TUNNEL CRAWLER EXCAVATOR LAUNCHED – IDEAL FOR UNDERGROUND APPLICATIONS
GOING FOR GOLD IN BULGARIA
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT •
Supplied by Liebherr
TUNNEL CRAWLER EXCAVATOR LAUNCHED – IDEAL FOR UNDERGROUND APPLICATIONS
Liebherr expanded its tunnel excavator range with the new R 930 Tunnel crawler excavator , launched on the global market in November 2023 .
In November 2023 , Liebherr expanded its tunnel excavator range with the new R 930 Tunnel crawler excavator , now launched on the global market . Developed at Liebherr-France SAS in Colmar ( France ), the machine replaces the R 924 Compact Tunnel and enables high-level performance in underground applications .
The R 930 Tunnel ’ s steel body makes it very robust – ideal for underground applications . The machine has been designed to meet demands of underground construction sites , which often present tight spaces with difficult access . The attachment is available in two lengths and features a bearing that can swivel to 2 x 45-degree angles , allowing the excavation profile to be followed . Its short slewing radius and powerful , protected LED headlights considerably reduce the risks of collision with construction site personnel and walls . In addition , the cylinders and hoses are specially positioned for maximum protection from potential impacts , thus limiting damage to them . The new R 930 Tunnel crawler excavator can be equipped with the Liebherr quick coupling system , which allows tools to be changed easily and quickly .
A Liebherr two or three-tooth ripper bucket ensures high levels of productivity underground and the R 930 Tunnel can also be equipped with a cutter or hammer to cover a broad area of applications . Its grading blade allows the creation of a flat ground surface and stabilises the machine on uneven ground , and also protects the undercarriage and crawler drives from rubble impact .
GOING FOR GOLD IN BULGARIA
The race for gold is on : German-based machine manufacturer GHH has significantly expanded its market share in Bulgaria .
The company announced in December last year that a double-digit number of machines had been sold to Breznik Minerals Ltd . The Bulgarian company is part of the group of companies of Assarel- Medet JSC , which is the first , largest and leading Bulgarian mining company for open pit mining and copper ore processing . They claim to be the first in the industry to have implemented ISO 9001 quality standards .
The acquired machines will be operated in the Breznik gold mining project , which is the first underground greenfield mine in Bulgaria for more than 50 years . The mining site has an area of 500 000m 2 and is located 35km west of the Bulgarian capital Sofia . The deposit is said to have JORC ( Joint Ore Reserves Committee ) indicated resources of approximately one million tonnes , grading two grams per tonne gold and inferred resources of approximately 700 000 tonnes grading 1.8 grams per tonne – plus even more silver resources .
LHD and dumper combo Breznik Minerals Ltd will take delivery of the first batch in the third quarter of 2024 . The remainder is scheduled for the end of the second quarter of 2025 . “ We are looking forward to the delivery of their first GHH machines ,” said Krum Hristov , one of the founders of Strotech Engineering JSC , a construction , industrial and mining equipment specialist based in Sofia , Bulgaria .
The GHH dealer looks back on hundreds of heavy construction and mining machine deliveries . The company runs several fully equipped service centres throughout the country maintaining 2 000 units per year . A large open area showroom is located in Sofia .
Performance The recent order consists of LF-7 diesel load haul dumpers ( LHDs ), MK-20 and MK-30 diesel dump trucks . The LHDs are designed for a payload of 7 000kg in bucket sizes up to 4m 3 . GHH advertises the vehicle as having the best loading performance in its class at only 2 200mm total height fully laden . It is powered by a 164kW Tier3 / 4 / Stage5 engine , comes with an exceptionally robust design and offers extra safety and comfort for the driver .
The dumpers are designed with 20 and 30 tonnes of payload , up to 18m 3 dump box capacities and engines with up to 320kW power ratings . GHH claims that the low operating costs are made possible by its unique frame and system design . All vehicles can also be monitored remotely to manage maintenance with the “ GHH inSiTE ” software , offering a big plus when it comes to machine availability and cost savings . •
Source : Supplied by GHH
The ROPS- , FOPS- and FGPS-certified operator ' s cab , along with its rear and side monitoring cameras , ensure maximum construction site safety . It also has protection for its electronic components . The comfortable and ergonomic operator ' s cab is equipped with an easy-to-clean imitation leather operator ' s seat with headrest to withstand dusty environments .
Source : Supplied by Liebherr MK-A20 and LF-7 underground . www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • March 2024 • 35
Supplied by GHH