UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
Visibility is enhanced thanks to the sweeping deck design, which provides good sight lines around the front of the truck. In addition, the LCD screen shows the rearview camera view when backing. An operator present system automatically engages the parking brake and shuts down the engine if the operator fails to apply the brake prior to exiting the cab.
Like its larger counterparts, the AD22 makes the best use of proven Cat components, like the Tier 3 equivalent C11 ACERT™ diesel engine. The durable engine delivers gross power of 242 kW( 325 hp), and when combined with the Cat transmission, efficiently delivers superior speed on grade.
The truck shares major components with a number of Cat machines to help miners reduce their inventory costs and ensure good parts availability.
Multiple dump body sizes are available to optimise the truck for every application and help mines achieve the greatest payload based on material density. Dump bodies come in 9, 10, 11 and 12 cubic-metre sizes. An ejector body of 9.7 cubic yards is also offered.
The AD22 offers a three-pass match to the Cat R1300G underground mining loader or a two-pass match to the R1600H.“ Rugged yet nimble, our smallest underground articulated truck is designed to deliver the performance of its larger counterparts.”
Epiroc’ s new auto and battery offerings
“ With the new Scooptram Automation Regular package, the operator can control the loader even while it is out of sight from a safe stationary or mobile control station”, explains Vladimir Sysoev, Product Manager of automation at Epiroc.“ The automation package also makes it possible for our customers to quickly and easily transition from manual to automatic mode, which is crucial in mines with a dynamic environment or quick advancements. The automation package is an effective way for our customers to boost their productivity in today ' s world, where mining operations have to contend with a variety of complicated production issues.”
To minimise environmental impact and keep personnel out of harm ' s way while production proceeds quickly and smoothly, automation is key. Production and the efficient utilisation of machinery can continue even during shift changes and when personnel are not safely permitted in the work area, for example when the mine has not yet been adequately ventilated or when there is a substantial risk of falling debris after blasting. The operator can make swift transitions from manual to automatic mode to quickly adapt to the situation at hand.
Paul Moore spoke to Christian Riedel, Managing Director of GHH Chile about trends in the underground LHD and truck market
Q Where is the underground LHD market moving currently in terms of customer focus? Is it more development of smaller narrow veins machines, continued work on low profile options, battery and fully electric versions? Or all of these depending on the market?
A Apart from the refinement of existing LHD and dump truck classes, the three main development areas are in drive train technology, automation and monitoring. Regarding drive trains, there is a continuing development focus on battery technology. Various twists and turns in the right approach( change of battery set or quick charge, battery technology, suppliers, etc) show that the OEMs are still in the orientation phase. Furthermore, it is still difficult to show that the technology available is applicable for a wider range of clients due to short autonomy of the battery machines. Therefore, the market starts with high altitude applications for narrow vein and low profile equipment, where the technology can really make a difference and the lack of autonomy may be taken as the“ lesser evil” even for less regulated markets such as Peru. In high regulated markets Tier 4 engines already today make a substantial difference and Europe is already preparing for its Stage V with drastically reduced PM exhaust.
Q Where is GHH on its journey of offering fully electric LHDs? Is the progress on battery machines from RDH, Artisan, MacLean and others in Canada driving development in other parts of the world? Are you hearing much from customers wanting to develop all electric mines?
A Outside of Canada the drive for battery technology is much less and the markets are less enthusiastic about the technology because of its issues regarding machine autonomy and required infrastructure. However, GHH is working on the implementation on this technology in very specific areas, where the technology in its current development status may be seen as a game changer for the user. In Germany there are new threshold values( binding limit values) for the exposure of personnel for exhaust fumes which is a driver for electrification( battery drive or tethered) and / or automation.
Q Can you provide a more detailed update on the Chilean autonomous LHD program in terms of description and progress?
A The automation system was developed and successfully trialled in an underground mine in Chile. Shortly there will be further trials with radar sensors and new autonomous loading features. We are currently in the product launch phase for multi-brand application. The fundamental idea is bringing to market a low cost and versatile system that is accessible for small and medium sized mine operations. On the other hand this system is highly advanced as it comprises reactive navigation and is highly robust towards changes in the mine environment.
The GHH LF-11H
22 International Mining | JUNE 2018