IPCC SOLUTIONS
Flexibility and modularity
In an IPCC Q & A with Thomas Jabs , TAKRAF Group CEO , IM talked everything from ESG to flexibility
Q IPCC is again in the spotlight due to the focus on interim Scope 1 emissions reduction targets ; would you say that carbon reduction is the main driver of conversations with customers on IPCC today ? TJ : It is certainly becoming a very important driver , amongst many other aspects that may make IPCC an attractive solution for miners . Safety was traditionally one of the big topics in favor of IPCC , dust emissions and the associated reduction in water consumption for dust suppression are others . But , yes , pressure , and desire I would also add , to reduce carbon emissions is becoming a focus area . When one looks at IPCC , we as TAKRAF have always maintained that one needs to start from the very beginning , from the study phase and analyse all options . Only through detailed studies can one accurately ascertain the efficacy and benefits of implementing an IPCC system at a specific mining project , of which reducing emissions is only a part ( albeit very important ). With the industry making firm Scope 1 emissions reduction targets , any opportunity to tangibly reduce emissions needs to be explored , but from our experience , overall investments costs and long-term efficiency still remain the main drivers of implementing such a system .
Q Are advances in motors and drives technology making IPCC options more efficient and powerful than before ? TJ : The speed at which change and new developments in our industry are happening is mightily impressive . Fortunately , we boast entrenched relationships with our suppliers so that we have a strong grasp of some of the new technologies that are being developed and understand the suitability of implementing such in our solutions . Specifically with regards to motors and drives , new and efficient technologies mean reduced power consumption and reduced maintenance costs – this ultimately favors the advantages of an IPCC solution against conventional technologies . There are many such examples globally , but as an example , our ‘ world ’ s most powerful belt conveyor system ’ at Chuquicamata in Chile includes a considerable reduction in the drive system ’ s footprint , reduction in both noise and dust and most importantly emissions – CO2 emissions are reduced by 66 % as compared to diesel truck engines for the same copper production volume . However , as aforementioned , all such technologies need to be evaluated upfront cognisant of the entire requirements of the complete system , operating conditions , etc .
Q That said , it is not suitable to every mine - what are the main points you emphasise with customers when they want to look at IPCC as an option ? Is a lot of this to do with putting the right planning and scheduling in place ? TJ : Yes , absolutely . First of all one has to look at the varieties of IPCC systems , from semi- to fully mobile . There are distinct metrics going for each of those systems . An IPCC system is a great technical solution that overcomes many of the issues associated with traditional technologies , but it is not a panacea . Each requirement is different and a thorough analysis of technical and operational feasibility based on mine planning and long-term scheduling with full appreciation and consideration of local conditions needs to be made . Ultimately , this will all lead to a final tradeoff analysis of cost models , which will indicate the optimal solution for the operation in the long term .
Q : Are many customers also preferring to look at IPCC solutions that still allow them to use truck fleets , just less trucks , as opposed to going completely truckless ? TJ : Exactly right . It is important to look at IPCC not just as the fully continuous , truckless option , since an effective truckless IPCC solution requires almost perfect conditions in order to be implemented . And by ‘ perfect conditions ’ I specifically refer to geological and geotechnical conditions , ie the ability to be able to operate on multiple benches with access ramps for conveyors and service equipment , together with blasting requirements and other necessary ‘ interferences ’ all within other ongoing operations of a mine . I can say that the majority of our clients want to retain some form of flexibility at their operations , especially in respect of advancing mining faces / benches . Nonetheless , a truckless IPCC operation is possible ; however , certain compromises regarding operational flexibility need to be made . But beyond this , there are many combinations possible to cut truck traffic and the mines exposure to trucks , and the associated costs for operation and maintenance of a larger truck fleet . Imagine if you could cut your haul distance in half and save 50 % of your fleet .
Q Likewise , making IPCC more attractive means making it more flexible and more mobile over
Thomas Jabs , TAKRAF Group CEO
the life of mine and more modular - how is TAKRAF enabling more IPCC flexibility ? TJ : For many years now , TAKRAF has been working on and improved a modular construction design ; by this , we mean preassembled parts being delivered to site as large as possible , a greater number of bolted connections and a more open base girder design . This customised , yet modular design , allows for a number of benefits , including significantly faster and more cost effective relocation , as well as a shorter time between relocations , resulting in optimised haulage and conveying distances according to pit advance . Other solutions we suggest and have implemented in the past include mobile conveyors in the pit , as well as crawler driven mobile conveyor head stations . These are all various intelligent solutions for specific applications that we have analysed and implemented with our clients in the past ; the question of course is ultimately putting this together into an overall IPCC concept .
Q In the same way do you think that 100 % fully mobile IPCC based on crawler mounted crushing units is no longer seen as viable in the industry , replaced instead by more " agile " semi-mobile options ? TJ : I would not say it is not viable , I would just say that its application is quite limited ; in other words , this type of solution will only work in a few suitable operations – where of course this solution comes out as the optimal solution for the long term . In the same way as I mentioned prior regarding a truckless solution , conditions really need to be perfect for this solution to be optimal . A fully mobile solution certainly s
52 International Mining | MAY 2023