Sandvik just lately appointed Patrick Murphy as President of enterprise space Mining and new member of the Sandvik Group Govt Administration, efficient July 1, 2026. He succeeds Mats Eriksson, who as has been beforehand introduced is stepping down from the position forward of his deliberate retirement in 2027.
Murphy is presently President of the Rotary Drilling division inside Mining; and earlier than that he headed the Underground Drilling division in addition to the Rock Drills and Applied sciences division (which at this time is the Digital Mining Applied sciences division).
The information got here 5 days after Sandvik printed its Q1 outcomes for 2026 – the Mining enterprise space reported a document excessive order consumption degree, with double-digit natural order consumption development in each the gear and aftermarket enterprise. It additionally cited a powerful efficiency in Digital Mining Applied sciences. IM Editorial Director Paul Moore caught up with him following his appointment to ask some questions on his expertise and Sandvik’s place in a quick evolving mining gear and expertise market.
Q Because the incoming President of enterprise space Mining are there specific strengths and experiences out of your background in senior drilling and digitalisation/autonomy roles, additionally inside Sandvik, that you simply assume will serve you properly on this place?
My expertise throughout each drilling and digital applied sciences gives a broad understanding of how gear and software program come collectively in fashionable mining operations. That is more and more vital as prospects undertake extra built-in options that mix machines, automation, and information throughout the mining course of.
Q The mining gear sector is altering quick – from the rise of AI to a slowing or no less than pivoting of the inexperienced fleet transition, to extra open/agnostic autonomy choices and a necessity for world provide chain flexibility to answer world occasions – what are the massive challenges that you simply see at this time and within the quick to medium time period – and equally how is Sandvik in a superb place to answer them?
The business is navigating a mix of geopolitical uncertainty, provide chain dynamics and speedy technological improvement. On the identical time, there’s a sturdy give attention to productiveness, security and digitalisation. Clients are on the lookout for versatile, dependable options that may function throughout completely different fleets and adapt to altering situations. Sandvik Mining is properly positioned by way of its broad and built-in providing throughout gear, aftermarket and digital options, supported by a powerful world presence and shut buyer relationships.
Q Do you see any remaining gaps within the Sandvik providing – whether or not machines or different options – that you simply assume you continue to have to fill whether or not by way of acquisition or inside evolution/construct out?
Now we have a powerful and complete portfolio, and we proceed to strengthen it by way of product improvement and focused acquisitions. Increasing capabilities in areas corresponding to digital options and lifecycle providers enhances our core gear providing and enhances the general worth we offer to prospects.
Q Historically, the massive leaps in new applied sciences have been made by way of deep partnerships with particular long run prospects – is that also the case? How would you summarise Sandvik’s buyer strategy usually?
Collaboration with prospects stays central, notably when creating and implementing new applied sciences in actual working environments. Sturdy partnerships permit each events to check, refine and apply options in a approach that delivers sensible worth. In a extra normal sense, we work with prospects globally and proceed to give attention to delivering worth by way of expertise, high quality and our built-in providing. Sturdy buyer relationships and native presence are key in all areas, and we proceed to interact with companions throughout the worldwide mining ecosystem.
Q Sandvik has made main efforts to develop the floor enterprise, particularly in drilling, and in addition to place floor on an equal footing to underground. Are issues at this time the place you need them to be on the floor facet of issues while you examine them to underground?
Now we have made important progress in strengthening the floor enterprise, with improved competitiveness, a broader providing and powerful momentum. Floor is now an more and more vital a part of the general enterprise alongside underground, though there stays additional alternative to develop and develop.
