WORLD PROSPECTS
rear hydraulic jacks . The front jacks operate with a ‘ park ’ function to enable the operator to safely exit the cabin with the engine operating . The rear jacks are used to level or lift the machine for discharge . All jacks can lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres . Fitted as standard to the rear frame is a high-capacity electromagnetic retarder which provides superior braking performance on grade , and diagnostic capabilities with alarm and fault conditions reported back to the 12-in touch screen operator display .
The integrated Retarder Control System ( iRCS ) combines both the control and power functions into a single unit . The innovative electronic design significantly reduces the retarder ’ s energy consumption , preserving electric circuits .
The E15 also features ‘ speed control ’ whereby the operator can set the maximum speed on grade and the machine uses the retarder and the inertia of the powertrain to maintain the speed . When on flat ground the operator can accelerate over the maximum set speed , but when the accelerator pedal is released , the machine speed will revert back to the original maximum speed setting .
Downtime during service and maintenance is reduced markedly on the E15 due to clever engineering and design features , incorporated
with service personnel in mind .
Quick change air filters and 500-hour oil service intervals reduce downtime and keep machines in operation longer for greater productivity . A centralised onboard service centre includes fast fill , evacuation , and fluid sample points for analysis .
The 24 V electrical system features colourcoded wiring circuits with individual circuit breakers . The wiring is sealed to prevent dirt and moisture and enveloped in fire-resistant material . The onboard diagnostic system checks all critical machine functions for faults , with all data recorded for analysis .
Operator safety is a high priority in mining machine operations . Integrated into the E15 and
E10 operator station is an ISO 3471:2008 standard ROPS and ISO 3449:2005 standard FOPS that offers protection to the operator .
Other safety features include fuel water separators made of non-flammable material , firewalls and heatshields , machine interlocks , centralised isolation points ( engine disconnect switch , starter isolation switch , jump-start receptacle and fire system activation , if fitted ), and an optional integrated fire suppression system .
As an authorised Caterpillar OEM , all machine sales , technical assistance and access to spare parts are available and supported through Elphinstone and the global Cat dealer network . https :// elphinstone . com
Metso announces major comminution equipment order for De Grey ’ s Hemi
Australian mining company De Grey Mining Ltd has awarded Metso orders for a Superior™ MKIII 50-65 primary gyratory crusher and two 14 MW Premier™ ball mills . The equipment will be installed at De Grey Mining ’ s Hemi Gold Project located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia . The combined order value of over ¤ 20 million is booked in the Minerals segment ’ s first-quarter 2024 orders received .
“ Our aim with the Hemi Gold Project is to deliver a Tier 1 gold project and make a future top five Australian gold mine from a production perspective . The 10 + Mtpa process circuit will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and proven technologies contributing to responsible ore processing . We ’ ve just partnered with Metso in delivering the first key items for the process circuit , namely the primary gyratory and ball mills , and we ’ re looking to make the rest of the process equipment decisions soon . De Grey will make a series of payments according to milestones achieved over the manufacturing period and final commissioning , typical for contracts of this nature , commencing in March 2024 ,” says Glenn Jardine , Managing Director of De Grey Mining .
“ Metso ’ s third generation Superior™ MKIII primary gyratory crusher , renowned for its safe and efficient operation , will be the driving force
for Hemi Gold ’ s entire processing circuit , and the two Premier™ ball mills will provide optimized grinding performance and the highest availability for the concentrator . Both mills are equipped with failsafe Metso Polymer Hydrostatic Shoe Bearing ( HSB ) systems , significantly increasing reliability and reducing maintenance costs ,” says Kai Rönnberg , Vice President , Minerals , Asia Pacific at Metso .
“ We look forward to working on this project and future ones with De Grey Mining . In terms of servicing our customers when plants are operational , Metso also has an extensive footprint in Australia . Our state-of-the-art Karratha Service Centre in the Pilbara , which will be Metso ’ s largest Service Centre globally , opens this March . The Karratha Service Centre will be able to support our customers , as well as the Hemi plant , with the latest technologies and sustainable aftermarket solutions ,” concludes Rönnberg .
The Metso Superior™ MKIII primary gyratory crushers Metso says provide high throughput and less downtime , enabling maximum efficiency for the operation . “ The product family has been developed especially to meet the needs of customers with changing ore grades and conditions in mining operations . Metso also provides a comprehensive scope of spare and wear parts and services to optimise the crushing circuit operation throughout the lifecycle .” Since the product family ’ s launch in 2018 , Metso has sold more than 50 Superior™ MKIII primary gyratory crushers around the world .
For horizontal grinding mills , Metso says it offers the industry ’ s widest selection , including the Planet Positive Metso Premier™ and Select™ mills . The energy-efficient mills can be easily integrated with Metso mill relining equipment and are supported by an extensive services network to ensure optimisation during the mills ’ lifetime . Metso also says it offers the market ’ s most comprehensive mill linings range and relining services , with materials and designs optimised for each application . www . metso . com
8 International Mining | MARCH 2024