NARROW-VEIN & LOW-PROFILE MINING
One element that is now standard on all of Paus ’ equipment is PausConnect , the company ’ s lifecycle cost monitoring solution .
Wilke said the company installs this solution on all machines to “ be closer to the customer and machine , and support customers as much as possible ” with feedback on machine performance , maintenance activities and other key metrics .
When it comes to further narrow-vein mining developments , the recently updated line of PFL LHDs – which offer payloads from 1.5-6 t in compact dimensions – look likely to be the next in Paus ’ line-up to ‘ go electric ’.
The company already offers its MinCa 5.1 utility vehicle in battery-electric or hybrid form .
Franz-Josef Paus explained : “ Because these machines are smaller and , therefore , the battery capacity doesn ’ t need to be as high as larger machines , a significant part of the demand for loaders of this size is for battery-electric machines .”
While most enquiries coming in for these LHDs are for the diesel-powered variant , the company ’ s recent expansion into North America , with Paus North America , is likely to see demand build for these battery-electric versions in line with tightening emission regulations and a more concerted effort to remove diesel from the underground environment in that part of the world .
Yet , Paus is not looking to develop a commercial line of battery-electric loaders yet , with Franz-Josef Paus saying such developments will be considered on a case-by-case basis .
What is certain is that if the company does produce an electrified version of its PFL loaders , there will be no battery swapping involved .
“ It needs to be chargeable , and the battery needs to stay on the unit to keep the costs down ,” Franz-Josef Paus said . “ We have our experience with electric drives and we are ready at all times to develop these machines , but , as to when we decide to make an electrified vehicle , it is very specific and will have to be a customer-led discussion around the chosen application , the cycle time and the specifics around the operation .”
Komatsu ’ s new generation
Komatsu recently entered the hard-rock underground mining market in Australia with a concerted solution made up of , among other products , two diesel-powered narrow-vein loaders .
Komatsu ’ s new LHDs – the redesigned WX04 4 t legacy model and the all new WX07 LHD – were developed from the ground up with a whole new chassis , Z-link kinematics , revamped powertrain and optimised ergonomic operator cabin , offering enhanced visibility .
Komatsu ’ s analysis shows the conventionally powered Komatsu WX07 7 t loader is 14 % more productive than any other machine in its category , while the WX04 offers 20 % more breakout force than other machines in its class , based on published information . The Komatsu WX04 delivers 97 kW and the WX07 delivers 160 kW of power .
The WX07 replaces the old LT650 and is cited as ideal for small- and narrow-vein mines , particularly operations using cut-and-fill methods . An advanced and reliable powertrain is designed to deliver exceptional traction , optimised loading and low maintenance , the company says . It comes with a Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 3 215 hp ( 160 kW ) engine and components such as a new NRC , Dana electronic transmission TE14 and C3000 torque converter .
Based on the 4LD legacy machine , the redesigned WX04 is described as “ a reliable 4 t LHD for narrow-vein applications ”. It has an EU Stage V Cummins QSB4.5 low-emissions engine able to generate 133 hp .
Looking at battery-electric machines , British Gypsum ’ s Barrow-upon-Soar gypsum mine in the UK , part of Saint-Gobain , recently invested in two low-profile underground lithium battery-powered gypsum haulers from Komatsu to cut CO 2 emissions by a quarter .
By replacing existing diesel-powered units , it is estimated these improvements will reduce CO 2 emissions by 100 t / y – the equivalent of over 400,000 km in a diesel car .
The mine is investing in new machinery to access thinner seams (< 2.25 m ) where existing equipment is too high . These seams represent about 60 % of reserves and are expected to produce over 12 Mt over the next 15 years .
The two Komatsu Joy BH18AC ( 18 short ton , 16.4 t ) class haulers are capable of mining seams of 1.45 m and some of the first lithium-battery models of their kind to have been delivered in the world . British Gypsum also plans to replace a third diesel hauler with a battery-powered unit in 2024 .
British Gypsum ’ s Barrow-upon-Soar gypsum mine in the UK , part of Saint-Gobain , recently invested in two low-profile underground lithium battery-powered gypsum haulers from Komatsu
The two new haulers are being tested on surface before heading underground into the room and pillar gypsum operation .
The BH18AC is the first lithium-ion battery hauler in soft-rock mining and , Komatsu Mining says , is designed to boost productivity with 75 % faster charge time , and much lower maintenance versus traditional lead-acid technology .
The company says : “ Brushless AC-traction motors drive each wheel independently and are designed to deliver maximum torque . Your operators enjoy excellent steering , smooth operation and strong performance on steep inclines . Regenerative braking enhances control on descents . When conditions require extra traction , operators can hold down a button on the joystick to engage the trailer wheels for allwheel drive . Electronically activated steering assist for smooth-and-easy steering while relieving stress on motors , drivetrain and suspension assemblies .”
The Joy lithium battery charging option is capable of two hours from discharged to full charge with no required cool-down period . A partial charge still provides significant haulage ability , and no ventilation is required , it says . In the event of low remaining capacity , the system reduces features to conserve energy and allow the operator to return to the charging area .
After off-loading , the ejector bed retract sequence is completely automated and takes place while the operator trams back to the continuous miner . This simultaneous tram and retract can save significant time and allow more trips during a shift , according to Komatsu . The 25 ° total full-up to full-down vertical articulation between the midsection and the trailer assembly “ maintains excellent manoeuvrability and comfort , even in rugged conditions ”, the company says . IM
16 International Mining | JULY 2022