BATTERY POWER UNDERGROUND
environment since there are no emissions or
increased heat generation from the engine.
It has a push capacity of up to 4 t and is
remotely operated, enabling operators to work at
a safe distance and avoid spending time under an
unsupported roof. “The Sandvik LZ101LE dozer is
an important addition to the low-profile Sandvik
portfolio as the supplier aims to help customers
mechanise the entire operating cycle. With
improved safety, productivity and minimised ore
dilution, Sandvik low-profile drill rigs are an ideal
choice for working in tabular orebodies, such as
platinum and chrome mines. These rigs have
been designed for cleaning areas in sections as
low as 1.7 m with optimum performance.”
BEV 101
The Global Mining Standards and Guidelines
Group’s (GMSG) BEVs Underground Sub-
Committee held two workshops in Montreal and
Sweden in December to create the next edition of
the recommended practices guideline. Each
workshop built on the other to reach a
consensus on what information must be added
to V2. Some of the new potential topics to be
included are:
n A new Operations section, including
emergency response and training for
maintenance and operators
n Guidelines for creating a business case, and a
comparison of BEV to tethered technology
n Recommendations for standardisation of
charging systems: connectors and protocols
for communication
n Expanded discussion about the use of pantographs
n Information on how to build a basic BEV
simulation, including formulas
n Revisiting of E-stop requirements and master
disconnects
n Revisiting of resistive braking
n Expanded Performance Standards section,
revising the data sheets, performance
parameters, and making the section more
user-friendly
Since the publication of Recommended
Practices for Battery Electric Vehicles in
Underground Mining there has been much
interest from OEMs, mining companies, OTMs,
and consulting companies. A major OEM already
considers the guideline required reading for
engineers, and several mining companies are
creating a joint RFP based on its specifications.
“Technology is rapidly advancing and we want
to stay current. V2 will unquestionably be an
invaluable resource for the Underground Mining
industry,” the GMSG states.
Presentations from GMSG’s 2017 Future Mining
Summit in Stockholm, Sweden, December 4-5, can
be found at http://www.globalminingstandards.
org/fms2017-news/
Efacec is a world leader in battery charging
technology. Mike Anderson, CEO of Efacec USA,
outlined the GMSG EV Charger Guidelines.
Chargers should be located at least 6.1 m (20 ft)
from fuel storage and dispensing areas. Charging
equipment is dependent on the following:
n Mine charging philosophy
n AC vs DC
n Onboard versus off-board
n Mine Environment - dusty, hot, cold, amount
of water
n BEVs operating in the mine
n Connector interface
n Charger to EV Communications protocol
n Capacity of batteries in the BEVs
n Battery chemistry for AC charging
n Jurisdiction and applicable electrical codes.
n Safety, installation, and maintenance
considerations:
n Comply with local and federal health and
safety regulations
n Adequate access around the charger for
service/maintenance
n Level installation pad
n Ventilation/cooling of the charging area,
depending on ambient temps
n Clearly marked parking area for BEVs
n Limit the amount of water and mud
around the charger
n Charging cable management/retraction
system
n Remote E-Stop button near where EV is
charging
We are mining.
From exploration to closure
and everything in between.
Design with community in mind
Stantec.com/mining
Photo reproduced with the permission of BHP. (Source: BHP)