October 5, 2026 - Sandvik and Subterra Asset Solutions have marked a defining milestone in its partnership to boost underground mining performance and engineering excellence with the delivery of Subterra’s first LS312 flameproof loaders in Australia.  

The machines form part of a 10-unit fleet developed through close collaboration between Sandvik and Subterra.

Drawing on operator feedback and service data from LS312 flameproof loaders operating in demanding underground conditions, the teams tailored each machine to Subterra’s specification while establishing a platform for continued innovation.

The arrival of the LS321, according to Sandvik business line manager for mechanical cutting Drew Taylor, sets a new benchmark for loading and hauling capability in coal operations.

“The LS312 brings together the key attributes our customer’s demand: high productivity, dependable performance and industry-leading safety. In underground coal operations, that combination is essential to maximising output while protecting the people who operate the equipment every day,” Taylor said.

Subterra founder and chief executive officer Adam Gledhill echoed this sentiments, noting the collaboration extends beyond fleet delivery.

“It’s been a testament to Sandvik, the level of flexibility they’ve shown in their collaboration with Subterra in terms of the specification we’ve insisted upon, and also their commitment to a future product roadmap for additional innovation and improvements to the flameproof loader asset class,” Gledhill said.

More than an equipment delivery, this milestone reflects the coordinated efforts of Sandvik’s global production teams and both local technical and customer-facing experts, together with Subterra’s fleet and asset-management capability, translating close collaboration into a purpose-built solution engineered to perform.

For more information, head to: https://www.mining.sandvik/en/products/equipment/loaders/ls312-flameproof-underground-utility-vehicle/.