Utility and useability
UTILITY VEHICLES
From the latest battery driven machines to the latest in diverse machine types for specific applications , Paul Moore reviews new innovations in the utility sector
Battery electric is forging ahead in utility machines as well as in primary load and haul plus drilling equipment . In a first-ofits-kind initiative in the Indian mining sector , Hindustan Zinc Ltd ( HZL ), a Vedanta group company , recently introduced a Normet Agitator SmartDrive ® EV , into its underground mining operations . The company will soon expand its BEV fleet with Normet ’ s Explosive Charger ( CHARMEC MC 605 V SD ) and Concrete Sprayer ( SPRAYMEC MF 050 VC SD ).
Hindustan Zinc is the first company among its peers to join the EV revolution , steadily switching to electric vehicles for its underground operations . The company has set a target of replacing or converting all diesel-run 900-odd mining vehicles into battery operated ones over the next five years and has earmarked an investment of over $ 1 billion for the same period .
Hindustan Zinc , together with Finnish technology company Normet Group Oy , has introduced battery-powered service equipment and utility vehicles into underground mining to help decarbonise and improve environmental sustainability in the mining industry . Each of the Normet SmartDrive EVs are based on a modular Battery Electric Vehicle ( BEV ) architecture that is designed to optimise energy consumption and performance in underground mining , including tunnelling applications .
The SmartDrive EVs enable higher productivity , lower operating costs , and , most importantly , zero emissions . The BEVs have been inducted at the company ’ s Sindesar Khurd ( SK ) mine which is a world class silver-rich zinc mine in Rajasthan with state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities and best-in-class mechanisation .
Commenting on the induction of the EVs , Arun Misra , CEO , Hindustan Zinc , said : “ Our aim at Hindustan Zinc is to revolutionise underground
mining , boost productivity , raise underground safety standards , and provide sustainable operations solutions . Thanks to our unwavering commitment to environmentally sustainable business and net zero emissions , we ’ ve always focused on innovative and environmentally friendly solutions . I believe the introduction of battery-electric vehicles in Hindustan Zinc ’ s underground mining operations will revolutionise the sector and mark a great step forward for India in terms of responsible mining .”
Speaking on the occasion , Subhasis Mohanty , Managing Director , Normet India , said : “ We are pleased to partner with Hindustan Zinc to solidify our ESG commitment , by bringing into reality the first of our fleet of Normet SmartDrive BEVs in HZL underground mines . Our association has been valuable to drive common goals on sustainability and decarbonisation in the Indian mining sector , driving transformation in the underground space and building long-term value for all our stakeholders .”
Hindustan Zinc says it will gain considerable benefits from the adoption of Normet SmartDrive EVs , including significant HSD savings and vehicle maintenance . These SmartDrive electric vehicles are powered by 90 kWh lithium-ion batteries and come equipped with myriad advanced technologies such as energy recuperation technology , hydraulic dual-circuit oil-immersed brakes to provide additional braking power , etc . The vehicles also have the advantage of zero-emission in the operating environments , considerable noise and vibration reduction associated with equipment . In addition to that , BEVs comes with high-efficiency driveline and consumes less kWh / km compared to diesel ones .
Hindustan Zinc says it is a pioneer in the sector , continually deploying transformational
Normet SmartDrive unit at HZL ' s Sindesar Khurd – a BEV first for India
and sustainable technologies in pursuit of sustainable mining . The introduction of the EVs serves as yet another decisive step for its sustainable and smart operations goals . Hindustan Zinc ’ s abiding commitment to sustainability and environmental-friendly solutions , then , puts it on the path to achieve its Sustainable Development Goal ( SGD ) of achieving a 0.5 Mt CO 2e reduction by 2025 .
Aaro Cantell , Chairman of Normet Group and Ed Santamaria , President & CEO along with Normet India MD Subhasis Mohanty also recently inaugurated a new Normet Centre of Excellence in Jaipur , Rajasthan in India on January 25 , 2023 . The Centre of Excellence ( CoE ) is a Global Technology & Production Hub , and will be home to an equipment production facility , service and rebuild centre , paint shops , R & D centre , proto shop , test track and technology training centre for operations and maintenance serving markets & customers across the world .
The facility covers around 10 acres including a 150,000 sq ft factory and amenities area and a 23,000 sq ft office area . It is located in Mahindra World City in the Domestic Tariff Area Phase II . The CoE is the largest greenfield project of its kind for Normet and now represents its second largest global manufacturing footprint , after the home production hub at Iisalmi in Finland , with the intent to cater to both domestic & global markets .
GHH ’ s utility excellence worldwide
GHH Group has a wide range of utility vehicles as part of their offering due to its strong partnerships with companies like Titan , in Turkey , and UVB , in Botswana .
MARCH 2023 | International Mining 51