, too. For example, in cable-bolting rigs, making small changes to the thread profile of the rods has increased reliability. In addition, we have achieved excellent results with Robit’s Extreme Carbide bits designed for the hardest rock,” he concludes.

Picture: Mika Hartikainen (left), Head of Mining Operations at Toivanen, and Robit’s Sales Director Kimmo Kangas at the Endomines’ Hosko gold mine in Ilomantsi, Finland, where Toivanen serves as the main contractor.

Robit RG drill rods gain ground in Swedish quarries

Posted on by Jari Silver

In 2024, we introduced the RG51 shoulder-driven drill rod – a Top Hammer design where the shoulder, rather than the thread, takes the impact. This results in higher stiffness, straighter holes, and a longer service life than conventional C(T)-series rods.  Today, the RG rod family is well on its way into the Nordic market.

With RG45 now joining RG51 and RG60, Robit can offer a complete range of shoulder-driven rods for bench drilling and quarrying. Sweden, through long-time distributor Eurodrilling, is among the first countries where the RG45 and RG51 systems are being actively used and tested.

Field trials have been carried out at several sites, with two experienced blasting contractors standing out as early adopters: Bohus Bergsprängning and Alingsås Sprängtjänst. Both operate demanding rock-drilling jobs where tool life, hole straightness, and reliability are closely monitored.

At Bohus Bergsprängning’s quarries, RG45 rods (3,660 and 4,265 mm) and RG45 bits (76, 83, and 89 mm) have been running in daily production since spring 2025. In midsummer, Robit’s Sales Manager Santeri Sillanaukee and Drillmaster Harri Piispanen, together with Eurodrilling’s Bosse Bäckgren, followed performance on site. Bohus Bergsprängning has already noticed the difference in performance and moved from trials to regular RG45 usage.

In October 2025, Alingsås Sprängtjänst hosted a demo day at its premises in Alingsås. After a short introduction to Robit and the RG concept, the team mounted RG45 rods and bits on the customer’s rig and drilled test holes in a nearby rock. The results were so convincing that Alingsås Sprängtjänst decided to start using RG45 right away.

The Swedish experiences so far mirror Robit’s earlier field data from Finland, where RG45 rods have regularly achieved service lives of over 50% and, in some cases, more than 70%, longer than those of standard C45 tools. Users also report straighter holes thanks to the stiffer shoulder-driven connections, better penetration when combining RG rods and RG bits, and noticeably easier uncoupling, all of which translates directly into less downtime and more drill metres per shift.

“We see Sweden following the same trend as Finland, where the Robit RG45 and RG51 systems are becoming the new standard in bench drilling and quarrying. These products truly speak for themselves and help our customers drill better. Day in and day out”, says Sales Manager Santeri Sillanaukee.

To support growing demand, Eurodrilling has begun stocking RG rods and RG bits in Sweden and expects volumes to increase further as the RG concept continues to win new users, carving out a stronger position for Robit in the Swedish Top Hammer market.

La Arena: Precision drilling in Peru’s Andean copper–gold belt

Posted on by Jari Silver

High in the mountains of northern Peru lies the La Arena open-pit mine, a combined gold and copper operation. The site sits along one of the world’s largest porphyry copper–gold belts, part of the Andean metallogenic area that has yielded many of South America’s major deposits. As of late 2024, the mine is owned by Zijin Mining.

The geology at La Arena is notably abrasive, with hard volcanic and intrusive formations that place significant stress on drilling equipment. These ground conditions make controlled blasting especially important, and the mine relies on pre-splitting to define stable walls and predictable bench geometries. Pre-splitting involves drilling a precise line of holes ahead of the main blast, creating a clean fracture plane that limits overbreak and improves overall pit stability.

Pree-splitting at La Arena is performed by Spanish company Acciona, a global infrastructure and mining contractor. Acciona uses 4” Down the Hole hammers paired with 5” bits. Because of the highly abrasive rock, tool life has been a long-standing challenge, prompting Acciona to run a series of comparative tests to identify equipment that could best withstand the conditions.

In mid-2025, Acciona invited Robit to participate in the tests. The setup included the Robit® H4 Marathon hammer with a TD40 shank, along with three different sets of drill bits. Robit’s DTH Drillmaster, Renato Castro, supervised the trial on site, ensuring proper operation, monitoring wear, and gathering performance data. The test period ran from June to July 2025.

The results were decisive. The Robit H4 Marathon hammer achieved a total service life of 4,740 drill meters, significantly outlasting the competitor, which reached 3,100 meters.

Bit performance showed the same trend. In the extremely abrasive rock, Robit’s bits averaged at 140 meters, while competitor bits averaged around 65 meters. Among the designs tested, the convex-face bit with Extreme Carbide gauge inserts delivered the best balance of durability and penetration.

Encouraged by the results, Acciona is exploring additional bit designs with Robit, including Extreme Carbide models, to further reduce cost per meter and improve productivity. The Marathon hammer has already convinced the contractor with its longer lifetime and penetration rates about 30% faster than the competing product.

For Robit, the successful trials represent a promising technical outcome – and the foundation for a potential long-term collaboration.

Destia builds the Vantaa light rail using Robit tools

Posted on by Jari Silver 
Picture above: At the Tikkurila tram  line construction site, from left:  Project Manager Alexei Kesonen (Destia),  Drill Master Raivo Forsel (Robit) and  Site Manager Kai Jaakkola (Destia)

After decades of planning, the Vantaa light rail project in Finland has entered construction. Preparatory works began in spring 2025 in the Tikkurila railway station area, and by the end of the year, construction sites were launched elsewhere along the route as well. 

Two alliances, one shared goal 

The Vantaa light rail is being built using an alliance model, in which the client, engineering partners, and contractors operate as a single integrated team. In Vantaa, the project is divided into an eastern and a western alliance. On the west side, Destia acts as the construction contractor, with Ramboll and Sitowise responsible for engineering.

The western alliance section runs from the airport to Jokiniemi and includes a tram tunnel passing beneath Tikkurila railway station.

Tikkurila – a demanding transport hub

At Destia, the ground improvement works for the Vantaa light rail project are led by Project Manager Alexei Kesonen.

“One of the most challenging sections of the entire project is the Tikkurila station area, where an under-ground concrete tunnel of about 800 metres is being built. This requires extensive excavations, in which Robit’s drilling tools play a critical role,” Alexei explains. The tunnel will link rail traffic at Tikkurila with the future tram line, with the tram stop located underground.

Towards the end of the year, a pipe pile wall project is underway in Tikkurila. Some 400 piles of a Ø 610 mm drilled pile wall are being drilled 1–2 metres into the bedrock. The piling work is performed with Robit casing systems – Robit® DTH SR pilot and ring bits – together with an 18” Down the Hole hammer.

In addition to pipe pile walls, excavations are supported by sheet pile walls and combi walls. At its deepest point, the pipe pile wall reaches 13 metres.

“All excavation walls will later be anchored with cable anchors, drilled using a DTH hammer and Robit’s through-drilling reamers and pilots. The tunnel excavation will also include 220 mm rock sockets. 323 mm pipe piles support the tunnel base slab. All critical drilling equipment comes from Robit, and it has performed reliably,” Alexei says.

Pipe-pile-wall piling ongoing

On-site support from Robit

Robit Sales Manager Jonne Merikanto adds that,  in addition to supplying tools, Robit supports the tram project by sharpening the customer’s pilot  bits and servicing hammers at its Suutarila facility. Robit’s Drillmaster Raivo Forsel is also available to Destia whenever needed. “Destia has such skilled drillers, though, that they rarely need assistance,” Raivo notes with a smile.

A central location brings its own challenges

The Tikkurila construction site is located close to the railway, in the heart of the city. “This places significant constraints on the work, most notably public transport operations, traffic management, and limited working space,” Alexei explains.

“In demanding sites like this, the alliance model has proven to be an excellent solution. Its greatest strength lies in flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions. The model allows the client, engineers, and contractors to jointly develop and adjust plans almost in real time to find the best possible solution for each situation.” 

“At this early stage of excavation, the greatest challenges are likely to be underground. We expect significant volumes of pressurised groundwater and sections of poor-quality rock. The collaborative nature of the alliance model is crucial for managing and resolving these geotechnical challenges efficiently.”

Foundation works at Tikkurila station will continue well into 2026. In spring, the pile walls will be anchored at a 45° angle into the bedrock using Robit’s through-drilling Prime DT systems.

At the same time, construction of the Vantaa light rail will expand in stages to other sections of the route. If everything proceeds as planned, tram operations in Vantaa will begin in late 2029.

From left – Robit's Drillmaster Raivo Forsel with Site Supervisor Ahti Liivak , Site Manager Kai Jaakkola, and Site Supervisor Santeri Niemi from Destia

Kevitsa rock pushes DTH hammers to their limits

Posted on by Jari Silver

In 1987, some 30 kilometres north of Sodankylä in Finnish Lapland, prospectors made a promising discovery: their rock samples contained nickel and copper. It soon became clear that this Kevitsa ore find was one of the largest ever made in Finland. 

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the mining rights for the deposit changed hands several times. Actual mining did not begin until 2012. Since 2016, the Kevitsa open pit has been owned by the Swedish company Boliden. In 2024, it processed almost 10 million tonnes of ore, primarily nickel and copper, as well as cobalt, platinum, palladium, and gold.

Today, Boliden Kevitsa’s polymetallic mine is one of the largest in Finland. It provides direct and indirect employment for hundreds of people in Lapland and generates significant tax revenues for the region. Production is expected to continue well into the 2030s.

Responsible metal production in Arctic conditions The strategy of the Swedish metals company Boliden revolves around responsible mining, circular-economy solutions, and the production of critical metals for the green transition. Boliden Kevitsa’s polymetallic mine is an integral part of this whole.

The bedrock at Kevitsa is demanding in all respects. The rock is both tough and extremely abrasive, says Juha Ranta, Drilling Development Coordinator at Boliden Kevitsa.

“The mixture of various ore zones, wall rock, and waste rock has formed over thousands of years. Alongside the copper and nickel, there is cobalt, platinum, palladium, and gold, and each zone behaves differently when drilled,” Juha explains.

The natural conditions in Sodankylä don’t make mining any easier either. “In winter, the groundwater in the pit is completely frozen. The hammer must operate just as reliably at -40 degrees as it does at +35 degrees in the summer. That’s a tough combination for any equipment,” Juha says.

Technologically, Kevitsa is a state-of-the-art mine. Production drilling is conducted almost entirely by remote control. From the control room, operators monitor the drill rigs working in the pit around the clock.

An unmanned drill rig plus two men – Kimmo Kangas, left and Juha Ranta.

Testing and developing Robit’s H8 DTH hammer together 

Since early 2025, Robit’s H8 DTH hammer has been tested and developed at Kevitsa in close cooperation with Boliden, says Robit Sales Director Kimmo Kangas.

“The feedback from the operators has been encouraging: the H8 is easy to drill with, penetration rate is good, and durability looks promising,” Kimmo says.

The H8 hammer has been tested with two different 229 mm drill bits to optimize the combined performance of hammer and bit for Kevitsa’s conditions.

The H8 is by no means the first hammer to be tested in Kevitsa’s demanding rock. Tools that perform well elsewhere have often revealed weaknesses in Lapland. “Here, for example, rock hardness and the way the impact energy bounces back from the rock can be very different from what you encounter in other mines,” Juha notes.

Cooperation with Robit’s product development team has been close. “Whenever we’ve found a component that doesn’t last, we’ve sat down together to decide what to do about it. Do we change the material or redesign the part completely? Recently, we’ve focused on improving the hammer’s wear life, first the ‘innards’ and now increasingly the durability of the hammer body,” Juha says.

At Kevitsa, the “Marathon” version of the H8 hammer is in use, featuring a wear-protected outer casing. The goal is to extend service life and reduce both downtime and spare part consumption.

A step towards more economical and sustainable mining 

Boliden works systematically towards environmentally friendly and cost-efficient mining. “The drilling tools are one part of that. With the right tooling, you can achieve substantial cost savings, both in the equipment itself and in fuel efficiency,” Juha points out.

“Equipment durability and reliability have a direct impact on cost per drill meter. As wear resistance improves, material flows – and therefore costs – go down.” 

“New surface treatment methods also allow us to make the materials more wear-resistant. Reliability improves when components that have proved weak are reshaped and redesigned.” Testing the H8 hammer at Kevitsa is part of this overall effort. “With measures like these, we keep moving towards economical mining, with green values firmly in mind,” Juha Ranta concludes.

Robit Bulletin 2/2025 has been published

Posted on by Jari Silver

The latest issue of Robit’s customer magazine, Bulletin, is out now! The 2/2025 issue features stories on “Kevitsa rock pushes DTH hammers to their limits” and “Destia builds the Vantaa light rail using Robit tools”, as well as other interesting articles.

Read the magazine here: Bulletin 2/2025

ROBIT STRENGTHENS ITS SOUTH AFRICAN ORGANISATION TO SUPPORT GROWTH

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit’s ongoing development program is progressing as planned. As part of this strategic initiative, Robit is strengthening its organisation in the strategically important South African market area to support and further develop the company’s growth in the area.

Robit has appointed Duane Kukard as Vice President, South Africa, effective December 1, 2025. Kukard has been serving as Area Sales Manager, South Africa at Robit since 2023. He will assume responsibility for developing sales and business operations in South Africa, following Rumisha Chaithram’s transition to the role of Vice President, Australasia at the beginning of November. Kukard is an experienced sales and business professional with a strong background in the drilling and mining industry, with over 20 years of expertise in sales management, technical support, and operational strategy across international companies.

“South Africa is a strategically important area for us, where Chaithram’s excellent work has built a strong foundation for the next phase of growth. Kukard’s appointment continues this development and supports Robit’s strategic objective to strengthen its position in the area as a global supplier of drilling consumables. It is also particularly important that we were able to find a competent person who knows the region well from within our own organization,” states Group CEO, Mikko Kuusilehto.

Further information:
Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO
+358 40 658 7822, mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

ROBIT STRENGTHENS ITS SALES ORGANIZATION RESOURCES TO DRIVE GROWTH

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit’s ongoing development project is progressing as planned. As part of this strategic initiative, Robit is strengthening the resources of its sales companies to support and drive growth in key markets in North America and Australia.

Robit has appointed Michael Williams as VP North America, effective October 30, 2025. Williams will work closely with the North American sales team, focusing on sales development and growth in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. He is an experienced sales and business professional with a long background in sales leadership positions, including within Robit’s industry segment.

For the role of VP Australasia, Robit has appointed Rumisha Chaithram, effective November 1, 2025. Chaithram has an extensive background in senior management roles within the mining industry in multinational organizations, most recently overseeing and developing Robit’s operations in South Africa since 2023. She has strong experience in sales, particularly in the sales and management of consumables.

“These new appointments support the company’s strategic objective to strengthen its position as a global supplier of drilling consumables and lay the foundation for the next phase of development,” states Group CEO, Mikko Kuusilehto.

ROBIT PLC
Mikko Kuusilehto

Further information:
Mikko Kuusilehto, Group CEO
+358 40 658 7822
mikko.kuusilehto@robitgroup.com

Robit Finland’s New Payment Details Effective from 1 September 2025

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit Finland informs its customers and business partners of an update to its banking details. On 27 June 2025, Robit published a stock exchange release announcing the renewal of its financing agreement with Danske Bank. As part of this change, Robit’s bank account details will be updated.

The new banking information will apply to payments related to deliveries starting from 1 September 2025. Updated payment details have been provided directly to our stakeholders.

For further information, please contact:

  • Your own Robit sales representative,
  • Robit Finland CST (tel. +358 3 3140 3400), or
  • Robit Finance Team – Jonna Vanhatalo (tel. +358 44 259 9557, email: jonna.vanhatalo@robitgroup.com)

For additional details, you may also reach out to:
Ari Suokas, Group CFO
Tel. +358 40 576 1414
Email: ari.suokas@robitgroup.com

Robit Finland Oy

Robit Bulletin 1/2025 has been published

Posted on by Jari Silver

The latest issue of Robit’s customer magazine, Bulletin, is out now! The 1/2025 issue features stories on “Mikko Kuusilehto leads Robit into its fifth decade” and “Distributor Days 2025: Three days of ideas, interaction, and inspiration”, as well as other interesting articles.

Read the magazine here: Bulletin 1/2025

Robit® H Marathon Series hammers raise the bar even further

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit’s H Series hammers, introduced to provide modularity and efficiency in demanding drilling environments, now have a new high-performance variant: the H Marathon Series.

Developed under the Robit R&D team, the Marathon is designed to significantly improve wear life and reduce operating costs in Down the Hole drilling.

The core innovation of the Marathon line focuses on strengthening the hammer’s most wear-prone components – the drive chuck and wear sleeve – using advanced materials and coating technologies. The result is a hammer that can be used for a longer period before reaching its wear limit.

Tests show the Marathon hammers outperform both standard H Series hammers and competitor tools in terms of wear life. Depending on application and conditions, improvements ranged from +15% to +67%.

Tested in real-world conditions
Field validation was an essential part of the development process. In South Africa, Brauteseth Blasting tested the H6 Marathon at the Phalaborwa phosphate mine. The hammer completed its whole lifespan with a single chuck, whereas a standard model would typically need two. Wear was distributed more evenly, resulting in reduced downtime for maintenance and replacement.

In Finland, further testing focused on well drilling in hard granite using 4” H4 hammers. The Marathon hammers drilled beyond 300 meters and showed 33–35% longer wear life than standard versions. The tests confirmed a more consistent wear pattern and improved durability, especially when used with specific top subs and bit configurations. PTA (Plasma Transferred Arc) coated chucks also helped reduce casing wear – a common failure point in conventional designs.

The H Marathon Series hammers will be rolling out in various configurations throughout 2025. With their extended wear life and proven field performance, they are reinforcing Robit’s commitment to continuous innovation and practical durability in DTH drilling.

Robit’s H Series hammers: Changing the game through modularity

Posted on by Jari Silver

In addition to increasing performance, the drilling industry faces ever-growing demands regarding energy efficiency and cost control. These are all issues the H Series hammer line seeks to tackle.

A modular breakthrough in hammer design
The H Series represents a novel approach to hammer design. Primarily designed for drill and blast operations and water well drilling, the hammer range is available in four sizes: 4, 5, 6, and 8 inches.

To meet the diverse demands of different drilling environments, the hammer’s modular design enables up to twelve configurations of a single base assembly for each hammer size. A lighter hammer weight combined with heavier pistons results in higher penetration rates while consuming less energy. The inner cylinders come in two displacements designed to either maximize the power output or enhance efficiency with reduced airflow demand. In addition, by swapping out only two parts, the hammers can be changed from a conventional model using bits with foot valves to tubeless versions and vice versa.

Field-proven performance
The H Series hammer line has been in development for several years, with end-user customers conducting validation trial drillings over several months in real-world settings worldwide, including South Africa. The drill and blast company Brauteseth Blasting, operating the Phalaborwa open-pit phosphate mine in the Limpopo province, has been testing the 6″ H Series hammer there. Brauteseth’s Plant Manager, Owen Du Plooy, reports an increase in the penetration rate, resulting in a 5% lower cost per meter. Other benefits he mentions include easy maintenance, good sleeve life, and a reasonable price. New technologies also bring new challenges, but Du Plooy gives credit to the technical support Robit has been able to provide at short notice.

Another Robit customer, the Drilling and Blasting Division of Zizwe Opencast Mining, serves as the drill and blast operator at the Lwala open-pit chrome mine in the Limpopo province, which is owned by Samancor Chrome. Zizwe started testing the 6″ H Series hammer in October 2024. The mixed ground conditions include fractured rock, sandstone, and clay. In line with Brauteseth’s results, Zizwe has also observed better penetration rates and quicker maintenance on the hammer, as confirmed by Operational Manager Derik Van Deventer.

Next step: the H Marathon Series
Robit has recently introduced a new version of the H Series hammer: the H Marathon Series. Engineered for extended wear life and improved durability, the Marathon focuses on reinforcing the hammer’s most wear-prone parts, such as the drive chuck and wear sleeve.

Brauteseth Blasting has also tested the Marathon hammer at the Phalaborwa phosphate mine. The trials confirmed a significantly longer service life for key components, with only one chuck needed across the entire lifespan of the hammer. The even wear distribution helped reduce downtime and replacement costs, adding another proof point to the H Series’ performance claims.

“A simple fact affects all manufacturers of drilling consumables: no two drilling sites are the same. Consequently, they need to provide the market with a vast range of tools to meet varying needs. As far as Down the Hole hammers go, Robit is looking to change this with the modular H Series hammers.”