Sandvik recently appointed Patrick Murphy as President of business area Mining and new member of the Sandvik Group Executive Management, effective July 1, 2026. He succeeds Mats Eriksson, who as has been previously announced is stepping down from the role ahead of his planned retirement in 2027.
Murphy is currently President of the Rotary Drilling division within Mining; and before that he headed the Underground Drilling division as well as the Rock Drills and Technologies division (which today is the Digital Mining Technologies division).
The news came five days after Sandvik published its Q1 results for 2026 – the Mining business area reported a record high order intake level, with double-digit organic order intake growth in both the equipment and aftermarket business. It also cited a strong performance in Digital Mining Technologies. IM Editorial Director Paul Moore caught up with him following his appointment to ask some questions about his experience and Sandvik’s position in a fast evolving mining equipment and technology market.
Q As the incoming President of Business Area Mining are there particular strengths and experiences from your background in senior drilling and digitalisation/autonomy roles, also within Sandvik, that you think will serve you well in this position?
My experience across both drilling and digital technologies provides a broad understanding of how equipment and software come together in modern mining operations. This is increasingly important as customers adopt more integrated solutions that combine machines, automation, and data across the mining process.
Q The mining equipment sector is changing fast – from the rise of AI to a slowing or at least pivoting of the green fleet transition, to more open/agnostic autonomy options and a need for global supply chain flexibility to respond to world events – what are the big challenges that you see today and in the short to medium term – and equally how is Sandvik in a good position to respond to them?
The industry is navigating a combination of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain dynamics and rapid technological development. At the same time, there is a strong focus on productivity, safety and digitalisation. Customers are looking for flexible, reliable solutions that can operate across different fleets and adapt to changing conditions. Sandvik Mining is well positioned through its broad and integrated offering across equipment, aftermarket and digital solutions, supported by a strong global presence and close customer relationships.
Q Do you see any remaining gaps in the Sandvik offering – whether machines or other solutions – that you think you still need to fill whether through acquisition or internal evolution/build out?
We have a strong and comprehensive portfolio, and we continue to strengthen it through product development and targeted acquisitions. Expanding capabilities in areas such as digital solutions and lifecycle services complements our core equipment offering and enhances the overall value we provide to customers.
Q Traditionally, the big leaps in new technologies have been made through deep partnerships with specific long term customers – is that still the case? How would you summarise Sandvik’s customer approach in general?
Collaboration with customers remains central, particularly when developing and implementing new technologies in real operating environments. Strong partnerships allow both parties to test, refine and apply solutions in a way that delivers practical value. In a more general sense, we work with customers globally and continue to focus on delivering value through technology, quality and our integrated offering. Strong customer relationships and local presence are key in all regions, and we continue to engage with partners across the global mining ecosystem.
Q Sandvik has made major efforts to grow the surface business, especially in drilling, and also to put surface on an equal footing to underground. Are things today where you want them to be on the surface side of things when you compare them to underground?
We have made significant progress in strengthening the surface business, with improved competitiveness, a broader offering and strong momentum. Surface is now an increasingly important part of the overall business alongside underground, although there remains further opportunity to develop and grow.
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