WORLD PROSPECTS
Red Lake among first Epiroc battery conversion customers
Epiroc is now offering customers conversion kits that , it says , “ seamlessly transform ” loaders from diesel-powered to batteryelectric driven means , with the company having secured its first order for the solution from Evolution Mining ’ s Red Lake gold operations in Canada . The new offering will speed up the mining industry ’ s shift to an emissions-free future , Epiroc said . Battery conversions are already underway in Canada , with Epiroc ’ s Scooptram ST1030 loader being the first vehicle to undergo the transformation . Evolution Mining , earlier this year , ordered the conversion of two diesel-powered Scooptram ST1030 machines for use at Red Lake , in Ontario . In addition , it also ordered two new Scooptram ST14 Battery loaders and one Minetruck MT42 Battery to add to the fleet at Red Lake .
The company has been helped in this electrification pursuit by Ontario-based FVT Research , a Canada-based company with expertise in converting diesel-powered mining
machines to battery-electric vehicles . Epiroc announced plans in September to acquire the company , with the deal completed early November .
Kits to convert the Scooptram ST1030 , one of Epiroc ’ s most popular loaders , are now available to order through most of Epiroc ’ s Customer Centers worldwide , the OEM said . Conversion kits for other machines will follow , including for the Scooptram ST14 loader , which is already being tested as a converted version .
Helena Hedblom , Epiroc ’ s President and CEO , said : “ Converting existing diesel machines to battery electric will be a smart and cost-efficient alternative for mining companies that want to electrify their operations . It will be an important part as we together continue the drive toward emissions-free operations .” The conversion involves removing the diesel engine , adding the battery and changing to an electric drive line . The end result is the same or higher performance level as diesel machines with all the added benefits of battery technology , which includes zero emissions and a healthier underground environment for operators , Epiroc said .
Epiroc ’ s service organisation will offer a quick turnaround time for the conversion , which is included in a midlife rebuild and puts machines back on site ready for heightened performance without unnecessary disruptions to production , it added . www . epiroc . com : https :// evolutionmining . com . au
Railveyor system booked for Ukraine iron ore mine
Rail-Veyor Technologies Global Inc ( RVTG ) has announced that PJSC Sukha Balka , a major Ukrainian mining company , has signed a contract to purchase the Railveyor ® material handling system for their Frunze underground iron ore mine . The agreement was signed by Jim Fisk , Executive Chairman for Railveyor , and Vitaliy Bash , General Director for Sukha Balka . Also in attendance were Lisa Youngblood , Vice President of Marketing and
The Weir Group has agreed to acquire Motion Metrics , the Canada-based global mining technology business , for an initial consideration of £ 89 million payable in cash upon completion , subject to customary net debt and working capital adjustments . Motion Metrics is a market leading developer of innovative Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and 3D rugged Machine Vision Technology used in mines worldwide . Its technology helps miners increase safety , efficiency and sustainability of their operations . As part of
Communications for RVTG , and Serhii Lopatin , Deputy Director for PJSC Sukha Balka .
As part of Ukraine ’ s Kryvyi Rih iron ore complex , Sukha Balka has recently attained production of up to 65 % Fe commercial ore . Manufacturing of the Railveyor system will begin in 2022 with completion of the first phase in 2023 and completion of the second phase in 2026 . “ This agreement is an excellent step forward for both of our companies ,” says Fisk . “ For Rail – Veyor ’ s part , we ’ re proud to mark the third contract signed since late 2019 with mining companies in this region of the globe . We believe that more successful applications will lead to many more agreements like this .”
Vitaliy Bash of Sukha Balka first gained interest in the Railveyor system during a tour of Agnico Eagle ’ s Goldex mine . Although the tour was originally designed for representatives of Sukha Balka to evaluate other mining equipment in use
Weir adding Motion Metrics to ESCO division
the agreement , Motion Metrics ’ Vancouver headquarters will become Weir ’ s global centre for excellence in AI and Machine Vision technology .
The statement said : “ Motion Metrics applications are highly complementary to Weir ’ s product portfolio . It will join the ESCO division
reflecting the early adoption of its technology in ground engaging tools ( GET ) where ESCO is an
established global leader . Motion Metrics AI and Machine Vision capabilities are expected to be leveraged across the whole mining value chain
at that site , they were intrigued by the promise of a cost-saving and environmentally friendly haulage system .
After extensive vetting , including a 16-week engineering study undertaken with the participation of the SE UkrNIPIIpromtechnology Design Institute , Rail – Veyor ’ s Engineering Department ( led by Tim Wiitanen , VP of Project Engineering ) and Igor Piltek , Chief Engineer for Sukha Balka , the Railveyor system was the chosen technology to bring the material haulage at Sukha Balka ’ s Frunze mine into a more cost-effective and sustainable future .
Lastly , RVTG has welcomed James “ Jim ” Hawkins as its new CEO , effective October 1 . Hawkins takes over the executive duties from Jim Fisk who filled the role during a year-long global search . Fisk remains as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors . Hawkins has had a career spanning 35 years at Caterpillar , most recently as General Manager of the MineStar technology business . www . railveyor . com
served by the Weir Group .” The acquisition is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2021 .
Weir says it strengthens its industry leadership in making mining more sustainable and efficient ; significantly increases the Group ’ s capability in critical AI and Machine Vision Technologies ; is fully aligned to ESCO ’ s ambitious growth strategy through further digitisation of its portfolio ; enables rapid globalisation of Motion Metrics technology through Weir ’ s global network and is highly complementary to Weir ’ s aftermarketfocused business model . s
4 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021