WORLD PROSPECTS
Paus updates on electric MinCa
T
he most important trends discussed in mining
are currently electric mobility and the
development of autonomous vehicles,
processes and machines. This also applies to man
carriers for personnel movement underground such
as with the Paus electric MinCa 5.1 E.
“In mining the paths are constantly getting
longer, deeper and the ventilation therefore
becomes more and more complex and expensive.
This is why transports have to be carried out quickly
and reliably, but also with less and less pollutant
emissions. With the MinCa series, Hermann Paus
Maschinenfabrik has two basic models in its
portfolio that can be individually configured to meet
special transport requirements.”
With its dimensions of 4 m x 1.95 m and a payload
of approximately 1.2 t, the MinCa 5.1 is excellently
suited for use in narrow vein mining or tunnel
construction. The MinCa 5.1 can easily be equipped
as a passenger transporter for five miners and still
has room for the equipment. Numerous engine
concepts are possible by placing the engine at the
rear (several diesel engines with different exhaust
emission levels from Tier 2 to Tier 5 as well as battery-
powered electric drives or batteries). This ensures
good road visibility. With its all-wheel drive, it is
perfectly prepared for use on rough roads. At the
Bauma PAUS presents, after intensive tests, the
latest generation of the electrically driven MinCa 5.1 E
with improved battery technology and proven NMC
technology. The battery capacity is sufficient for up to
8 hours. The battery pack finds its place in the rear.
The larger diesel powered MinCa 18A can be
equipped with various "superstructures". With a
payload of almost four tonnes, the entire rear part
of the vehicle can be configured and used for
almost any purpose. Configurations eg as
transporter for people or material like diesel,
explosives, water and lubricants are supplied.
Equipment as fire-fighting vehicle, ambulance
vehicle or with heavy MRV rescue cassette (a
mobile rescue chamber), a joint development with
Dräger, is possible. The MinCa 18A has a very
compact design with 5.8 m x 2 m x 2.1 m (L x W x H).
A 90° curve can be driven with a track width of only
4.3 m. A further reduction of the turning radius to
3.7 m is possible with the optional all-wheel
steering. With the hydrostatic drive, no gearshifts
are necessary and it achieves a speed of up to 33
km/h.
With its dimensions of 4 m x 1.95 m and a payload
of approximately 1.2 t, the MinCa is excellently
suited for use in narrow vein mining or tunnel
construction. The MinCa 5.1 can easily be equipped
as a passenger transporter for five miners and still
has room for the equipment. Numerous engine
concepts are possible by placing the engine at the
rear (several diesel engines with different exhaust
emission levels from Stage 2 to Stage V as well as
battery-powered electric drives or batteries). “This
ensures good road visibility. With its all-wheel drive,
it is perfectly prepared for use on rough roads.”
BTI enhances Mine Runner range
B
reaker Technology (BTI) recently released
its Extended Wheel Base (EWB) Mine
Runner, a mine utility vehicle that, it says,
is purpose-built for the rugged underground
environment.
Offering an extended chassis and improved
payloads (from 4,000-6,000 Ib (1,814-2,722 kg)),
the Mine Runner is also able to keep the total
cost of ownership lower than other brands, BTI
said.
John Wittenberg, Product Manager at Breaker
Technology, said: “High uptime and low
maintenance costs are given with the hydraulic
all-wheel drive. Active braking from the hydraulic
circuit eliminates conventional brake and axle
wear significantly, reducing the cost of
ownership.”
The Mine Runner utility vehicle is powered by
BTI’s Hydraulic Wheel Drive (HWD), a fluid-
controlled power train, resulting in 40% more
efficiency than other vehicles with a conventional
power train, it says. BTI explained: “This means
there are fewer parts to maintain or replace,
offering a lower total cost of ownership, and
contributes to the longevity of the equipment.
The HWD system offers lower emissions, which
also saves on ventilation and energy costs for the
mine.”
The vehicle can be customised for operational
demands; whether it’s a personnel carrier, utility
4 International Mining | JUNE 2019
truck or simple flat deck, an increased payload
and extended chassis allow mines to move more
people and supplies through the tunnel safely,
BTI said.
Wittenberg added: “The higher 6,000-Ib
payload and extended wheelbase maximises the
usefulness of the machine by providing a multi-
person, multipurpose platform for crew and gear
with an unsurpassed payload and speed in a
compact package.”
The Mine Runner is easy to drive with its
patented Advanced Braking and Tramming
technology, giving the
driver traction control
with an automotive-style
accelerator and service
brake pedal, according to
BTI.
Both the primary
braking (service brakes)
and the secondary
braking (emergency
brakes) are designed and
tested to meet and
exceed the regional
braking standard and
performance for
underground mining
machines. The tested and
independently certified
MinCa 5.1 E battery pack under the hood
At Bauma, Paus presented, after intensive tests,
the latest generation of the electrically driven MinCa
5.1 E with improved battery technology and proven
NMC technology. The battery capacity is sufficient
for up to 8 hours. The battery pack finds its place in
the rear.
“All Paus mining vehicles are explicitly designed
and built for underground use. The vehicles of the
MinCa series are not adapted road vehicles, but
stable, robust workhorses with sophisticated
technology. Small turning circle, solid axle springs
offer a unique comfort for driver and passenger. An
agile, versatile vehicle system that can also be
equipped with a ROPS/FOPS cab. Further
equipment such as single seats and 3-point belts or
air conditioning and heating are included in the
delivery program.”
The MinCa 5.1 E requires considerably less
maintenance than vehicles with conventional drives.
Only the oils for axles and transmissions need to be
maintained, no engine oil or filters. www.paus.de
ROPS/FOPS operator and personnel cabins are
standard with ergonomic seating and HVAC, the
company said.
BTI initially released its standard Mine Runner
All Purpose Vehicle in 2014. The standard Mine
Runner’s personnel carrier is designed to
transport up to eight passengers but can also be
configured for other operational needs. It still
offers a low total cost of ownership, providing
mines with a safe and budget-conscious vehicle
while keeping people and supplies safe when
traveling through the underground mining
environment, according to BTI.
www.rockbreaker.com