SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPLIERS
Booyco ’ s Anton Lourens says : “ We ’ ve pioneered PDS technology , and we ’ re widely regarded as a global leader in the field with our systems meeting all the safety levels – including Level 9 integration , the highest – of the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table ”
to expand its global footprint . “ Already we are seeing the benefits of this collaboration with two contracts secured – one in Chile and one in the US – and many more prospects in the pipeline ,” Lourens said . “ We ’ re confident that our overseas business will show significant growth over the next few years .”
Booyco has been a beneficiary of the global focus on greater safety in mining and ‘ zero harm ’ initiatives , yet it is competing in a competitive PDS field .
“ Our challenge is to demonstrate that our systems are the best available ,” Lourens said . “ We ’ ve pioneered PDS technology , and we ’ re widely regarded as a global leader in the field with our systems meeting all the safety levels – including Level 9 integration , the highest – of the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table .”
In Africa , Booyco continues to see growth in the southern African region , with much of its business coming through ties with South African expatriates who have worked on mines in the country , are familiar with the Booyco PDS systems and are now employed at operations elsewhere in the region , according to Lourens .
“ Overseas and based on the enquiries that have come in to Booyco Electronics in recent months , South America , particularly Brazil and Chile , could definitely be a growth area for us ,” he said . “ We ’ re also getting some enquiries from Europe . Most of these are from countries in Eastern Europe where there seems to be increasing mining activity despite the war in Ukraine .”
Collaborative machine development
GHH Mining Machines ( GHHMM ), the South Africabased subsidiary of GHH Group , offers all its machines destined for mines in the country with PDS systems that comply with incoming Level 9 legislation .
It is a well-established and reputable supplier in the underground mining industry in southern Africa , selling and supporting products that includes drill rigs , LHDs , trucks and utility vehicles for narrow vein , low profile and mass mining sectors .
In collaboration with some key mining houses , GHH has been working on various project development initiatives for the SLP5.2 LHD . The 5-t low-profile loader , designed and manufactured for the platinum group metal and chrome sector of South Africa , has recently been upgraded with a US Tier III engine package , which also includes the Digital Teleremote ( DTR ) offering as an optional machine configuration . The SLP-5 machine was made DTR-ready though the addition of a control system , cabin conversion to full electronics , hydraulic circuits modified for solenoid activation and the addition of certain electrical components , according to the company . The machine is equipped with location sensors , LiDAR , RADAR , cameras , Wi-Fi antennae , Wi-Fi access points , cyber hub control system and tele-remote operator station . The DTR option allows mines to boost availability by being able to continue operations when blasting is taking place , maximising productivity .
Some design improvements incorporated in the new SLP-5.2 include an extended operator cabin for improved ergonomics and visibility , plus a change to the structural design and shape of the machine for better shock absorption when rubbing the side walls of underground mines .
GHH also recently developed the 10-t LF-10 NEO loader , which was developed in Germany but in close collaboration with the GHHMM team in South Africa , ensuring standardisation of design and componentry with other GHH products and an application in African underground mines .
The LF-10 NEO has a z-link design with the maximum tipping height in its class of 2.5 m , which allows it to load all 30 t trucks on the market .
“ The high breakout forces , efficient boom and bucket motion times , as well as the strong power to weight ratio , makes the LF-10 NEO one of the best in class ,” the company says .
With a length of 9.6 m and width of 2.6 m , the LF-10 NEO is compact and versatile for excellent manoeuvrability in a mid-seam underground mining environment , it added .
GHH Group launched the LF-19EB , a 19 t LHD designed specifically for feeder breaker loading in the soft rock , salt and potash mining industry , some years ago . This battery-electric loader has a 32 kWh on-board battery for panel-to-panel movement , with a tractive effort force of 380 kN and an average of 250 kVA under permanent load and 315 kVA peak . It has a maximum cable length of 250 m , which provides loading flexibility when plugged into the mine grid .
This loader is now being optimised for hardrock applications such as mines in southern Africa , with the core focus being to bring a carbon-neutral product to market without the difficulties of battery management considerations .
Alongside the LF-19EB , its sister product , the SLP-14E , a brand new , fully-tethered 14 t LHD , is due to hit the market this month .
GHHMM has also taken the next step in globalising its local offering , ensuring loaders like the LF-7 and LF-3 are available with EU Stage V engine packages and diesel particulate filters . This allows the products to be sold into European and other markets with such legislation in place .
UVB , in partnership with GHHMM , recently launched the UV60D , a 6-t payload cassette carrier utility vehicle . This super low profile utility vehicle has a height of 1,405 mm and ground clearance of 310 mm , making it a great support vehicle for low-profile mining operations . The UV60D has great manoeuvrability with 42 ° frame articulation and 10 ° oscillation , GHH said . It also has an ergonomic ROPS / FOPS safety canopy with good visibility , camera systems and safety interlocks with an optional enclosed cabin offering heating and air conditioning . All daily maintenance points are available from ground level , and it has centralised service points .
The UV60D has various cassette options available including general purpose , ANFO explosives , diesel , lube , multi-purpose , maintenance , scissor lift , oil carrying configurations and more .
Another recent development from the UVB team in Botswana , in partnership with the GHHMM team in South Africa , is the MV-UT19P personnel carrier , designed and manufactured for low profile PGM and chrome mines in southern Africa .
The MV-UT19P is a rigid frame personnel carrier that can carry up to 19 passengers ( including the driver ). The vehicle has a drivetrain based on the MV-U40D range of utility vehicles , and is equipped with folding seats that can be removed , allowing this vehicle to perform in multiple roles other than transporting personnel .
52 International Mining | JANUARY 2023