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WORLD PROSPECTS
Vermeer ’ s precision mining methods
In an effort to mitigate the safety risks associated
with drilling and blasting , as well as create more sustainable mining practices , surface mining operations around the world have begun to employ continuous mining machinery .
According to Vermeer Specialty Excavation Application Engineer , Tyler Sikora , the rise in continuous mining methods is one way surface mining operations are addressing an increasing number of stringent regulations pertaining to the use of explosives .
“ Machines like the Vermeer Terrain Leveler surface excavation machine ( SEM ) do not require the use of explosives ,” he explained . “ Instead , these machine use cutting wheels with durable carbide teeth to excavate the material . This process helps eliminate dangerous flying debris , minimising a major safety concern for miners when they use explosives .”
Mining efficiency
Another attribute of continuous mining machinery that also helps with mining safety is the efficiency of the process .
Drilling and blasting require several more steps than using continuous mining equipment , and most operations can significantly reduce the number of times material needs to be handled , according to Vermeer .
In its recently-released Climate Change Report
2020 , Rio Tinto has outlined in some depth its strategies and pathways to achieve a low carbon future across all its operations , aligned with the Paris Agreement , referencing both its initial 2030 targets to reduce absolute emissions by 15 % and emissions intensity by 30 % relative to its 2018 baseline , and also its net zero target for 2050 and beyond .
A big part of this relates to mobile diesel , which is Rio Tinto ’ s third highest greenhouse gas emission source , at approximately 16 % of total emissions . In the Pilbara , emissions are mostly related to the natural gas used to generate power for the mines and processing plants , and from the diesel consumed by the mining and rail fleet . There , Rio says , it will continue to develop low-emission alternatives for mobile fuel use in haul , load and rail . Diesel for trucks and electricity are the main sources of emissions in Rio ’ s copper business and here , also , the company is advancing alternative fuel truck trials .
But what exactly are the alternatives Rio Tinto is looking at for its mobile fleets ? The report says it has completed analysis and concept modelling of emissions sources and energy needs of its fleet and
ioneer Ltd says it has completed a joint
automation study with Caterpillar and the Cat dealer for Nevada , Cashman Equipment
Company , and signed a memorandum of
“ With surface excavation machines , an operator can plot out an area using GPS , and the machine will extract material a layer at a time ,” Sikora said . “ The process produces consistently sized material that typically does not need to be run through a crusher . Some machines can even be operated by remote control – a particularly useful feature for working near to obstacles like roads , pipelines or mine walls .”
Sustainable practices
Continuous surface mining methods are also helping miners create better sustainability practices .
The vibrations caused by blasting can damage
Rio ’ s battery-electric future
has identified and prioritised zero emissions pathways : “ We are working to accelerate development of , and to de-risk , the required technology for switching to clean energy sources . We are doing this through industry collaborations such as ICMM ’ s Innovation for Cleaner Safer Vehicles ( ICSV ) and direct engagement with our suppliers and other partners .”
Specifically , for the first time , Rio states that its “ preferred technology pathway is the most energy efficient and targets full battery-electric fleet with dynamic or fast charging technology to maintain fleet productivity ”.
It added : “ Technical challenges with this pathway involve creating flexibility in the infrastructure so it can adapt to changing haul roads and the limitations on battery charge rates . An alternative pathway builds off the batteryelectric technology but replaces the dynamic or fast charging technology with the less energy efficient hydrogen cycle ( electrolysis and fuel cells ).” The latter is a reference to potential use of FCEV hybrids . “ Technical challenges with this pathway involve storing and transporting hydrogen and dealing with transient power requirements that are typical in mining .”
ioneer ’ s AHS plan at Rhyolite Ridge
understanding with Cat that should see autonomous haulage employed at the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project in Esmerelda County . nearby infrastructure , including roads , utility lines , pipelines and buildings . To avoid this , mines are forced to abandon areas within close proximity of these obstacles . Surface excavation machines produce significantly less vibration and can work closer to existing infrastructure , helping to reduce the amount of mineral-rich material wasted .
“ The ability to excavate in these areas allows mining companies to extract more material in less space , which can help reduce their operational footprint ,” Sikora said . “ Surface excavation machines also have the ability to precisely extract the ore from the waste , or ores of varying chemistry , and mine thin seams and non-homogenous orebodies , which also cuts down on wasted material .
“ Those attributes , along with the reduction of the dust and vibration created by explosives , makes surface excavation equipment more sustainable and environmentally friendly than drilling and blasting ,” Sikora added .
Better neighbours
Mining plays a vital role in everyone ’ s daily lives . The material extracted by surface mining operations creates energy and are used by manufacturers to produce many of the machines and gadgets people use every day . By using precision mining methods , today ’ s miners are actively taking steps to make mines safer , more sustainable and better neighbours to nearby communities . www . vermeer . com
Rio Tinto ’ s Centres of Excellence are working with the product groups to investigate emissions abatement technology use cases . Under the Surface Mining Centre of Excellence projects include : n Pilbara electric haul truck collaboration ; n Battery-electric tender collaboration ; n Battery / fuel-cell electric 40-100 t trucks ; n Engagement with power service providers on batteries and charging ; n Ongoing discussions with vehicle and engine manufacturers to investigate the substitution of diesel with renewable fuels and compressed natural gas in vehicles ; and n Analysis of alternate rail technology including battery-electric locomotives . www . riotinto . com
The study was targeting the early introduction of Cat ’ s Command for hauling Autonomous Haulage System ( AHS ) at Rhyolite Ridge , with the results of the Rhyolite Ridge feasibility study showing the viability of AHS at the mine and how its proposed application s
4 International Mining | MARCH 2021