NORDIC SUPPLIERS
Leading from the front
Mobile fleet , mineral processing , network expertise , engineering , filtration , pumping , power – you name it , the Nordic countries have an abundance of expertise in these areas . Dan Gleeson looks at the latest developments from key suppliers in the region
The Nordic mining sector is world-renowned for being a pioneer , with its legislation and environmental performance held up as shining examples of where the global industry should be heading .
Its technology and service providers are no different , with global mining customers reliant on this region ’ s suppliers for a whole host of solutions that can solve current and future challenges .
Decarbonising mining , transport fleet
Finland-based Normet continues to gain global recognition for its battery-electric mobile equipment , having recently concluded its third three-month customer trial of a Charmec MC 605 VE SmartDrive battery-electric explosives charger , at Gold Field ’ s Invincible gold mine in Western Australia .
The trial at Invincible followed a three-month trial with the machine at OZ Minerals ’ Carrapateena copper-gold mine in South Australia – in cooperation with Enaex Australia – and a three-month trial at the IGO Nova nickel mine in Western Australia , overseen by Barminco .
In the trial , Byrnecut , as contract miner , operated the SmartDrive Charmec , proving its technological advantages such as zero emissions , reduced heat generation and silent work at the face , Normet said .
Productivity and efficiency benefits became tangible as the machine verified high incline speeds daily up to the surface to fill explosives and , when driving back down , battery capacity regeneration .
General Manager , Byrnecut Australia , Francesco Bertagnolio , acknowledged this : “ We have been very impressed with the performance of the technology that has been incorporated into the MC 605 SmartDrive . The feedback from the operators has been very positive .”
Nicola Shaw , Chargeup Development at Byrnecut Australia , said she had witnessed a
The first 3D printed parts as part of Sandvik and Boliden ’ s small-scale trial have been deployed at Boliden ’ s Garpenberg mine in Sweden
smooth drive downhill thanks to the automatic braking function .
She added : “ Compared to the diesel-operated Charmecs , you can actually hear people speak to you when they come up to the rig ; you don ’ t have to shout at them .”
And she had noticed the reduced temperature during charging operations compared with diesel-equivalent units thanks to the lack of fumes and the running of a hot diesel engine .
Shaw said of the machine ’ s uphill performance : “ You can travel at 10 km / h going uphill , so it does make a difference when you actually need to get to certain places . It will definitely shave , maybe , a good half hour , nearly
Byrnecut ’ s experience trialling a Charmec MC 605 VE SmartDrive battery-electric explosives charger at the Invincible gold mine in Western Australia has led to it acquiring its first unit
22 International Mining | MAY 2022