UTILITY VEHICLES
Normet ’ s pioneering visions becoming reality
Global utility machine major Normet has made some big advances in recent years – and we opted to look at two of them – Charmec Revo , where a remote-controlled robotic arm places the initiating system into the borehole and , in conjunction with the emulsion kit , dispenses emulsion , allowing the operator to remain in a supported tunnel area away from the danger zone . And then the compact Variomec XS family - developed to provide a safe , purpose-built and agile platform for several different transportation applications needed in demanding mining operations . IM talked with Anssi Mykkänen , Director , Charging Product Line , at Normet ; and Herkko Juntunen , Director , Logistics & Utility Product Line .
Normet ' s Charmec Revo offers a new level of operator safety
Q Can you comment on where Revo has been tested and if real mine trials or commercial deployment are underway ? AM Revo has been comprehensively tested between May and June 2023 in Agnico Eagle ’ s Kittilä mine Finland where Normet ’ s test team successfully charged and blasted ten development faces . In the current year we have conducted a three week testing period in Outokumpu Chrome ’ s Kemi mine where twelve more development faces were remotely charged and successfully blasted . In both the Kittilä and Kemi tests Charmec Revo proved its capabilities as we were working with mine ’ s production schedule without the need for separate test headings . An example of the recognition we have received is from the Kemi Mine Manager and Manager of Ferrochrome , Henri Simpanen : “ By systematically enhancing these , we ensure the safety of our employees and take active measures related to exposure control . Through remote and automation measures , we guarantee a safe and manageable work environment for our workforce . The Kemi mine expresses a highly positive attitude towards piloting this automated and mechanised equipment solution , developed by Normet and supported by FORCIT Group . The Kemi mine sees it positively that the development of equipment and methods extends to the improvement of the charging process .”
Q What were the biggest challenges to overcome in Revo ' s development ? AM The biggest challenge to overcome has been robotics development for underground operations where every workplace is different compared to a typical static factory environment for manufacturing robots like as an example in car factories . This has required new ways of thinking but at the same time keeping in mind that solutions need to work reliably in demanding underground environment which might have high water ingress , ambient temperature exceeding 50 degrees , ground temperature exceeding 70 degrees , high salinity levels and so on . All this generates high standards for collision avoidance systems and protection ratings against environmental stress .
Q What has the market response been like to the launch ? AM We have received high interest globally from many key customers and big mining houses . Now we are continuing to develop Charmec Revo technology based on findings in underground testing and the next step is to prove its worth in longer trial type operations . Often , seeing is believing with this type of new and groundbreaking technology and the best way to prove its value is to trial it .
Q Is this part of an eventual roadmap to automate explosives delivery entirely so that the operator does not have to be underground at all ? AM Yes , the grand plan is to move the operator from high-risk areas to reduced risk areas and finally to safe areas meaning an equipment FOPS / ROPS protected air-conditioned cabin or remote safe place permanently out of the work face . This development requires not just charging equipment development but new solutions to initiation ( detonator ) technologies like semi-wireless and wireless initiation and holistic drill and blast process development to favour a high degree of mechanisation , automation , and remote operation . As Normet we are pursuing new drill and blast processes by discussing and cooperating with our customers , mining houses and contractors as well as explosives developers and suppliers .
Q Related to that do you have active autonomy programs for any of your other machines ? AM We have had a semi-autonomous concrete spraying solution called SmartSpray available in the tunnelling segment for several years . We are actively working in pushing the boundaries of autonomy in several different underground processes .
Minecat is one of the longest established companies offering purpose built and highly mobile utility vehicles dedicated to the underground market – they are very far from being a converted agricultural tractor or onhighway truck .
IM caught up with Sales & Marketing Manager Don King : “ The drivetrain we put in our KT200 is not dissimilar to the one used in a small LHD – with Dana axles , planetary hubs , and power shift transmission . It is more like a true piece of mining equipment with a truck body on it – as opposed to an automotive truck that has just been reconfigured for mining . We have found that the larger mining companies in particular that do their due diligence and track things well , have come to see that personnel carriers shouldn ’ t just be seen as consumable items that are disposable . The longevity of our vehicles also means they are more attractive from a
sustainability point of view .”
On that note he adds : “ The average economic life of an automotive style truck used in underground mining is something like three years . By the fourth year they are spending almost the price of a new one just to keep it running – Kovatera has units out there that are 15 years old and still going . We very comfortably quote a lifespan of 10 years but they are lasting far beyond that . So for three or four times the
44 International Mining | MARCH 2024