UNDERGROUND RAIL
the extremely hazardous conditions that can prevail within mines . They will be manufactured to the ATEX standard . ATEX , which stands for ‘ Atmospheres Explosibles ’ is a name for the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres . They are :
Directive 99 / 92 / EC ( also known as ‘ ATEX 137 ’ or the ‘ ATEX Workplace Directive ’)
Directive 2014 / 34 / EU ( also known as ‘ ATEX 114 ’ or ‘ the ATEX Equipment Directive ’)
These new battery designs will improve the performance parameters of Ferrit ’ s machines , ie carrying heavier and larger loads , being able to operate in much steeper tunnels , be smaller in size but having larger capabilities . Ferrit ’ s R & D department has complemented them with custom-designed charging stations , also under the ATEX regulations .
Ferrit says its business development teams will be placing an even greater emphasis on gaining global customers in the ore segment . “ R & D will continue to develop and innovate machines and systems that will focus on sustainable mines and mining , with an emphasis on mine transportation using more electric and hydrogen-based power .”
The company is also investing heavily in designing and producing cutting-edge autonomous transport systems for mines , which are in great demand by companies around the globe . It has successfully signed contracts in 2021 for ‘ Drive Assist ,’ its solution built around its range of underground rail locomotives .
Ferrit in the past two years has also delivered new ground rail trolley locomotives to a global mining company , which is one of the world ’ s largest producers of palladium , nickel , platinum and copper . This customer also received a variety of more than 22 mining machines , including TLP120F trolley ground locomotives , PLP diesel ground rail locomotives and DKB130F mining rail diggers .
Clayton lithium battery locos supplied to Canada
Clayton Equipment has supplied a fleet of five battery locomotives for an all-electric mine in Canada . The Canadian mine is designated to be one of the world ’ s first mines wholly operated by by battery electric-powered vehicles ( EVs ). Clayton Equipment using the latest technology enabling long range haulage has provided one of the world ’ s first lithium-ion underground battery mining locomotives . The locomotives supplied are automation ready with remote control to enable trackside operation through the loading / unloading areas .
Clayton says it is “ a supplier of choice to mining operations in over 60 countries around the world and lead the way in supplying low emission mining locomotives . Additional commercial benefits provide greener technology including zero emissions , maximum CO 2 reduction and the lowest operational and maintenance costs per tonne hauled .”
Clive Hannaford , Managing Director at Clayton Equipment said : “ We are proud to have supplied five CB12.5 locomotives to be used in one of the world ’ s first mines , wholly operated by lithiumion battery electric-powered vehicles . This will provide sustainability , zero emissions , environmentally compliant equipment to meet our customers commitments in investing in new technology and provide cost savings , enhancing Clayton ’ s worldwide reputation as a leading supplier of battery locomotives for mining .”
Battery Electric conversion for Sibanye-Stillwater
Going back to 2020 , gold and PGMs major Sibanye-Stillwater successfully tested a 5 t diesel-hydraulic underground mining loco at one of its gold mines , which was converted into a lithium battery powered electric version by Battery Electric Pty Ltd , a specialist battery power conversion company based in Jet Park , Gauteng . While the project was challenging , involving two years of design and conversion work , the resulting loco laid down a blueprint for future conversions , and actually improved the machine in terms of safety and efficiency as well as control systems but of course eliminated carbon emissions & heat generation as well as all but eliminating noise pollution . The knock on effects are reduced ventilation costs , reduced maintenance needs , less risk of diesel spillages and no more need to store diesel . The 50 kWh 250V LiFeEPO 4 ( lithium phosphate ) battery can operate for at least five without maintenance servicing requirement and cam be fast charged , while
Clayton Equipment has supplied a fleet of five lithium battery powered locomotives for an allelectric mine in Canada
battery swapping is also a potential option for future machines .
Battery Electric Engineering Manager Marnus Marais told IM : “ We keep the existing chassis as is retained . While the pollution associated with haulage is reduced , so is heat generation , energy wastage , noise pollution and the spillage and risk associated with diesel transportation . The first conversion involved almost 90 % of locally sourced components which we hope to increase for future future conversions if they become available , as that is the only reason we used any non-South African parts .” So what does the converted loco use ? Marais said as well as the lithium battery packs it involves a three-phase 100 kW high frequency inverter , a radiator , cooling pump and reduction gearbox which allows the system to produce maximum torque and lets the electric motor operate in its most efficient range . Lastly a sprocket adaptor links the 90 kW permanent magnet AC motor and the 1:28 torque converter with the chains of the locomotive . “ It is housed on two bearings to reduce the forces and vibration from the loco chassis to the electric motor ,” Marais told IM . The converted loco is capable of 16 km / h and generates 5,600 Nm of torque .
Loco converted to lithium battery powered by Battery Electric for Sibanye-Stillwater in 2021
12 International Mining | JUNE 2022