MINEXPO PREVIEW
Australia-based Elphinstone Pty Ltd will be bringing two underground-focused machines to Las Vegas : the E15 Delivery Truck and the MED210 .
In January 2024 , Elphinstone Introduced the new E15 model to the Elphinstone underground hard-rock support vehicle range . The low-profile E15 is an addition to the existing range of renamed E10 support vehicles ( formerly WR810 ), with both base platforms sharing a high level of interchangeability of parts and components , the company says .
The first machines in the series to be released include the E15 Agitator 7 cu . m , E15 Delivery ( nominal 16.5-t payload and 8.8 tm crane ), E15 Flat Deck ( nominal 17-t payload ), E15 Water Tank ( 13,000 litre capacity ) and E15 Fuel & Lube ( diesel , lubricants , grease , coolant , diesel exhaust fluid , water & air ).
The E15 Delivery provides a flexible transport solution with lift on or lift off capability suited for moving parts , components , equipment and maintenance personnel safely and securely throughout the mine site , the company says . The large flat deck has the capacity to fit six standard size pallets .
Common to both the E15 and E10 range , the engine front frame can accommodate either Cat C7.1 EPA Tier 3 or Tier 4 Final engine arrangements featuring Caterpillar ’ s ACERT™ technology to meet exhaust emission reduction standards . The Tier 4 Final engine arrangement is available as an option , adhering to EU Stage V exhaust emission standards and is rated at 151 kW . The Tier 3 engine arrangement rated at 168 kW is the standard option for less stringent emission regulations .
Fitted as standard to the rear frame of the E15 platform is a high-capacity electromagnetic retarder to provide superior braking performance on grade , and diagnostic capabilities with alarm and fault conditions reported back to the 12-in ( 305-mm ) touch screen operator display . Both the E10 and E15 also feature “ speed control ” whereby the operator can set a speed and the machine will use the engine speed , transmission and retarder to maintain that speed .
Both the E10 and E15 feature three-person seating , climate-controlled air conditioning , ergonomic central driving position with a 180 ° view , and dial controller for the retarder , speed and implement controls . Both cabins feature a Rollover Protective and Falling Object Protective Structure certified to ISO standards .
The Elphinstone Mine Extraction Device ( MED ) was invented to extract bogged or buried equipment without damaging other mining equipment or negatively impacting production . Engineer certified , the MED has a pulling capacity of up to 360 t . It has performed hundreds of successful extractions at several underground mining operations ( both coal and hard rock ) across Australia and internationally , according to Elphinstone .
The MED eliminates the need for traditional recovery methods that involve the use of other mobile production equipment , reducing hazards associated with personnel working around mobile equipment in close quarters and allows other mining operations to continue relatively uninterrupted .
The MED does not rely on traction like other systems . After the MED is towed into position , the wheels are lowered on the floor and the boom is raised against the roof . A bridle is interlocked onto the teeth of the MED racks . The racks are then pulled via hydraulic cylinders connected to each side of the bridle .
Driving towards a decarbonised future
Wabtec says it is leading the way in the mine decarbonisation movement .
With a long history of innovation , Wabtec offers a portfolio of integrated and proven mining technologies that span the pit to the port . These solutions are enabling new levels of productivity , safety and sustainability for mining operations around the world , it says .
Wabtec has been working on electric drive systems for mining trucks since the early 1960s . In fact , as GE Transportation , it launched the first commercially viable electric drive system for large mining haul trucks . After introducing AC drive technology to the industry nearly 30 years ago , Wabtec says it has the most complete line of integrated , optimised AC drive systems in the industry , ranging from 100-400 ton capacity .
Electrifying mining trucks brings greater efficiency and reduced emissions . To date , there have been more than 14,000 Wabtec drive systems shipped and over 1 billion hours of operation . These systems eliminate many of the wearing components , improve truck availability
Wabtec ’ s new Power Agnostic platform , developed for Komatsu , is the ideal flexible solution , the company says
and have faster speeds ( up to 40 m / h ( 64 km / h )), including on grade . Wabtec ’ s electric propulsion and electric auxiliaries are important enablers for the transition of mining trucks to future fuel sources .
With multiple pathways to achieving net zero being explored , Wabtec ’ s new Power Agnostic platform , developed for Komatsu , is the ideal flexible solution , the company says . The drive system technology allows for interoperability from a variety of power sources , including dieselelectric trolley , battery power , and even , in a future state , hydrogen fuel cells . In addition to its adaptability to any power source , the platform features modular liquid cooled inverters and an improved life cycle for electric-drive trucks .
“ Power Agnostic reaffirms Wabtec ’ s technological leadership in the mining industry , and we expect strong demand for this platform in the years ahead ,” Reinaldo Arreaza , Wabtec Vice President , Mining Equipment , says . “ This next generation of drive system is an essential part of the Komatsu – Wabtec partnership for the future .”
At this year ’ s MINExpo , Wabtec will showcase a full range of solutions that create a safe , more efficient and reliable mining ecosystem . In addition to drive systems , Wabtec offers pantographs , trolley poles , digital mine applications , cable reels , railcar movers , cooling systems and more .
Wabtec ’ s mining pantographs provide power for open-pit mining trucks and are designed to help promote high-traction efficiency , low maintenance and maximum life of parts and overhead wire . Under trolley operation , it is estimated a Wabtec-powered mining truck can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90 % and increase uphill speeds by over 200 % while under the trolley line – thereby reducing both cost and
26 International Mining | AUGUST 2024