BATTERY AND ELECTRIC MACHINES
achieve dynamic charging in a very similar way .” This could see BluVein ’ s safe slotted rail system located near to the ground for cheaper , faster and more flexible installation and operations compared with the above-truck trolley standard , according to the company . And , according to BluVein , it eliminates the need for high capital cost fleets to sit idle while charging or undergoing some form of battery swapping .
“ BluVeinXL is game changing and turns the traditional trolley assist wired catenary style systems on their heads ,” it said .
This is evidenced by the fact it has been shortlisted as one of the finalists of the Charge on Innovation Challenge , where it will now work with the mining company patrons and selected OEMs for the challenge ’ s next steps .
This enlarged scope is representative of just how far reaching BluVein thinks its next-generation battery trolley charging solution can become .
“ When we commenced the BluVein1 development , the primary driver was addressing diesel particulate emissions and known health impacts in underground mining ,” the company said . “ In recent times , the climate change and emission reduction driver has escalated , and we see different teams within the same companies all super keen to see BluVein accelerate to commercial readiness . But both issues are solved with the same outcome – safe and efficient dynamic charging of open-pit and underground mining fleet .
“ We see BluVein becoming like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi – it ’ s wherever it needs to be , it just works , and we don ’ t see the magic making it work .”
The Aussie charge
Elphinstone is busy working on delivering its first battery-powered underground support machine prototype by March 2024 , thanks , in part , to a grant from the Australian Federal Government ’ s Modern Manufacturing Initiative .
The company recently commenced a project to develop a “ suite ” of battery-electric vehicles for underground hard-rock mining to , it says , address the increasing decarbonisation efforts and expectations of its global customer base .
Requiring a significant research and development investment by the company in addition to the recently awarded federal government grant , the Tasmania-based company is up for the challenge with an expected total investment of circa A $ 10 million ($ 7.2 million ).
Specialising in the design , manufacture and support of quality equipment for the global underground , surface mining and rail maintenance industries , Elphinstone ’ s underground mining support vehicles have a renowned reputation across the globe , combining practical design , the latest technology and quality manufacturing to , it says , add value
Hybrid loco consists
Just as in the open-pit haulage sector , the mining industry is exploring various decarbonisation options to transport material on ore trains , with much of the current momentum observed in Western Australia ’ s Pilbara iron ore sector .
Fortescue Metals Group is testing ‘ green ammonia ’ and other green renewable fuels and technologies aboard locomotives at Fortescue Future Industries ’ ( FFI ) research and development facility in Perth , Western Australia , while it has also engaged Progress Rail , a Caterpillar Company , to deliver two new battery-electric , eight-axle locomotives with an energy capacity of 14.5 MWh to its facilities in the state .
Wabtec Corporation , with its FLXdrive battery-electric technology , is also making inroads in Western Australia .
Having agreed with Roy Hill , in September , on a purchase order for a 7 MWh FLXdrive batteryelectric locomotive , the company , in early 2022 , shook hands with both Rio Tinto and BHP on separate contracts .
The US-based company is expected to deliver four FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives to Rio ’ s Pilbara rail network and two FLXdrive battery locomotives to BHP ’ s Western Australia Iron Ore operations in the Pilbara . Like Roy Hill , the 7 MWh units are set for delivery in 2023 and will make up hybrid consists for both mining companies .
According to Rogerio Mendonca , President of Freight Equipment at Wabtec , the Pilbara iron ore sector will act as an excellent proving ground for FLXdrive battery locomotive technology in that the companies and people working there are receptive and open to integrating new technology , and the iron ore operations are both demanding and complex .
He added : “ The hilly terrain [ of the Pilbara ] allows the FLXdrive to recharge the battery through regenerative braking along the route . This aspect enables the mining companies to maximise the battery power throughout the trip – reducing emissions and fuel consumption . Additionally , these companies have enclosed rail networks , which enables easy integration of the FLXdrive into their operations .”
Regions with rich mineral deposits but similar landscapes and environmental conditions as the Pilbara – such as parts of Africa and South America – are “ good candidates ” for haulage and transportation decarbonisation , according to Mendonca .
Mendonca saw this battery-electric technology eventually being applied to other haulage vehicles , but , given the current energy density of batteries , hybrid solutions such as those coming to the Pilbara would remain a potential short-term decarbonisation option . What about the potential to go from a hybrid consist to a fully decarbonised rail operation ? Mendonca answered : “ The rail industry is on the cusp of technological advancements required to power locomotive fleets with alternative green energy sources , such as batteries and , eventually , hydrogen fuel cells . The FLXdrive battery locomotive is a major step toward decarbonising the rail networks .
“ It is a journey that has started and will lead the industry to realise the benefits as battery and hydrogen technologies and fleets mature and grow .”
Wabtec is set to deliver 7 MWh FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives to Roy Hill , Rio Tinto and BHP in 2023 to help form hybrid consists on their respective Pilbara rail lines
44 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2022