UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
Minetruck Automation starts with the MT42
Epiroc recently launched its latest Minetruck Automation solution . Epiroc Software Developer Torkel Trampe stated : " Each machine is fitted with two lasers , one in front and one in back , that measure the surroundings . There is also an odometer to measure the driving distance , as well as an IMU , inertial measurement unit , that measures accelerations and turning speeds – so we can see how the machine moves . All communication takes place via WiFi .”
Minetruck Automation improves both safety and productivity . The machine can be used in environments that may not be fully secure for manual operation . Trampe adds : " Because the machine can be operated remotely , customers can also cut down on a lot of work hours , since the operator doesn ’ t have to travel to and from the site where the machine is located . Minetruck MT42 is the first truck to be automated , and other models will follow .”
In terms of development challenges he states : " Many customers will want to operate the truck both manually and automatically and so we wanted to make that possible . For the manual control module , we partnered with an external supplier and then put a lot of work into integrating the two systems . There are lots of safety requirements that have to be met , and it is critical that the mine truck is as flexible and user-friendly as it is safe .”
Minetruck Automation in summary allows control of Minetruck operation via WiFi from any remote location and permits manual , teleremote and autonomous driving . It has a common operator station as with Scooptram loaders , plus it is possible to operate several Minetruck and / or Scooptram vehicles from one operator station .
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possible . Whether a simple notification of time to next service or more complicated assessment of the LHD bucket size for particular operations as well as many other features are available for display on the screen within a couple of clicks . “ The product is gaining recognition with many small to big operations and is in implementation at several sites of GHH long-term clients worldwide .”
Alongside the GHH inSiTE solution is the GHH inViEW tablet , which is available as an option with all machines as a service and maintenance diagnostic tool . With direct interface to the GHH inSiTE digital analytics as well as other 3rd party major components , like the engine and gearbox , without any special tools users will be able to get factory level diagnostic data immediately minimising time to fault find and support service and maintenance operational performance .
LKAB bridges autonomous divide
LKAB says it is now running six autonomous LHDs at its Kiruna iron ore mine , in northern Sweden , with battery-powered and cable-electric machines set to arrive at the operation later in the year .
The company has been stepping up its automation efforts at the underground mine , going from three autonomous loaders in November to five in December and , now , six .
These loaders have come from both Sandvik and Epiroc , with at least three of these being 21 t Sandvik LH621i LHDs and two being 18 t Epiroc Scooptram ST18 LHDs .
“ For the time being , the loaders are dieselpowered , but battery-powered Epiroc machines and Sandvik ’ s larger electric loaders will be delivered this year ,” the company said . “ Safety and loading capacity will be tested and assessed , so that the vision of a carbon-dioxidefree LKAB can be realised .”
Magnus Lindgren , Production Manager for the remote-control centre at level 1365 in the Kiruna mine , said : “ Our operators work in close collaboration with both Sandvik and Epiroc and , thereby , take part in these suppliers ’ development . We test the systems and provide feedback , so we can eventually take delivery of a better product .”
LKAB conducts blasting at the mine each night . When the blasting gases have been evacuated and rock stresses have decreased , personnel can access the production area . With remote-control machines , LKAB can load , haul and dump crude ore without having to worry as much about these considerations .
Roger Lärkmo , Engineering Developer at LKAB , added : “ Autonomous loading at night is optimal in terms of both safety and work environment , and from a productivity perspective . That doesn ’ t mean manually-
30 International Mining | JUNE 2021