BATTERY AND ELECTRIC MACHINES
electric offering , joining the recently launched LF- 19 EB battery tethered electric loader and the Mine Master RM1.8KE and FM1.7KE batteryelectric bolter and drill rig . Mine Master is also planning to use its platform-based approach developed on the RM1.8KE ( pictured on the cover ), which is now successfully operating in the field , to make other products in its portfolio available in battery-electric form . These include the low profile FLP1410E drill rig , as well as the single- and double-boom FM2.310E and FM2.320E drill rigs .
The LF-19EB tethered battery-electric loader is specifically designed for independent movement between working panels
thanks to proven electric drivetrain components . The latter has been garnered through years of GHH experience in the field with tethered electric loaders , as well as the use of quality electric components from German suppliers with decades of historical experience in the mining industry . The machine is also designed to cater for a wide range of input voltages to accommodate various underground mining conditions .
The cable reel , designed to carry 250 m of trailing cable , has a horizontal centre shaft allowing for vertical spooling . Unlike other tethered loaders on the market , the cable reel spools vertically and not horizontally and in a controlled manner , according to GHH . Even though this required a more intricate design , the benefits associated with safety and maintenance – no safety risk for pedestrians from whipping cable , no high forces exerted due to necessary tension and no premature cable failure and unnecessary costs from slipping into the gaps and twisting itself – far outweigh the extra engineering . The result is low tension forces , minimal cable stress and , according to GHH , a more than doubling of cable life when compared with other tethered loaders on the market .
The loader is designed with modularity in mind , with the cable reel assembly , the hydraulic module – containing major hydraulic components and valve blocks , etc – and the operator ’ s compartment all designed to be “ plug and play ”. The operator ’ s compartment can literally be mounted on and plugged in , allowing the machine to be transported through extremely small shafts with minimal invasive effort to the workings or the machines . The modularity then aids quick and efficient machine re-assembly
before the tethered loader is commissioned .
From an operator comfort point of view , the cabin ergonomics are world class and spacious considering the low-profile cabin , according to GHH . The SLP-14E has a suspension , swivel operator ’ s seat ( 21 ° right , 23 ° left ); excellent ergonomics and visibility ; intuitive controls ; and front , rear and side cameras to maximise operator efficiency . It also has provisions for self rescuers , first aid kits , MP3 players , water bottle holders and an optional cooled cubby hole , according to the company .
GHH inSiTE digital analytics solution is also available as an option on the machine .
“ Not only is this tethered electric loader designed for high performance and cost effective operations , but , with significantly low vibrations , noise and heat and no exhaust fumes , it ensures a safer working environment and reduces the need for ventilation as well ,” GHH said .
The SLP-14E will expand the GHH Group
On-demand options
Aramine now has six years of battery-electric technology experience under its belt , with over 35 units out in the field to show for it .
Having started with its 1.3-t-payload L140B miniLoader ® , which is now operating at mines in Russia , Greece , Spain and Mexico , the company has added to its narrow-vein mining range on a regular basis .
Arnaud Paul , Sales Director – Loader and Trucks , says the L140B is the most widely used battery-electric narrow vein loader in the underground mining market , with this flagship product enabling the company to come up with a “ complementary ” 3.5-t-payload L350B miniLoader .
The plan to debut this machine at MINExpo 2021 was scuppered by travel restrictions , but Paul said the company had registered “ firm requests ” from several customers for this machine , with expectations of at least one loader being delivered to a mine in the December quarter .
The company is also looking at developing a “ brand new , innovative and more efficient ” version of its DM901HDE miniDriller ® , which features a “ cable reel type of drilling system ” where the diesel engine is only used to move the machine between drilling assignments , according to Paul . Thought to be named the DM901HBE ,
Aramine started it battery-electric program with its 1.3-t-payload L140B miniLoader , which is now operating at mines in Russia , Greece , Spain and Mexico
38 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2022