BATTERY AND ELECTRIC MACHINES
Among a number of electrification agreements ABB has signed is a pact with mining services provider Perenti to collaborate and explore approaches to support net-zero emissions targets for underground and open-pit mines .
As part of this agreement , experts from the two companies will work together to address electrification in mine hauling operations , power distribution , energy efficiency and power management , the companies said .
Australia-based Perenti has mining expertise and technical capability that complements ABB ’ s technology expertise . Together , the teams plan to explore business models and solutions to provide wider services for pilot , brownfield and greenfield mining customer projects to support the electrification of operations .
ABB has been calling for open collaboration within the mining industry , and has taken action on several similar initial non-binding agreements to build commitments with OEMs , technology innovators and mining companies . This includes pacts with FLSmidth , Amazon Web Services , MEDATech and Liebherr , among others .
“ Mining customers are committed to facing environmental , societal and economic challenges head on as they aim to decarbonise mining operations ,” Joachim Braun , Division President , Process Industries , ABB , said . “ With ABB ’ s sector leading position in electric mine technology development , and Perenti ’ s excellence and experience in mine development and mine operations , the scope of this collaboration is a perfect opportunity to make real progress in providing electric solutions that will decarbonise the industry .”
Mark Norwell , Managing Director and CEO , Perenti , said : “ ABB and Perenti share a vision to develop energy-efficient solutions for the mining industry . By combining our experience across mining operations and digital solutions with ABB ’ s leading technologies we are focused on supporting the decarbonisation of mining through electrification . We look forward to working with ABB on this exciting new venture .”
ABB recently launched its ABB Ability™ eMine portfolio of technologies and methodologies , an approach to make the all-electric mine possible , with fully integrated electrification and digital systems from mine to port .
Perenti , for its part , says it is committed to acting on climate change through promoting innovation , developing and deploying low-emissions technology and working with its clients to implement projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions . Its Barminco subsidiary is also involved in The Electric Mine Consortium .
Outside of the previously mentioned Series-5 Munich and , since then , has expanded its BEV offerings heading to the market this year offering and gained experience in the field . ( read more about the ML5 , MC5 and BT5 in IM Outside of extensive trials in Australia with its April 2023 ), MacLean also has plans to produce a SmartDrive MC 605 VE Charmec BEV emulsion battery-electric forklift for the underground charging machine , Normet has deployed an mining sector .
It is also engaged in discussions with clients about electrifying smaller machines already in its diesel-powered offering , while the batteryelectric personnel carrier market could be another development area for the Canada-based company .
“ A lot of our early BEV customers are appreciating that we can service these machines throughout their lifetime , providing the parts and support that they need to improve machine uptime ,” van Koppen said . “ We think we can leverage this track record and make an impact in other parts of the battery-electric market we are not yet servicing .”
Utimec MF 500 Transmixer SD at Codelco ’ s Chuquicamata mine in Chile , commissioned a Mulitmec MF 100 DF cassette-type vehicle in Canada , began trials of a Utimec MF100 Material SD at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia and started testing its Agitator SmartDrive EV at one of Hindustan Zinc ’ s underground mines in India .
Normet SmartDrive is a modular BEV architecture designed to optimise energy consumption and performance in underground mining and tunnelling applications . It allows for higher productivity , lower operating costs and zero local emissions , according to the company .
Normet has recently expanded this offering to cover even more applications . Earlier this year , it added two applications for lifting and installations to the platform – the Utilift MF 330 SD and Utilift MF 540 SD – and one to the material transportation line-up – the Utimec MF 100 Material SD .
Normet SmartDrive architecture combined with Normet ’ s proven personnel lifting system enables safe and zero-emission lifting , improving the working comfort significantly , the company claims . The Utilift MF 330 SD with a lifting capacity of up to 3 t and a maximum platform height of 3.5 m is designed to provide a safe working platform for all kinds of installation works in tunnels up to 5.5 m high .
The Utilift MF 540 SD is a scissor lifter , offering reliable performance for all lifting and installation needs in underground mines up to 6.5 m high , Normet says . A 4.5-t maximum lifting capacity and 4.5 m maximum lifting height makes the installation of even the heaviest mine ventilation fans possible .
Both lifters can be equipped with line-of-sight remote driving systems to further increase safety and productivity , allowing the operator to
Normet SmartDrive continues to inspire
Another company clocking up the hours with its battery-electric equipment is Normet .
The company launched its SmartDrive BEV offering during the Bauma 2019 exhibition in
Normet ’ s Utilift 330 SD battery-electric scissor lifter allows for safe and efficient lifting without any diesel emissions , according to the company
44 International Mining | MAY 2023