IM 2019 June 19 | Page 22

UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL “Production of Aramine battery loaders will improve the working conditions of the miners, increase the level of safety and, of course, increase the volume of ore mining,” Verkhovtsev said. Just a few months ago, Aramine looked to extend the continuous working time of its battery-powered miniLoader L140B by providing a battery change-out option. This miniLoader L140B, launched in 2017, is an optimised and advanced version of the L120B, carrying more capacity – 1.3 t. While the company’s new option allows the machine to run full time without being immobilised during charging, the standard L140B offers four hours of continuous operation. This allows for the mucking of three to four faces in one shift with a simple charging system integrated into the machine and requiring a plug to the wall, according to the company. The miniLoader does not require massive electrical installation, with the power required only being about 7 kW, compared with the 45 kW typically needed for an electric machine with cable, the company said. ARMZ recently announced plans to reduce the level of risk both underground and above-ground at its industrial complexes, with Verkhovtsev saying the company was looking at, among other things, automation and implementation of the most modern technologies at its operations. 20 International Mining | JUNE 2019 DUX recently shipped a fleet of its DT-22N underground trucks to South America DUX provides new compact solution Canada’s DUX Machinery has recently released a very compact LHD measuring only 1.4 m wide – the DUX Model DSL-300 scoop loader, which utilises an identical power module to the proven narrow profile DUX Model DT-5N underground dump truck with the operator side seated in an ergonomically designed compartment. “The DUX DSL-300 LHD and the DUX DT-5N compact profile dump truck are well suited for narrow-vein mining methods. The advantage of these methods is to improve the ore grade delivered to the mill, significantly reducing waste development and reducing equipment, mining, ventilation and fuel costs.” Both units are now available with a diesel engine for high altitude and EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV regulated engines. DUX is also in the process of designing battery/electric-powered vehicles with on-board battery charger, which will improve noise levels, and reduce ventilation and maintenance costs. The electric-powered DSL-300E scoop loader will be introduced in 2020. In other models, a fleet of DT-22N underground trucks was recently shipped