SURFACE LOADING
n Reduce swing time by up to 15% (based on a
75° swing angle)
n Reduce total haul truck cycle by 1-2% (based
on a 25-minute return cycle)
n Achieve additional gains by optimising spot
location and eliminating re-spotting
The Guided Spotting system is ruggedised for
reliability in challenging mining environments,
including inclement weather, poor lighting, deep
pits, and congested areas. “The system is
designed to improve both shovel productivity
and operator awareness, utilising visual
displays to leverage existing practices; by
mounting these displays on or near mirrors, the
system encourages continued mirror use rather
than seeking to replace the existing practice
with technology. Simple operator feedback
mechanisms provide clear, intuitive guidance for
operators using the Guided Spotting technology,
which does not require specific centre of vision
focus, as a backup camera would.”
“Without operator assist technology, mine
operators were increasingly forced to err on the
side of safety, which often comes at the price of
productivity,” says Michael Lewis, Vice President
Product Innovation at Modular. “Guided spotting
facilitates the efficient and safe spotting of
trucks, and will enable mines to reclaim their
lost productivity without compromising safety.”
Modular’s Guided Spotting technology has
already demonstrated the potential to increase
productivity by facilitating double-sided loading,
reducing the occurrence of truck re-positioning,
increasing operators’ situational awareness,
optimising swing angle, and reducing shovel
hang time. “But in the near future, mine sites
will also be able to use the Guided Spotting
technology to optimise crusher dumping, dozer
assist truck spotting, paddock dumping,
pantograph guidance, and lane-keeping
guidance.”
Komatsu Mining close to perfecting
its hybrid
It has been some time since the last news of
Komatsu Mining’s hybrid drive P&H 2650CX
shovel, which was working at the ASARCO
Mission copper mine in trials in 2016/2017. Paul
Moore spoke to Kristina Fierro, Product Manager
- Hybrid Shovels, Komatsu Mining, for the latest
news on the project and the proof of t he
machine’s high performance.
Fierro states that the P&H 2650CX pilot
machine’s cost-per-tonne lease was recently
renewed at ASARCO Mission. “The machine has
been integrated into the mine’s main fleet since
June 2016, accumulating approximately 11,000
operating hours of its 70,000 hour design life.
As expected with a brand new product, there
have been challenges and lessons learned. The
key component to making this a successful pilot
program was our dedicated engineering and
local Komatsu service teams who have
maintained the pilot the entire program,
resulting in improved reliability and detailed
documentation of the product’s evolution—
which will cascade onto future machines.”
Komatsu Mining had previoulsy mentioned
that Australasia was a major target market for
the hybrid shovel. Currently, the P&H 2650CX
pilot machine remains the only manufactured
unit within the product line but Fierro states:
“Australasia has always been a target market for
this product due to its large population of
hydraulic excavators and contract miners. Heavy
customer engagement has been conducted
through product presentations, MINExpo, and
site visits at ASARCO Mission to see the
machine in action. Positive and constructive
feedback has been provided by customers
throughout all regions, representing various
applications (iron ore, coal, copper, diamonds,
oil sands, uranium, etc). Customers, specifically
in the Australasia region, encouraged us to push
boundaries and not cut any corners – expressing
that, ‘when that machine comes to Australasia,
it needs to be ready.’ As a result we are taking
the time to ensure the hybrid shovel not only
meets but exceeds the critical customer
requirements targeted for this revolutionary
step. And although Australasia is a target
market, as we align our strategies with the
Komatsu hydraulic excavator product line, new