UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
SMT Scharf MM10T-EB LHD loading HM30T-EB truck underground
As part of the first order worth a total of more than € 4 million , it is developing and producing electric-powered LHDs as well as medium-duty underground trucks as prototypes . The vehicles that have been ordered will be deployed for underground gold mining in Russia and will be tested there as a basis for further vehicle deliveries of the same type . SMT Scharf aims to develop further electric commercial vehicles in the future . These first units are to be delivered to the company by October 2021 .
RDH , now known as SMT Scharf Canada , has entered an exclusive distribution partnership with Parts Service Supply in Mexico . The Scharf Group views the mining industry in Mexico as an excellent fit for the group ’ s rubber-tyred product line of machines due to the region ’ s mining methods , and remote nature of mines . Founded on the principle of simplifying heavy equipment , the Scharf Group says it is committed to providing quality equipment that is both safe and simple to operate and service . The current product portfolio offers a fleet solution from utility vehicles , load and haul machines , through to drilling . SMT Scharf has a narrow-vein equipment line that has become a popular choice amongst Scharf ’ s current Mexican customers and the option of customisation is frequently taken advantage of by those seeking machines specifically tailored to their mining operations for maximum efficiency . In the future there is battery electric potential there too .
In South Africa , SMT Scharf has opened of a new manufacturing facility located in Johannesburg . In conjunction with the SMT Scharf Canada subsidiary in Alban , Ontario , both entities will build both new and remanufactured underground mining equipment for customers around the world , including battery electric . The company said in May 2021 that in the future , electrically powered vehicles will also be manufactured or reconditioned there for mining customers from all over the world . “ The new
manufacturing facility in South Africa will help us to further develop our electrical expertise within the Group , and meet demand for underground electric vehicles .” With the establishment of the new facility , SMT Scharf doubled its output capabilities and has further demonstrated its commitment to the African mining sector . This new facility adds nearly 3,000 m ² of manufacturing space including six bays for rubber-tyred mobile equipment . The location will also serve as the regional manufacturing and support centre for SMT Scharf ’ s monorail and chairlift products .
Wolfgang Embert , COO stated : “ Speaking of sustainability , as a specialist engineering company we contribute to better working conditions in mining raw materials underground with our innovations and customised transport solutions . In mining , the reduction of pollutants and associated improvement of working conditions underground is becoming increasingly important . Many companies are now looking intensively at using electric vehicles in underground mining . These vehicles significantly reduce the impact of heat , particulate matter , noise , and pollutants such as NO x and CO 2 . Electric vehicles are locally emission-free . This reduces the need for fresh air , in other words , the costly supply of fresh air and cooling underground , in the long term . This is of particular interest where additional cooling of fresh air is necessary due to large depths . This is the case in South Africa ’ s gold and platinum mines , for example .”
He adds : “ In principle , we have proven battery and electrical expertise within the company and we can meet demand for electrically powered drive systems . One advantage of our modular product concept is that we can act flexibly and are able to equip and develop the vehicles individually according to customer requirements . In order to be able to meet the demand for electric vehicles that is anticipated , we have made considerable efforts in order to provide personnel with the necessary qualifications , as well create the requisite production facilities .”
But the company is also under no illusions that there is still work to be done to convert underground mining to electric on a large scale . CEO , Hans Joachim Theiss comments : “ Electric vehicles require significantly less maintenance than vehicles with combustion engines , and thereby contribute to cost savings longterm . Electric vehicles offer one disadvantage : they are much more expensive to buy than diesel vehicles , so mine operators give careful consideration to converting to vehicles with electric drive systems . Although the maintenance effort for electric vehicles is significantly reduced compared to conventional drive systems , electromobility poses significant challenges for the operators ’ day-to-day business in terms of infrastructure and employee qualifications .” IM
SUSTAINABLE MINERALS ‘ 21
21-24 June | Online
Sponsored by : FLSmidth , International Mining , Cornwall Mining Alliance , CEEC & Critical Minerals Association
FLOTATION ’ 21
8-11 November , 2021 | Hybrid or Online
Sponsored by : Promet101 , Maelgwyn Mineral Services , Magotteaux- Gold Ore , CiDRA Minerals Processing , Hudbay Minerals , Senmin , Clariant , BASF , Eriez , Nouryon , Festo , International Mining & Critical Minerals Association
COMMINUTION ‘ 22
26-28 April 2022 | Hybrid or Online
Sponsored by : King ’ s Ceramics & Chemicals , Russell Mineral Equipment , Keramos , Starkey & Associates , Grinding Solutions , Glencore Technology , ME Elecmetal , Derrick Corp ., ZEISS , Hudbay Minerals , Magotteaux , Metso : Outotec , Sino Grinding International , FLSmidth , - Cancha , Dakot , Maelgwyn Mineral Services , International Mining , Imformed , CEEC and the Critical Minerals Association .
PHYSICAL SEPARATION ‘ 22
June 2022 | Falmouth , UK
Sponsored by : CEEC , International Mining , Imformed , Cornwall Mining Alliance & Critical Minerals Association
www . min-eng . com / conferences /
JUNE 2021 | International Mining 35