LOAD & HAUL UNDERGROUND
3 , Tier 4f and Stage V engine packages with a 320 kWh best in class engine power . “ It should also be noted that the oscillating centre bearing allows for far improved performance enhancing truck manoeuvrability when driving into and out of an incline at an apparent dip and reducing the stresses on the frame significantly . The MK-30 will complement the already well proven MK- A20 , 20 t truck as well as the MK-45 , the largest truck in the offering at 45 t .”
When it comes to operational flexibility of the GHH narrow vein equipment , GHH also added a ‘ high lift boom ’ option to the CE Certified LF-3 , 3.5 t narrow vein loader , sister to the LF-7 , 7 ton narrow vein loader , significantly improving the versatility and operational flexibility , especially for truck loading . This loader is able to operate at altitudes of up to 4,000 m . GHH has also taken the next step in globalising its narrow vein offering ensuring that products like the LF-7 and LF-3 are also now available with Tier 4f and Stage V engine packages and diesel particulate filters , allowing them to be sold into markets that are legislated accordingly .
GHH told IM it is also focused on its ‘ green offering .’ It says : “ Decades of experience in electric loaders design , development and manufacturing has provided a strong foundation for this current offering . The LF-19EB , a 19 t LHD designed for feeder breaker loading , is a battery electric loader with a 32 kWh on-board battery , for easy panel to panel movement of around 2.7km , with a tractive effort force of 380 kN and an average of 250 kVA under permanent load and 315 kVA peak and a maximum cable length of 300 m . This loader is designed to cater for bad footwall conditions and is able to operate at a maximum of 28 % grade , 15 % slope and a maximum of 52 ° C . The rear of the machine is also ergonomically designed with low and flat top covers to allow for maximum visibility for the operator as well as to be able to negotiate bad undulations in the footwall without hitting the hanging wall with the rear of the machine .” This loader is now being optimised for hardrock applications with the core focus of bringing a carbon neutral product to market without the difficulties of battery management considerations .
The new SLP-14E LHD which has just been launched , in February 2023 , has a brand new direct drive electric drive train that will form the baseline for future developments . It ’ s innovative design has significantly less components resulting in less maintenance , less breakdowns and ultimately reduced maintenance costs and improved availability and potential utilisation . “ And with very little hydraulics , except for the brakes and boom and bucket , the expected reduction in hydraulic related breakdowns soars even further . The proven vertical coiling cable
UFRautonomy package for Gold Fields trucks
As the mining industry increasingly turns to automation to improve efficiency , safety and productivity , Universal Field Robots ( UFR ) says it is stepping up to meet the demand . “ UFR is listening to its customers , providing tailored automation solutions that address the unique needs of mining operations and accommodate mixed fleets .”
A good example of UFR ' s customer-centric approach is the collaboration with Gold Fields Australia . Gold Fields operates a fleet of Epiroc MT65 haul trucks , and UFR has developed an integration kit that enables a quick retrofit of these trucks to incorporate the UFRautonomy™ package . The package provides the autonomous functionality required for Gold Fields ' specific applications , minimising disruption , and maximising efficiency .
“ The UFRautonomy package has matured to include high-powered edge computing and best-inclass 3D LiDAR systems that are temperature-rated and hardened for the demanding mining environment . These cutting-edge components enable the use of high-performance AI applications , unlocking previously untapped performance potential and solving complex problems in new ways .”
UFR says it recognises that speed of delivery and implementation are critical to keeping costs and risks low . The company has doubled down on its efforts to deliver and implement its autonomous solutions in record time , allowing miners to transition to more efficient ways of operating and improve their bottom line .
It adds : “ Navigating the challenges of implementing automation in underground mining functions , such as truck haulage over shift change , requires close collaboration between mining partners and equipment manufacturers . UFR has honed its ability to work with all stakeholders , simplifying the transition to automation and ensuring smoother operations .”
Addressing network communication challenges , UFR has also developed assessment tools that enable site teams to easily identify weaknesses in their communication infrastructure . This proactive approach ensures that issues can be resolved well in advance of running automated trucks .
Collaboration with the ERDI lab in Perth has allowed UFR to work towards establishing new standards for data exchange and system integration between various providers ' technology . Enabling seamless communication between systems not only enhances the power of automation but also grants access to valuable data on equipment operations , further increasing asset utilisation .
UFR adds that its commitment to safety is evident in the development of its UFRautonomy package , which includes safety system layers and complies with ISO65108 and ISO13849 standards . The company ' s team members are trained in safety evaluation performance level assessment and are frequently called upon to assess other equipment systems .
The modular nature of UFR ' s automation solutions allows for easy support and high reliability across various vehicles and applications . The company says its growing support team includes a diverse range of skills and mine site experience , with team members eager to visit sites , commission equipment , train personnel , and share their expertise .
It concludes : “ UFR ' s focus on providing flexible , tailored automation solutions with shorter implementation timeframes is positioning the company as a game-changer in the mining industry . As miners increasingly choose their preferred equipment and roll out automation at their own pace , the industry is poised to reap the benefits of advanced technology in terms of productivity , safety , and sustainability .”
reel design , with spooling control , which significantly improves the cable life , is a standard on this machine . The SLP-14E is not only a technology trend setter but also provides for improved visibility and comfort for the operator , with a brand new ergonomically design cabin and frame layout . GHH is taking the next steps with
UFR has developed an integration kit that enables a quick retrofit of Gold Fields ' Epiroc MT65 trucks with the UFRautonomy™ package this electric drive train and battery electric drive and moving towards full battery drive train designs in the development pipeline .”
GHH also has one of the largest offering portfolios for the low profile underground mining equipment offering 5 , 6 and 8 t LHDs for hardrock mining and up to 14 t for soft rock
26 International Mining | JUNE 2023