WORLD PROSPECTS
Alimak Scando 650 refined
Alimak recently presented a new generation of construction hoists that also has applications in the mining sector. The new Alimak Scando 650a 40-46 S model will enhance safety and drive productivity on sites and is one of the most sustainable hoists available on the market, the company claims.
Since its launch in 2004, the Alimak Scando 650 has become one of the world’ s most popular construction hoists. It’ s now being refined with a new improved model offering a range of new features and benefits. Thanks to its innovative design, the new Scando 650a is lighter and uses less electricity than its predecessor, resulting in reduced environmental impact.
The payload capacity has increased by 800 kg, from 3,200 kg to 4,000 kg,
4 compared with the previous Scando 650 at the same car size. This results in a large performance increase, while at the same time, the hoist’ s energy operating consumption is 22 % lower at an average payload of 500 kg, Alimak claims. Less material is used to produce the hoist, and it is made from 97.5 % recyclable materials, with Alimak’ s manufacturing process using 100 % renewable energy with low CO 2 impact.
The new Scando 650a is available in single or dual-car configurations and has a car size of 1.5 m x 4.6 m. It can be configured with a lifting height of 200 m with an increased lifting height of up to 400 m on demand.
An industrial design HMI panel with a high-resolution touchscreen and a new user-friendly interface has been developed to optimise the use of the hoist, Alimak says.“ The new advanced HMI solution delivers real-time hoist status information and is water resistant with an IP65 corrosion-resistant screen with protective glass,” it added. New driving modes – including eco, optimiser speed and reduced speed – will help the project manager optimise the use of the hoist and enhance vertical transportation logistics at the site, according to the company.
www. alimak. com
Wesdome receives two Epiroc battery trucks
Wesdome Gold Mines’ Kiena Mine has received the first two Epiroc Minetruck MT42 SG machines in Quebec; an important milestone as they grow their electrified fleet.“ Reducing our carbon footprint, improving our working environment and optimising our performance is exactly the direction we want to take,” said Simon Fontaine, Operations Superintendent at the Kiena Mine.
He added:“ This investment marks a key milestone in our ongoing transformation toward sustainable mining operations. By adopting advanced battery-electric technology, we’ re not only improving air quality and working conditions for our team underground but also aligning our operations with the highest environmental standards.”
Epiroc and Kiena have worked closely on this deployment as part of a long-term collaboration aimed at supporting the mine’ s transition to an all-electric underground fleet. The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental performance in the mining sector.
“ We’ ve developed a great relationship with the Kiena team, and it has been a rewarding experience working alongside them to support their objectives,” said Dawn Nigro, General Manager of Epiroc Canada.“ This deployment marks an exciting milestone – not only for Kiena, but for the broader adoption of battery-electric solutions in Canadian mining.”
The successful integration of the MT42 SG trucks at Kiena sets the stage for future electrification initiatives, as Wesdome continues to evaluate and implement advanced technologies that enhance both operational efficiency and support its longterm sustainability objectives across its operations.
The Minetruck MT42 SG is Epiroc’ s largest battery-electric underground haul truck, boasting a 42 t capacity. Purpose-built for ramp haulage in demanding underground conditions, the MT42 SG delivers enhanced productivity while significantly reducing diesel emissions, operational noise, and heat generation.
Kiena is a fully permitted, integrated mining and milling operation located on a 75 km ² land package in the highly prospective Val-d’ Or district of Quebec. The site features a 930 m production shaft and a mill with a permitted capacity of 2,040 t per day.
www. wesdome. com; www. epiroc. com
Thiess to enhance mining support with Thiess Asset Services offering
Global mining services provider, Thiess, is expanding its portfolio with its new Thiess Asset Services offering – leveraging over 90 years of proven expertise in managing, operating and maintaining one of the world’ s largest and most diverse mining fleets.
With Thiess’ footprint spanning seven countries and over 50 projects, Thiess Asset Services will bring the operational knowhow with a flexible, location-first mindset to deliver proven results. For clients, this means solutions that help to optimise equipment availability and efficiency, reduce downtime and increase productivity.
International Mining | JUNE 2025