NARROW VEIN & LOW PROFILE MINING
During The Electric Mine 2023 conference in Tucson , Arizona , Jose Bueno , Equipment Sales Manager , made a compelling case for these machines .
Comparing its battery-powered miniLoader L140B with its diesel-equivalent – the L150D – Bueno showed a higher capital cost – + 40 % – for the battery-powered loader , but a 50-60 % reduction in operating costs . He added that the battery-powered vehicle had no issues operating at high altitudes , while the diesel-backed machine needed specific adaptations . He also said the L140B came with an eight-year life : an improvement on the five years offered by its diesel equivalent .
On top of this , the L140B comes with an efficiency of 90 %, compared with the L150D ’ s 40- 45 %, and – of course – zero emissions , lower heat generation and reduced noise and vibration issues .
“ The real cost ( TCO ) per year for batterypowered underground equipment is 33-49 % lower than the diesel counterparts ,” the company stated in the presentation .
What was obvious from Bueno ’ s stint on stage was the impressive advancements made in battery technology since the company first introduced the L140B with a Quick Replacement System in 2016 .
When plotting the cycle results of a 2016 generation L140B to a 2022 L140B – the former
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leveraging a 24 kWh LFP-based cylindric battery cell and the latter using a 42 kWh LFP-based prismatic battery cell – the evolution was clear .
In 2016 , going 50 m from the point of loading and unloading on a 10 % incline as part of a 350 m cycle application case , the L140B was able to load and discharge 82 t of material using three energy modules .
In 2022 , using the same distance and incline parameters , the newest version L140B was able to load and unload 140 t using two battery modules : one less module and a 70 % boost in material .
With the launch of the L440B battery loader , which comes with a 4.6 t tramming capacity and 2.1-2.7 cu . m bucket volume and is about to start field trials , the company says it is looking to set new standards in term of efficiency and performance , all with zero emissions .
Three tonners
Some of the biggest OEMs in the mobile mining space have also recently made changes to their narrow-vein mining portfolio .
Komatsu says its new WX03 LHD is engineered for the most demanding mining environments . This 3-t diesel-powered heavy-duty machine is designed for especially small , narrow-vein applications with limited manoeuvring space .
“ This solid LHD features simple operation controls and a rugged long-life structure specifically designed for ease of use and ease of maintenance with an onboard self-diagnostic user interface ,” Komatsu said . “ With an efficient powertrain and hydraulic system designed for improved performance , as well as a modern operator compartment with easyto-use controls , this small-class LHD can offer big performance .”
Cited benefits of the Komatsu WX03 LHD include : n A 74 kW water-cooled engine for low environmental heat ; n Outstanding breakout power for fast bucket filling ; and n Pre-engineered options to suit most applications and requirements .
Komatsu adds : “ Engineered for
reliability , the WX03 is built with a high-strength steel frame design and a heavy-duty , allmechanical powertrain , to help hit production targets while controlling costs . It is designed for long component life with mining-grade components , a proven powertrain , severe-duty electrical system and collet-style pins .”
The WX03 offers multiple features including a ROPS- / FOPS-certified enclosure , a springapplied braking system , operation interlocks , three-point mounting , anti-slip steps and hot component isolation .
“ With its intuitive controls and ergonomics , this LHD is built for operator comfort and visibility ,” Komatsu said . “ Easy-to-use twohanded controls simplify training and operation , and the unique bucket geometry is designed to optimise efficient filling with less spillage .”
On maintenance , Komatsu says it offers exceptional serviceability : “ The WX03 has vital maintenance components conveniently accessible from the ground level that are designed to help your service crew make fast , efficient repairs .”
Customisable to meet operational needs , some of the available options on the WX03 include an automatic lubrication system , ejector bucket , fire suppression system , quick-attach coupling system , radio remote control and recovery hook .
In that same size class , Sandvik recently upgraded its 3-t loader for narrow-vein applications , offering the newly rebranded Toro™ LH202 with an EU Stage V compliant engine .
The Toro LH202 loader is , Sandvik says , a reliable workhorse designed specifically for such applications . With its robust structure , very compact size and 3-t payload capacity , the loader is tailored to meet productivity targets in challenging environments and is optimised to fit tunnel widths between 2 m and 2.5 m , to reduce dilution .
Due to its relatively light weight and the possibility to disassemble the equipment for transport , the Toro LH202 is ideal for projects located in remote areas with challenging access , according to the company .
The new Stage V engine from DEUTZ on board the machine delivers best-in-class MSHA and CANMET ventilation rates with ultra-low-sulphur diesel fuel while maintaining performance and fuel efficiency , Sandvik says . The Stage V engine aftertreatment is a diesel particulate filter ( DPF ), which uses passive regeneration during normal engine operation to oxidise the soot trapped in the DPF core . The other available engine configuration is a 50 kW air-cooled turbocharged direct injection diesel engine , also from the engine manufacturer DEUTZ , with catalytic purifier and muffler , the company added .
36 International Mining | JULY 2023