NORDIC FOCUS sulphuric acid placed on the leach pad to provide the best recoveries and optimal dosage ,” Auranen said . “ As sulphuric acid consumption can account for up to half of the operating cost associated with heap leach operations , this represents ‘ low-hanging fruit ’.”
The company is currently engaged in a copper heap leach project in Chile where its FCA measures the copper and carbonate grades of the material being fed into the agglomeration drum , with metallurgists then able to prescribe an appropriate dosage of acid based on these numbers .
“ This whole solution dates back to 2005 and a project we initially carried out for Talvivaara ( now Terrafame ) in Finland ,” Auranen explained . “ It is effectively 3D modelling of the heap that we are creating .”
Once again , this wide scope of expertise comes back to IMA ’ s place in the mining sector .
“ A lot of people can handle and optimise the data , but there are few people that have the contextual knowledge of how this data fits into the wider mining process and how it can be used to optimise the entire operation .
“ We at IMA are able to do this , leveraging decades of experience in all aspects of mining .”
A new Nordic platform
In a recent showing at the AusIMM Underground Operators Conference 2023 ( UGOPS ), in Brisbane , Australia , Normet displayed how developments in battery-electric equipment innovation can also positively impact machines powered by conventional diesel sources .
At the event in March , it introduced both the XL platform and its latest technology innovation , the Normet ElectroDynamic ® powertrain architecture .
By combining the best features of its batteryelectric Normet SmartDrive ® platform and stateof-the-art low-emission engine technology ,
Normet ElectroDynamic architecture allows for increased payload capacity with compact outer dimensions , while also ensuring superior driving dynamics , high performance , superb fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance , the company said .
A key element of the ElectroDynamic technology is the removal of the drive shaft and gearbox through driving the externally-cooled mining axles with permanent magnet motors in a highly efficient direct-drive configuration . This not only renders a low and compact load end design , instant torque and economical electric retardation possible , but also significantly increases component lifetime , according to Normet .
Samu Kukkonen , Technology Director at Normet , said : “ As we were developing our battery-electric SmartDrive equipment , we quickly realised that we can actually remove the drive shaft and gearbox from engine-powered equipment as well . This is monumental , because now we can utilise the space where the drive shaft used to be for increased payload capacity . This was achieved by utilising electric motors at the axles , powered by a low emission enginegenerator set .
“ What is more , we have years of experience
A key element of the ElectroDynamic technology is the removal of the drive shaft and gearbox through driving the externally-cooled mining axles with permanent magnet motors in a highly efficient direct-drive configuration , Normet says
with all the components used in the architecture not only from our SmartDrive equipment , but also from our engine-powered equipment .”
The Normet ElectroDynamic architecture also enables one-pedal driving , where the vehicle automatically controls both acceleration and deceleration with the operator ’ s accelerator pedal input . Additionally , its advanced front axle suspension system and the new Normet 180 ° cabin with improved ergonomics and visibility , Normet says , set new industry standards for operator safety and comfort .
Alongside the ElectroDynamic news , Normet highlighted the new Utimec XL ED carrier , designed for heavy-duty underground transportation applications with its payload capacity of 24 t , which is included in this new XL ED offering .
Built with some of the highest-quality powertrain components and robust frame structures , all XL ED units are powered with direct-drive electric motors and Volvo Penta Stage V engines , enabling clean and efficient
JUNE 2023 | International Mining 11