WORLD PROSPECTS
Komatsu ' s new underground hard rock solutions
Komatsu Mining during a special virtual
livestream event recently unveiled three new drilling and bolting products that resulted from a new type of approach , working with its customers who said that safety , productivity and reliability are their highest priorities . A collaborative journey began by rethinking the working end of drilling machines .
Two of these products are in the smaller-class line , which Komatsu calls the Z2 category . One is from the medium-class line , or the Z3 category . This is a new battery jumbo drill , the two boom ZJ32Bi , which will also be available as a diesel ZJ32i machine . In the new product line overall plan , which includes yet to be launched models , a one boom ZJ31 jumbo and ZB31 bolter are also listed , which are expected to come in both battery and diesel versions , which using the new nomenclature would be the ZJ31Bi / ZJ31i plus ZB31Bi / ZB31i . The ZJ31 replaces the old one boom DR-1SB and the ZJ32 the old two boom DR-2SB . In branding terms colours will now be Komatsu yellow instead of Joy orange .
These products it says were built to help transform hard rock mining operations in need of both small and medium classes of machines . “ All of these workhorses are founded on proven drilling technology developed over more than a hundred years in the mining industry ,” says Komatsu .
But it is the common platform approach that really stands out . “ What ’ s truly different and unique about this product line is a common platform design . In fact , you might say that the common platform approach is like the multi-tool of mining of hard rock bolting and drilling . The platform offers 100 % design commonality between bolter and jumbo from the rear skirt to the outer boom structure .” Komatsu says this common platform between bolter and jumbo is an industry first . Everything up to the outer boom is identical , making for a seamless conversion from bolter to jumbo , or vice versa .
The inner boom of the ZB21 small-class bolter for example can be swapped out for a drilling feed system , effectively converting it to a jumbo . The same with the ZJ21 . This inner boom can be changed out for bolting . And the common platform approach goes beyond the drill attachment . Even the controls are the same . The universality of the controls was intentionally designed to help benefit mining operations from a training and maintenance perspective . Komatsu said the diesel version of both the ZB21 bolter and the ZJ21 jumbo are available to order now , with a battery option rolling out next year though it is unclear as yet if these will be referred to as ZJ21B / ZB21B or ZJ21Bi / ZB21Bi . The ZJ21 replaces the old VRII machine .
Komatsu stated on the Z2 class machine controls : “ The hydraulic pilot control system comes with universal bolting and drilling controls . The universal control platform allows for simplified user
training and adoption across both drilling and bolting models . We ’ ve heard from many customers that their operator and maintenance skillsets are declining due to an aging workforce , remote sites and a cyclical industry . This common platform approach may be part of the solution and the way forward . Plus , this universality provides advantages in job site efficiency and — with the common parts , service , and maintenance — could help reduce costs .”
Komatsu has also released two new LHDs , the redesigned WX04 4 t legacy model and the all new WX07 LHD , developed from the ground up with a whole new chassis , Z-link kinematics , revamped powertrain and optimised ergonomic operator cabin with enhanced visibility to help boost productivity . As with the new drills , Komatsu yellow now replaces Joy orange .
The WX07 replaces the old LT650 and is cited as ideal for small and narrow vein mines , particularly operations using cut-and-fill methods . An advanced and reliable powertrain is designed to deliver exceptional traction , optimised loading and low maintenance . www . mining . komatsu
Taking underground mining autonomous , electric & cabless
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has
unveiled the direction it thinks the underground mining industry is heading : fully-electric , autonomous and cabin-less .
During its virtual Innovation in Mining event on September 29 , David Hallett , Global Product Line Manager , Automation , and Jussi Puura , Research and Technology Development , Digitalization Lead , unveiled its next-generation AutoMine ® Concept vehicle to back up this view .
Based on the latest technologies and equipped with completely new sensing capabilities and artificial intelligence to enhance mining operations , the AutoMine Concept vehicle perceives its surroundings and environment in 3D and reacts to it in real-time , Sandvik says .
These technologies provide clear customer advantages by allowing vehicles to adapt and plan their own routes , and to find the most suitable paths even in continuously changing environments , according to the company . The obstacle detection , collision avoidance and 3D online mapping capabilities , meanwhile , improve adaptability and increase flexibility .
During a demonstration of the machine tramming , loading and dumping material at the Sandvik Test Mine in Tampere , Finland , Hallett and
Puura explained how this cabin-less , fully-electric machine worked .
“ With this concept vehicle , we have the ability to not only showcase our future technologies , but build the platform and foundation for our nextgeneration automation products ,” Hallett said .
“ Subsequently , we will start to gradually deploy these technologies to our existing AutoMine products providing opportunities for our current customer base to realise value with the products they have today , and make them readily available for future customers , as well .”
Sandvik says the vehicle represents a foundation for using the AutoMine technology in various equipment types and can be applied to any vehicle .
Hallett added : “ The AutoMine concept is not a manual machine we have adapted for automation , but rather the opposite in which the machine has been designed for automation in mining .”
Puura stated a key differentiator of this concept vehicle compared with the company ’ s existing AutoMine range .
“ Our target is to make these autonomous machines work safely with people and manual
machines in the same area without the need for area isolation or safety gates .”
Riku Pulli , Vice President , Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology , said the AutoMine Concept is the world ’ s first fully autonomous underground mining machine built specifically for automation .
“ This technology raises ease-of-use , effectiveness of asset utilisation and adaptability to a new level , resulting in higher productivity ,” he said . “ These technologies will truly change the face and pace of autonomous mining .” www . rocktechnology . sandvik
4 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020