UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
Caterpillar's new AD63 features a 5% increased
payload and more torque for enhanced
production capabilities, compared with its
predecessor, the AD60
reduce cost. For example, faster cycle times—even
in challenging operating conditions—increase
TKPH (tonnes hauled per kilometer per hour).
Additionally, increased payload contributes to
greater production and lower cost per tonne. The
new truck also accommodates people in ways that
can reduce costs. Improved service access reduces
mean time to repair. Powertrain components are
accessible with the tilt cab, and careful routing of
hoses and exhaust further aid access. The truck
also features superior ergonomics for the operator
and redesigned suspension for a more
comfortable ride. Electric heating, ventilation and
air conditioning (HVAC) can be used when the
machine is not running so the operator can remain
comfortable while saving fuel. The new truck also
has external payload displays to assist accurate
loading.”
Cat Product Link Elite is standard equipment on
the AD63. The hardware facilitates data collection
and equipment health monitoring, which in turn is
designed to help reduce unplanned downtime and
increase machine availability. The hardware
readies the machine for linking to Cat MineStar
technologies.
Lastly, Sandvik is continuing its sustainability
drive, announcing that it is trialling its first Stage V
compliant underground truck at the Bolidenowned
Tara zinc mine in Ireland. The company, in
December 2019, launched its first Stage V
compliant underground LHDs for hard-rock mining
applications following extensive testing. Back
then, it said its newest intelligent loaders, the
Sandvik LH517i and Sandvik LH621i, would receive
the Stage V treatment in early 2020.
Now, Sandvik’s flagship heavy underground
truck, the TH663i, equipped with brand new Stage
V Volvo Penta engine technology, is undergoing an
extensive field trial period at Tara, allowing the
company to obtain first-hand customer feedback
on its technical and operational performance.
Sandvik said this was “an integral part of
Sandvik’s way of working and customer-focused
mindset”. The Stage V engine in the 63 t truck is
expected to deliver lower emissions, contributing
to reduced mine ventilation
rates.
Pia Sundberg, Product Line
Manager for Trucks at Sandvik
Mining and Rock Technology,
says thorough field tests are
valuable to both the OEM and
customer: “We want to allow
enough time for sufficient testing
of new technology, since it is of
benefit to both sides. Possible
hiccups that can often occur
when developing something new are identified
prior to the product being fully commercialised,
which enables us to serve our customers better in
the long run. Based on the feedback that we
receive, we are still able to do some modifications
if necessary and thereby make sure that the
TH663i meets expectations when it is released to
the market with the latest engine technology at a
later stage. Of course, there is also some
additional new technology on the test truck that
we are testing at the same time.” The TH663i also
benefits from the recent improvements in
Sandvik’s AutoMine ® offering, as AutoMine for
Trucks now enables autonomous truck haulage
not only underground but also on the surface.
A basis for battery
In the battery world, at Epiroc there have been
numerous developments following the beginning
of its phased introduction of its Generation 2
models. Australia’s Cobar copper mine, operated
by CSA Glencore, has been operating a battery
ST14 LHD since early this year. The mine produces
over 1.1 Mt/y of copper ore and produces in excess
of 185,000 t/y of copper concentrate, with battery
solutions ideal for its conditions being one of
Australia’s deeper mines at depths of 1,800 m
plus. The mine is accessed via decline from the
surface and a 1.2 km shaft. Stoping areas at depth
are accessed by declines from the base of the
shaft resulting in long travel times. Rock
temperatures are greater than 55° so diesel
machines are not the ideal option. Cobar is
initially using the machine to feed its Level 9
crusher but is exploring other battery machines as
well. The project represents just the next chapter
in a relationship between Cobar and Epiroc lasting
over ten years through its main current fleet of
MT6020 and MT5020 trucks.
In Europe as part of the SIMS project, a battery
MT42 and a battery ST14 have been working at
Agnico Eagle’s Kittila gold mine in Finland. The
machines have achieved impressive results with
operators noticing less heat generation and
vibrations, and better air quality within the
operating environment. SIMS has now ended but
the machines remain at the mine to maximise the
trial hours originally agreed. As with other sites
across the board that are testing battery machines
of different types, moving forward will depend on
Talpa Maden's ultra compact battery LHD ready for global market
Turkey’s Talpa Maden based in the Izmir district of Çigli is the country’s leading mechanised
underground load and haul equipment manufacturer and its lithium battery LHD LE110
project is exciting for the industry as is it is one of only a few examples of this type of BEV
equipment in the world especially at this compact size of a 1.25 m width (length 4.9 m, height 1.67
m) and a tramming capacity of 1 t.
The first battery LE110 machine was delivered to a Turkish narrow vein chromite mine in late
2018. The initial request came as the mine was having a hard time with ventilation costs and in
addition introducing mechanisation was a serious issue for them since the market offering at the
time did not have a compact machine that met their requirements in size.
Talpa says its machines are designed and engineered from the ground up and that its new
battery powered LHDs are not only cheaper to maintain, but they’re also tough and reliable,
requiring less maintenance than a diesel fleet. The first prototype was disassembled outside and
carried piece by piece through the small diameter shaft. It was reassembled underground, and
since then it has been working in tough conditions at -240 m in narrow galleries where it is vastly
increasing productivity in the mine. Following the first prototype the customer has now bought
three more machines. Talpa told IM it has been testing this model for a high number of working
hours and is confident that the LE110 is now ready for international market.
The company adds: “Our battery powered LE110 costs less to maintain and operate than diesel
equivalents, primarily because of the simple, efficient and highly reliable design. Electricity is
cheaper than diesel and there is zero cost for fuel transportation and storage. Venting out the heat
and toxic fumes generated by the diesel equipment costs a fortune. Switching to all-electric
provided the customer with a safer working environment while cutting ventilation costs and
increasing production by nearly three times.”
Usually a major complaint about BEV technology is the perceived downtime for charging. Talpa
states: “The options for fast refuelling are to either quick charge or swap batteries completely. The
2020 model offers a fast battery swap system of 20-30 minutes and a total recharge time of two
hours. Estimated operational time is around 4-6 hours depending on the conditions.”
10 International Mining | JUNE 2020