WORLD PROSPECTS
Manager Boliden Area , Boliden . “ The most important thing for us is of course that the technology works in our own operations , but we also see added value that we together with our partners can drive technology development so that the system can be used in other mines . We are proud to have taken this concept to a live installment .”
Each partner has provided a unique set of expertise to this development process , clearly demonstrating the value of industry collaboration . Epiroc has added dynamic charging to its proven battery-electric Minetruck MT42 SG and battery system , and the trolley solution is equipped with ABB ’ s DC converter , HES880 inverters and AMXE motors to enhance the power . The truck features a trolley pantograph connected to an overhead catenary line , a concept which is highly suitable for long haul ramps . The electric trolley line gives additional assistance to the battery-electric mine truck on the most demanding stretches up-ramp while fully loaded , enabling further reach and battery regeneration during drift , which increases productivity drastically for a mining operation .
ABB created the infrastructure from grid to wheel , including the electric truck trolley system design and the rectifier substation for the test track . The definition of standards and vehicle interface was jointly developed by the project partners .
The underground environment is a unique challenge . To design a solution that could adapt to voltage fluctuations along the system , ABB collaborated with its partners to build a digital twin to simulate all scenarios . The result is a dynamic trolley system , with intelligent switchgear , measurements and transparency with the inbuilt ability to adjust power where it is needed at any given moment .
“ Together , in close partnerships we can accelerate the transformation and reach a steep curve in mining technology innovation like we have done in Kristineberg ,” said Wayne Symes , President Epiroc Underground division . “ In a short space of time , we have implemented and delivered technology to not only reduce CO emissions , but substantially extend travel distance for battery-electric driven vehicles on heavy ramp haulage , reduce operating costs , and improve the health and safety of mining environments .”
“ We are passionate and committed to creating real progress for the mining industry ,” said Max
Luedtke , Global Business Line Manager Mining , ABB . “ Seeing the industry ’ s first battery electric truck trolley system live is not only the result of a collaborative achievement with Boliden and Epiroc , but it is truly an industry milestone . We launched the ABB eMine™ concept of methods and solutions to bring electrification to the whole mining operation , from the grid to the wheel , and the installation at Kristineberg demonstrates the power of these capabilities .”
This project is supported by funding from the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova and their initiative ‘ Sustainable Industry ’ and will contribute to Boliden ’ s vision to be the most climate friendly and respected metals provider in the world .
Boliden intends to implement a full scale , autonomous electric-trolley system in the Rävliden mine , a satellite orebody and extension of the Kristineberg mine , and has placed an order for four Minetruck MT42 SG Trolley trucks from Epiroc . The total distance will be 5 km at a depth of 750 m . Once achieved , not only will Rävliden have significant less carbon emissions compared to a mine using conventional technology , it will also be part of setting a standard for new mines . www . epiroc . com ; www . boliden . com ; https :// new . abb . com / mining
Komatsu ' s second P & H 4800XPC starts work at Mogalakwena
Komatsu has announced the official handover of a P & H 4800XPC rope shovel to Anglo American , at the Mogalakwena platinum mine in Mokopane , South Africa . This is the largest rope shovel in the world with a 135 ton payload and only the second of its kind , the first one having gone to work at Teck ’ s Fording River coal mine in Canada .
Consisting of 63,770 parts , the shovel took 47,711 man hours to assemble on site ( excluding manufacturing ). Komatsu says the shovel is the most technologically advanced rope shovel ever and is environmentally friendly : with GHG emissions of 90 g of CO 2 per for every ton moved , compared to 273 g of CO 2 for a diesel power hydraulic excavator , and 136 g for an electric hydraulic excavator .
In a post on April 2 , Noordman Willie , Senior General Manager at Anglo Platinum said : “ Today is a significant day in history for Mogalakwena Mine . We walked our P & H 4800 rope shovel to the pit . It will improve our cost position and bring confidence to our LOAP [ life of asset planning ]. Thank you to our valued business
partners Hlela Mining and Projects and Komatsu for safe on time delivery of the project . Well done team .”
Charl Coetzer , Strategic Account Manager , Mining at Komatsu South Africa told IM last year : “ The 4800XPC AC leverages new Adaptive Controls technology with optimised machine structures to enable its larger payload and increase efficiencies . Adaptive Controls is a series of control functions that optimise shovel power usage in different phases of the dig cycle ie crowd , hoist and swing , leading to improved shovel performance while lessening the effect of operating impacts on the machine . Adaptive Controls combined with a stable , optimised structural platform in conjunction with efficient sight lines and refined ergonomics contribute to improved operator effectiveness and reduced operator fatigue . Through the application of innovative engineering and advanced technologies ,
Komatsu has designed the 4800XPC to be the industry ’ s most productive electric mining shovel .”
The rope shovel , numbered RS 126 at Mogalakwena , is just one example of latest technology being introduced at the mine – it was also the venue for the first nuGen™ FCEV truck deployment in 2022 – a Komatsu 930E 290 t truck – which was converted to hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery power by First Mode . www . angloamerican . com ; https :// mining . komatsu
8 International Mining | MAY 2024