NARROW VEIN & LOW PROFILE MINING
Small-but-mighty
As the narrow-vein and low-profile mining sectors look to take on new technologies tried and tested in more conventional settings , the engineering nous of equipment makers is being tested . Dan Gleeson looks at updates from the segment ’ s major players
The GHH SLP-8 Super Low Profile loader comes with an 8 t payload used in applications from the Bushveld Complex of South Africa to the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe
It takes a special mindset to engineer machines for the narrowest and smallest galleried mines in the world . Lightweight , compact and robust , these machines need to deal with the realities of underground mining in the closest possible proximity .
The makers of these machines must be in equally-close proximity to their customers to remain abreast of evolving industry trends , maintain equipment when needed , and ensure their machines fit into future mining plans at key sites .
Despite these hurdles , several companies remain committed to the future of narrow-vein and low-profile mining , ploughing more R & D dollars into solving today ’ s and tomorrow ’ s challenges with the incorporation of cleaner diesel technology , battery drivetrains and automated functions , to name a few innovations .
GHH Group has long had a footprint in the southern African , German and Polish underground mining markets , catering to narrow-vein mines in Zimbabwe ( platinum group metals and chrome ), South Africa ( PGMs and chrome ) and Poland ( copper ), in addition to a whole host of low-profile equipment running around Germany ’ s potash mining sector .
Being near the customer has always been one of the group ’ s strengths , with its companies placed in key hubs to ensure there is engineering on the ground and to aid the commissioning and maintenance processes associated with these machines . GHH Fahrzeuge has a base in Germany , Mine Master is headquartered in Poland , GHH Mining Machines calls South Africa home , and partner company , UVB , is based in Botswana .
“ It has allowed for products to be optimised based on customer-specific application needs , with support right on the customer ’ s doorstep ,” the company said . “ It also allows for quick and efficient aftermarket service and support , and so our low-profile offering of loaders , rigs and utility vehicles has gone from strength to strength , year on year .”
The GHH low-profile load and haul product range includes the SLP-3H , SLP-5 , SLP-6 , SLP-8 and SLP-14H . The SLP-8 is the newest addition to the family with the largest carrying capacity in its class , excellent ground clearance and unsurpassed visibility and ergonomic comfort in the operators ’ compartment , according to GHH .
“ The modular-designed 178 kW SLP8 loader is proving to be a trendsetter in the low-profile market ,” the company said .
The GHH loader offering also provides customers with the benefit of having an interface ready for Level-9 proximity detection – an
Mine Master ’ s RM1.8KE battery-powered bolter is designed to work in galleries from 3 m up to 5.8 m in height
48 International Mining | JULY 2021