New Sandvik Jumbos for Dakmi 4 Hydropower Plant in Vietnam

Drilling contractor Song Da on Vietnam’s Dakmi 4 hydropower plant has taken delivery of two purpose-ordered Sandvik DT820 jumbo drill rigs; which despite encountering severe rock conditions are proving the key to keeping the tunneling contract on schedule. Both units were ordered by the local Sandvik dealer in Vietnam, Open Asia Heavy Equipment.

The proposed 172 MW hydropower plant is located some 2½ hours drive west of Vietnam’s third city, Da Nang, and close to the Cambodian border and will include a 420 m long x 87 m high concrete dam to hold back the Dakmi river; creating a 1450 ha reservoir.

While rock conditions have improved in the new workings, some rock bolting is still required although the contractor is confident they can make-up lost time with the new Sandvik rigs. Featuring two booms and a basket boom, the Sandvik D820’s are fitted with Sandvik 4.9 m shank adapters and couplings. Throughout drilling at the 43.2 sq m tunnel faces at the outlet end, Song Da is drilling 115 holes including the three x 102 mm dia opening holes.